Systemic racism has a huge impact on the health of African-Americans in the U.S. It's literally a problem from cradle to grave, affecting everything from infant mortality to life expectancy. And now, COVID-19 is taking a disproportionate toll on the community.

First-time parents have a lot to celebrate. But right now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's also a lot to fear.

Newly released Indiana Department of Health data from 2018 show the infant mortality rate decreased from 7.3 to 6.8 for every 1,000 births.

The program connects women early in their pregnancy with an OB navigator someone who provides guidance through at least the first six months after birth.

Preterm birth is the largest contributor to infant deaths in the United States. According to the report from the March of Dimes, rates in Indiana are up to 10.2 percent.

The State Department of Health says parents can reduce the risk of infant mortality by using safe sleep practices. But, recent changes to the state's safe sleep guidelines for licensed childcare providers are causing confusion for some parents.

Teams are encouraged to create data visualizations or analyses to better show the problem.

Indiana has a higher infant mortality rate than the national average. A summit in Indianapolis focused on moves being made to improve outcomes for infants in Indiana.

Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio were among the states cited for rates higher than the national average 5.79 per 1,000 live births.

Gov. Eric Holcomb traveled to northern Indiana Wednesday to sign new legislation that will create a state perinatal program. It aims to address Indianas high infant and maternal mortality rates.