The 2017 Child Death Review Team Report has been released by Public Health showing that preventable child deaths were up least year.
The report shows that there were 50 preventable deaths last year in Kern County compared to 42 in 2016.
There were six accidental deaths, two natural deaths, three homicides, and 15 undetermined Undetermined deaths include Sudden Undetermined Infant Deaths, which often happen during sleep or in a baby's sleep area. Kern County saw 10 SUID deaths in 2017 compared to nine in 2016.
Child homicides were also up with seven in 2017 compared to three in 2016.
The report includes recommendations on changes that can be made to potentially save lives. Some suggestions included making sure that every baby born at a Kern County hospital has a safe place to sleep before they are discharged and reaching out to parents with tools and resources before abuse and neglect take place.
The report is expected to go before Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
To view the full report click here.
