Infant mortality in the United States has been at the forefront of many conversations about the inequities in health care delivery. The Greater St. Louis Area is no exception to these inequities. The infant mortality rate in St. Louis is higher than the United States average, and Black infants born in the Greater St. Louis region die at a rate of three times greater than that of White infants born in St. Louis. Through this research it was found that in the northern region of the St. Louis area, there was a lower-than-average median household income, less access to healthcare clinics, and a greater population of Black and African American families, while in the Southwestern region of St. Louis, there was a higher-than-average median income, abundant access to healthcare clinics, and a greater population of White families. Data published by St. Louis County’s Department of Public Health shows that White infant deaths are often unavoidable tragedies such as congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities, while Black infant’s deaths were often due to avoidable circumstances such as short gestation and low birth weight. Providing adequate prenatal care and resources to all mothers, along with advocacy for Black mothers by organizations such as the Jamaa Birth Village, FLOURISH St. Louis, and ThinkHealth, will help to provide Black mothers and infants with the tools they need to survive and thrive.

Amanda had an incredible impact on the creation, formation, and execution of Elaine's research. Elaine would like to thank Amanda (yet again) for changing her outlook on the healthcare community and her approach to care.