Saying high infant mortality rates threatens the stability and future of African Americans, FAMU president James Ammons is pledging to work with campus health care experts, researchers, and local, state and national organizations to address infant mortality in Leon County.

The mortality rate among black infants in Leon County is 15 per 1,000 live births.

Ammons announced the FAMU Black Infant Health Alliance on Thursday, during a press conference with the State Surgeon General of the Florida Department of Health and others. Ammons said the College of Pharmacy, the allied health and the nursing schools will be vital to the effort.

(Ammons announces the initiative Thursday. Photo courtesy of FAMU)