2024 Child Fatality Report Executive Summary

Cuyahoga County reported 169 child deaths, slightly below the 10-year average but still higher than state and national rates. Infant mortality remains a major concern with racial disparities—Black infants die at rates over three times higher than White infants. Leading causes include prematurity, unsafe sleep environments, and homicide among older children. The report calls for prevention through education, safe sleep practices, prenatal care, and stronger interagency collaboration.

Key Points

• 169 child deaths; mortality rate 67.4 per 100,000.
• 107 infant deaths; IMR = 8.59 per 1,000 births.
• Black IMR = 15.99 vs. White IMR = 4.40.
• Prematurity: 54% of infant deaths.
• Sleep-related deaths: 18 cases; highly preventable.
• Homicide: 21 deaths; leading cause for ages 1–17.
• Recommendations: safe sleep education, prenatal care, gun safety, and interagency coordination.