Detroit seeks to reduce early births, infant mortality

DETROIT (AP) - A new effort led by Detroit and Wayne State University seeks to reduce premature births and infant mortality in the city.

Mayor Mike Duggan recently announced a citywide effort to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality with SisterFriends Detroit and Make Your Date Detroit . It includes pairing medical resources with community-based support to help mothers and babies.

SisterFriends Detroit will provide volunteer mentors to women and their families. It’s backed in part by $2 million from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

The nonprofit Make Your Date Detroit started in 2014 as part of a partnership between Detroit and Wayne State University. Officials want to ensure pregnant women know they have access to care, testing and resources they need to deliver full-term, healthy babies.