FOR THE FIRST TIME…THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS ISSUING A REPORT ON PREGNANCY RELATED DEATHS IN ILLINOIS. 

THE REPORT FOUND THAT ABOUT 73 ILLINOIS WOMEN DIE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF PREGNANCY ANNUALLY. PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NIRAV SHAH SAYS THEY ALSO DISCOVERED THAT BLACK WOMEN ARE SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE OF A PREGNANCY RELATED CONDITION THAN WHITE WOMEN.

THE COMMITTEE TACKLING THE ISSUE IS MAKING SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP REDUCE THESE NUMBERS. FIRST LADY DIANA RAUNER SAYS THAT INCLUDES OFFERING MORE HOME VISITS TO AT-RISK MOMS.

THE REPORT MAKES SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING INCREASED ACCESS TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN AND OFFERING MORE HOME VISITS TO AT-RISK MOTHERS.