A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT appropriating funds to the department of health and human services, division of PUBLIC HEALTH, to prevent infant mortality in north carolina, as recommended by the NORTH carolina child fatality task force.
Whereas, the 2010 infant mortality rate in North Carolina was 7.0 infant deaths per 1,000 live births; and
Whereas, there is an 11.4% decline from the 2009 rate; and
Whereas, there has been a 45% decline in this rate in the past two decades, yet North Carolina still ranks 41st among the states; and
Whereas, much of the decline in the infant mortality rate can be attributed to an array of services that were either eliminated or reduced during recent budget cuts; and
Whereas, the NC Child Fatality Task Force identified the high-risk maternity clinic operated at East Carolina University School of Medicine as one of the key services aimed at preventing infant mortality; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of three hundred seventy‑five thousand dollars ($375,000) in recurring funds for the East Carolina University School of Medicine to continue to operate a high‑risk maternity clinic to improve the birth outcomes of women in the 29 eastern counties.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2012.