Churches & hospital groups partner to lower infant mortality rate

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- According to experts, each year, 100 infants die before their first birthdays in Milwaukee.

This week alone, there were two infant deaths in the city.

The most recent one happened Wednesday night. The baby was brought to a fire station near Teutonia and Locust with breathing problems. Foul play is not suspected.    

CBS 58 reached out to the Ascension Wisconsin for information about a program called "Strong Baby Sanctuary."

It brings Milwaukee churches in as partners in making sure pregnant mothers have the help they need to take care of their baby. Currently, there are 39 churches throughout the city that are part of the program. In the near future, St. Joseph Hospital will be a site, too.

“What we want to do is work with that mom during her whole pregnancy, to be there, get to know her, be there as her support system, so that if she has to endure a crisis she knows who to turn to," said Julia Means, parish nurse. "We've helped with housing, furniture, clothes, we just try to meet their needs, and where they're at.” 

You can learn more about the Strong Baby Sanctuary program and the resources it provides by clicking here.