Infant mortality, defined as the death of an infant under one year of age, serves as a key indicator reflecting the overall health of a community and the quality of healthcare. In Gaston County, there has been an increase in infant mortality per 1,000 births from 2014 to 2021, particularly noteworthy in 2020, which marked the highest recorded rate.

Upon disaggregating the data by race and ethnicity, it becomes evident that the African American population in Gaston County reported the highest rates of infant mortality in 2020, reaching 25 deaths per 1,000 births—triple that of its white counterpart (7 deaths per 1,000 births).

This rise in infant mortality is closely associated with high rates of preterm births and low birth weights within Gaston County. However, further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause of the racial disparity. Addressing these contributing factors is essential for reducing the alarming rates of infant mortality and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes in the community.