OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health says the infant mortality rate in the state is declining.
The agency said in a news release on Thursday that the rate of infant deaths per 1,000 live births has declined from 8.6 in 2007 to 6.8 in 2013.
That's saving an additional 34 babies' lives over last year.
Oklahoma Maternal and Child Health Director Joyce Marshall said that the agency is encouraged that collaborative health efforts are making a difference.
September is recognized as "Infant Mortality Awareness Month" in Oklahoma.