Alabama Baby Coalition reviews fetal and infant deaths in Mobile County 07-13-26

July 13, 2026

Alabama Baby Coalition reviews fetal and infant deaths in Mobile County

MOBILE, Ala. — The Alabama Baby Coalition’s Case Review Team has completed its comprehensive review of all fetal and infant deaths occurring in Mobile County in 2024. In total, the team examined more than 50 cases, each representing a profound loss for families and the broader community.

Each review session begins with a moment of silence, read by one of the team members, to honor the lives lost and to ground the team in its purpose: “A moment of silence is observed in respect to the memory of those individuals who have succumbed to or suffered a loss due to fetal or infant mortality. Let us remember why we are here today. Let us have the strength to undertake the task ahead and be thankful for what we have accomplished to date.”

Sixteen multidisciplinary partners from across Mobile County participate in the case review process. Together, they carefully examine each case to identify gaps in services, missed opportunities for intervention, and resources that could help prevent future tragedies.

Each case tells a unique and deeply personal story of loss, underscoring the importance of coordinated community efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The work of the Case Review Team is championed by Yvonne Baynard of the Mobile County Health Department and Csierra Payne of the Alabama Department of Public Health, whose leadership continues to drive efforts to reduce fetal and infant mortality rates in both Mobile County and across Alabama.

Dr. Theodore Catranis, Chairman of the Case Review Team, emphasized the critical role of foundational life skills in parenting. He noted that effectively caring for an infant requires a comprehensive understanding of both parental physical and mental health, as well as the health and needs of the baby.

The team also highlighted the need to support parents beyond pregnancy. As attention shifts to the newborn, parents may experience increased anxiety or depression, underscoring the importance of continued emotional and mental health support.

Mental health is shaped by physical health, environment, lived experiences, and genetics, and conditions can present differently across individuals. Not all who experience symptoms receive a formal diagnosis, highlighting the need for accessible support.

“CredibleMind provides a confidential, personalized, and accessible way to support mental well-being,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Mobile County Health Officer. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your health care providers.”

Residents can access it at https://mchd.org/community-tools/ and on the MCHD smartphone app under the “More” section. The Mobile County Health Department app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603. It is available in English and Spanish.