Congressman Cohen Conducts Infant Mortality Briefing

Congressman Cohen Conducts Infant Mortality Briefing

Today in the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) conducted a briefing on infant mortality, featuring medical professionals from across the country who gathered to discuss the problem of infant mortality in the United States.

"The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is one of the highest of any nation in the industrialized world," Congressman Cohen stated, "and Memphis has one of the highest rates in the country. We cannot waste another moment without taking action and I will continue to pursue whatever measures are necessary to work toward solutions to this health crisis."

Brian Dobbins, Managed Care Director, of The Regional Medical Center (The MED) and Dr. Ramasubbareddy Dhanireddy, medical director of the Sheldon Korones Newborn Center at The MED and Chief of Neonatology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center were among the presenters.

Dr. Ronald David, co-chair of The National Infant Mortality Commission addressed Congressional staffers, concerned citizens and health care professionals, who told the group to "Go to Ruth's, house," referring to The DC Family Health and Birth Center and the progress made there in reducing infant mortality as well as providing the tools for mothers to actively participate in their own health care.

Ruth Watson Lubic, founder and Chair Emerita of the Family Health and Birth Center in Washington, D.C. shared her views and experiences with the audience. Mrs. Lubic was joined by Joan Brickhouse, a mother from the DC Family Health and Birth Center, who is also a doula (a coach or advocate for other new mothers) and a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.

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