MCHD programs work to enhance health of women and infants 09.08.26

September 8, 2026

MCHD programs work to enhance health of women and infants

MOBILE, Ala. — The Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program was established to identify critical community strengths and weaknesses, as well as unique health and social issues, associated with poor outcomes of pregnancy.

The program is a community-based statewide initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of women, infants, and families through the review of deidentified cases of fetal (stillbirth) and infant deaths, and voluntary maternal interviews. The Mobile County Health Department’s FIMR Program, known as the Alabama Baby Coalition, began in 1998 and continues to be active in improving pregnancy outcomes.

According to the 2024 Infant Mortality report, there were 14 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases statewide. However, as of July 31 in the state of Alabama, there have been 63 sleep-related infant deaths alone.

“Although not all of these deaths may be directly caused by SIDS, they were caused by unsafe sleep environments that resulted in strangulation, asphyxiation or entrapment,” said Yvonne Baynard, FIMR Coordinator for MCHD. “As of September 3 in Mobile County, there has been one confirmed sleep-related death thus far, with eight cases under investigation.”

Baynard collaborates with the MCHD’s Maternal & Child Health program to better educate families on the importance of safe sleep practices which can help reduce infant mortality caused by SIDS. One way both programs accomplish this is to provide safe-sleep education to the community through community and health outreach events, as well as providing free Pack ’n’ Play portable cribs to families who complete a safe-sleep training, regardless of income. Both programs are committed to improving the health, safety, and well-being of pregnant women, infants, and children.

Families will have the option of either completing a class provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health or by signing up for the in-person training through the MCH program. After completion of the class, families will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to receive a free Pack ’n’ Play that helps promote separate, safe-sleeping areas for babies.

If you are interested in participating in a safe-sleep class or would like the MCH program to visit your daycare or childcare center, please contact LaTara Anderson, the MCH Program coordinator, at 251-690-8991, or Csierra Payne, the Region IV Perinatal Coordinator, at 334-832-0292.