(West Trenton, NJ, June 12, 2007) - Horizon NJ Health announced today that Philip M. Bonaparte, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Horizon NJ Health, participated as a speaker at the Eighth Annual Perinatal Health Disparities Summit held on Monday, June 11, 2007, at Rutgers University, Paul Robeson Campus Center, Newark, New Jersey.

"Despite modern medical advances and technology, black infants are twice as likely to die as white infants," said Dr. Bonaparte. "This conference is a way to highlight possible barriers and solutions for overcoming some health disparities. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women who want healthy children."

According to research, infant mortality rates have declined for most racial and ethnic groups, yet disparities remain among the groups. Infant mortality rates are highest among non-Hispanic Black mothers. Infant mortality rate is related to the underlying health of the mother, public health practices, chronic conditions, availability and access to appropriate health care for pregnant women and infants, as well as social and economic issues.

With a focus on "Making the Connection: The Health of Black Women," the conference explored health and preventive practices for maternal-child health. Programs featured experts from the medical arena and others who shared knowledge and ideas for creating strategies to address how to reduce the incidence of Black infant mortality in New Jersey.

Contact: Horizon NJ Health
Carol Chernack, 609-538-0700 x5290
carol_chernack@horizonNJhealth.com