Authorizing Legislation
Public Health Service Act 42 USC 217a, Section 222 (PDF - 51 KB)
Public Law 92-463, (5 U.S.C. App. 2) (PDF - 116 KB)
2023 – 2025 Charter (PDF - 166 KB)
Members List (PDF - 110 KB)
Background on Infant Mortality
At the time of ACIMM's formation in 1991, two-thirds of infant deaths occurred in the first month of life. Although neonatal mortality rates have declined dramatically, the incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and very low birth weight have not significantly improved.
Furthermore, racial disparities continue to persist. African Americans have an approximately twofold greater rate of low birth weight, a twofold greater rate of intrauterine growth restriction, and a threefold greater risk of very low birth weight than white Americans.
Prematurity, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction are the leading causes of neonatal mortality. However, the vast majority of infant deaths are from preventable causes such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, injuries, and infections. Although the genetics and the biology of sleep position are unknown, it is clear from population-based studies that putting babies to sleep on their backs has a tremendous benefit in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Despite this information, African Americans and Native Americans have a two- to threefold greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome than their white counterparts.
ACIMM is dedicated to eliminating health disparities and other environmental, social, and economic factors that that contribute to infant mortality through continuous research and public health efforts.
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Description of Duties
ACIMM advises the Secretary of HHS on department activities, partnerships, policies, and programs directed at reducing infant and maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and improving the health status of infants and women before, during, and after pregnancy.
The Committee provides the Secretary with advice on how to best coordinate federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governmental efforts that are designed to improve infant mortality, related adverse birth outcomes, and maternal health, including administration of the Title V MCH Block Grant Program, the Healthy Start program and maternal and infant health objectives from the Healthy People 2030 Objectives. They also provide advice on how to influence similar efforts in the private and voluntary sectors.
ACIMM reviews and informs the Secretary of factors contributing to disparities and inequities seen in birth outcomes for women and infants. The Committee provides guidance and recommendations on the policies, programs, resources, and structural/systems level changes required to address the disparities and inequities in infant mortality, related adverse birth outcomes, and maternal health outcomes.