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Maternal &
Infant Health
One Statewide Concern.
Two local views.
THE ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION
The “1 in 6” statistic measures preterm birth. It is not an infant-mortality rate, and it does not mean that one in six babies dies.
This finding is specific to Ouachita Parish.
It is not a Lincoln Parish estimate or a combined Monroe–Grambling service-area rate. The current comparable source does not display a 2024 Lincoln Parish rate. The absence of a value does not mean zero.
Why Preterm Birth Is Part of This Conversation
National data help explain why preterm birth is relevant to infant health. In the United States in 2024:
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About two-thirds of infant deaths occurred among infants born preterm.
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Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight were among the five leading causes of infant death.
These are national findings. They are not Ouachita Parish mortality estimates and must not be used to calculate or imply a local infant-mortality rate.
National source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-03.pdf — CDC/NCHS, Infant Mortality in the United States, 2024; published June 16, 2026
A Number Is a Starting Point—Not the Whole Story
Every statistic represents mothers, babies and families whose experiences cannot be summarized by a single number.
The 16.6% parish rate describes how common preterm birth was among live births in Ouachita Parish in 2024. It does not explain why an individual baby was born early.
Community data can help us ask better questions, identify areas for learning and understand patterns. They should never be used to blame mothers, families or neighborhoods.
Health Beyond Healthcare
Quality prenatal and clinical care are important, but the full weight of maternal and infant health does not rest on healthcare providers alone. Health can also be influenced by the social, economic, and physical conditions surrounding families before, during, and after pregnancy.
These conditions include whether a family can:
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Find safe, stable, and affordable housing;
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Travel to appointments using reliable transportation;
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Live in a community with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods;
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Maintain health coverage and obtain timely care;
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Find, understand, and use clear health information and services; and
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Draw on supportive family, community, and economic resources.
These conditions can make maintaining good health easier or harder. They do not prove what caused an individual family’s outcome.
Health Literacy, in Plain Language
Health literacy means being able to find, understand, and use health information and services. It is not a test of intelligence. Clear instructions, plain language, careful listening, translated materials, and navigation support can make health information more useful and accessible.