The following are key points from the data in the tables and graphs found on the “Data” tab. The “Sources and Notes” tab provides additional information about the data.

• The number of births in Franklin County to black mothers has been steadily increasing since 2000, while births to white mothers are relatively unchanged between 2000 and 2008. The number of births to mothers of other racial groups (Asian, Native American, and other), although small compared to births for blacks and whites, nevertheless fluctuated between  a high of 943 births in 2004 and a low of 793 births in 2006.
• The percentage of low birth weight births in Franklin County had been steadily increasing, from 8.6% of all births in 2000 to 9.5% in 2008. This parallels a statewide increase in low birth weight births, although statewide percentages are slightly lower; comparable figures for Ohio were 7.9% in 2000 and 8.6% in 2008. Blacks are much more likely to have low birth weight infants compared to whites, both in Franklin County and Ohio.
• Infant mortality has fluctuated slightly for Franklin County between 1998 and 2008. The infant mortality rate for Franklin County varied from a low of 7.8 per 1,000 live births (136 infant deaths) in 2004 to a high of 9.0 per 1,000 live births (164 infant deaths) in 2006. The infant mortality rate for blacks was more than twice that of whites over the same time period.

For a printable PDF of the Analysis, Data, and Sources and Notes for this indicator, click here.