Oconee’s infant mortality rate above state average

An annual report by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control shows South Carolina’s 2020 infant mortality rate has decreased by 7% compared to the previous year but likely remains above the national average.  “Ideally, we want to see a decline in South Carolina’s infant mortality rate each year until that number is as small as possible – close to zero,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Public Health Director.  The state recorded five Oconee County infant mortality cases in 2020.  South Carolina’s infant mortality rate was 6.5 infants for every 1,000 live births; while Oconee’s was 7.6.  Among the notable changes in this year’s state report, 55,713 babies born in 2020 – which is 2.3% fewer babies than in 2019.