Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph
Milwaukee

> View the full listing of programs

Infant mortality remains a major concern in Milwaukee. While the national average is 6.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Milwaukee's rate is 9.8. For African-Americans in Milwaukee, the rate is 14.1 per 1,000 live births. Although the new data for both citywide and African-American populations showed reductions in infant mortality, there is still much work to be done.

Much of that work is being done at Wheaton Franciscan – St. Joseph, which sponsors the "Baby Safe Sleep" program. The program, which is funded entirely by the St. Joseph Foundation, addresses one of the key causes of infant mortality — unsafe sleep environments. Under the program, St. Joseph provides education to new parents about the importance of a dedicated sleep space for their baby. Free Pack 'N Play playpens and Halo sleepers are provided to babies born to low-income mothers at St. Joseph. The playpens create a safe, convenient sleep environment and the zip-up sleepers eliminate the need for additional blankets which sometimes create a breathing hazard and have been implicated in SIDS. So far, over 600 Pack 'N Plays have been distributed.

In addition, The Women's Outpatient Center at St. Joseph has helped hundreds of women as it works to help stem the rate of infant mortality in the City of Milwaukee.

Recognized nationally for its clinical excellence and customer care, the Women's Outpatient Center provides a wide range of obstetric and gynecological services, from general wellness checks and screenings to advanced treatments for a variety of conditions. It also provides the emotional support its clients need.

Women receive guidance throughout pregnancy, delivery and early parenting months. The program encourages women to embrace strong prenatal care for the health and wellness of their babies and themselves. The program also offers incentives for women to make and keep medical appointments.

A supervisor from Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph explains to Milwaukee officials
how the use of Halo sleepers and Pack 'N Plays provided to new moms in need are
helping to curb the infant mortality rate in the city.