Guilford County invites the public to join a candlelight vigil creating space for community members affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Organized by Every Baby Guilford, the vigil will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 4 p.m. at The Circle Center in High Point. All community members are invited to join in this event and may register online.
Aligned with the national Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, the vigil embodies the collective commitment of Guilford County to remember and mourn each life lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or during infancy.
Every Baby Guilford, a collective action movement founded in 2021, has been at the forefront of initiatives to address infant mortality in the region. The public/private partnership with the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health has set an ambitious goal to reduce infant mortality disparities by 50% by 2026. Statistics reveal that Guilford County's infant mortality rate stands at 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, consistently exceeding state and national averages.
"On October 4, we will light candles not only in memory of the lives lost, but also in recognition of the enduring love and strength of the families who carry their memory forward," says Jean Workman-Elms, Program Manager, Guilford County Division of Public Health. "This vigil is a reminder that their grief is real, their stories matter and they are not alone."
The event will begin at 4 p.m. with opportunities to commemorate personal losses. Participants will include both community partners and members. On Wednesday, October 15, join Every Baby Guilford on social media to recognize the Global Wave of Light at 7 p.m., presenting a recording of the vigil in remembrance of the precious lives lost too soon.
"Every loss reminds us why maternal and infant health must remain a top priority in Guilford County," says Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. "We remember each child, honor each family and commit to building a healthier tomorrow."
Community support is also available through organizations such as AuthoraCare Collective and Cone Health Support for Miscarriage and Infant Loss, which may provide resources and counseling for those impacted by pregnancy and infant loss.
About Every Baby Guilford
Every Baby Guilford launched a collective action movement in 2021 to ignite and mobilize Guilford County through partnerships and unified strategies to eliminate disparities and prevent infant deaths. Through a community-driven process, Every Baby Guilford’s vision is every baby and family will have opportunities and access to achieve the healthiest start in life. For more information about Every Baby Guilford, visit the Every Baby Guilford website.