In celebration of World Prematurity Awareness Day, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) announce a major improvement in the well-being of babies born in Virginia. The state has seen a decrease of 18.2 percent in infant mortality, from 2007 to 2012, which means nearly 200 more babies a year are thriving and celebrating their first birthday. The Virginia Department of Health reports strong collaborative networks among public, private and non-profit organizations focusing on evidence-based methods of reducing the mortality rates have played a significant role in achieving this reduction.
