Child death review council could be formed soon

by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - The island is a step closer to establishing the Guam Council on Child Death Review and Prevention. A public hearing was held to hear testimony relative to Bill 62. There is an alarming infant mortality rate on Guam which in 2011 was more than twice the national mortality average. In the first three months of this year there has been a total of 7 child deaths not including the latest life claimed.

The Office of the Medical Examiner, Guam Early Learning Council, Public Health and, UH Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities gathered in support of the bills intent and    adamant that the creation of the CCDRP will play a significant role in data collection, examination, and analysis of information surrounding the death of a child which will lead to improved prevention strategies.