North Carolina infant deaths hit record low, but child deaths still not improving

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Newly released data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows infant mortality rates hit an all-time low in 2024, but the number of child deaths from ages one to 17 stayed the same.

The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force just submitted its 2026 Annual Report to state leaders. It includes updates on the Task Force's work, the latest child death data, and a list of recommendations from its 2026 Action Agenda aimed at preventing child deaths and improving child well-being.

In 2024, North Carolina lost 1,386 children ages zero to 17. That includes 770 infants under age one and 616 children ages one to 17.

Task Force co-chair Jill Cox says too many of these deaths are preventable, and that the state can save lives by updating laws and funding strategies proven to protect children.

Strengthening child passenger safety:

Motor vehicle injuries remain one of the leading causes of death for children in North Carolina, and those death rates have gone up. The state's child passenger safety laws, including requirements for car seats and booster seats, no longer match modern safety standards.

The Task Force made progress in 2025 with House Bill 368, which addressed its recommendations and passed the House unanimously. However, the bill is now stalled in the Senate Rules Committee.

School support for youth and protections from vaping, cannabis, and social media:

Youth suicide rates decreased in 2024, but suicide is still the leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14, and the fourth leading cause for teens 15 to 17.

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Nearly half of the children who died by suicide had recently experienced a crisis, and about half had a current mental health condition. Schools often don't have enough social workers, nurses, or counselors to identify problems early and support students' needs.

The Task Force also points to the harmful effects of nicotine vaping, intoxicating cannabis products, and addictive social media algorithms - all of which remain unregulated. Four of the 2026 recommendations focus on funding and laws to address these issues.

Preventing infant deaths from unsafe sleep:

Even though the state's infant mortality rate reached a record low in 2024, it's still higher than the national rate. Black infants die at 2.9 times the rate of white infants. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, more than 120 infants die each year in unsafe sleep environments. Most of these deaths are preventable, but the state lacks the funding needed for widespread prevention efforts. The Task Force is calling for more resources to keep these numbers from rising.

Preventing firearm deaths through safe storage:

More than 525 children ages 17 and younger died from firearm injuries between 2020 and 2024. While firearm death rates among children are trending downward, many guns still aren't stored safely. The 2024 rate was 2.5 times higher than in 2015.

The Task Force recommends funding the statewide NC S.A.F.E. safe storage initiative, which has been proven effective but is underfunded, and closing a gap in the state's child access prevention law.

Addressing the childcare crisis:

The Task Force is also urging expanded state funding for childcare subsidies. Access to affordable, high-quality childcare supports child well-being and reduces the risk of mistreatment, but many families still struggle to find or afford it.

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