ALAMEDA COUNTY: Sharp Contrast Between Cities in Children’s Health

      Children in Alameda County may face sharp distinctions in health status based upon which city they live in, according to a new study by the National Public Health and Hospital Institute, which ranks children's welfare in the 100 largest cities. While Fremont tops the list, Oakland checked in a 70th, up from 78th. More specifically, Fremont has an infant mortality rate of 3.79 per 1,000 births, placing it third-best in the nation, and "far below the national average of 7.51," the AP/Los Angeles Times reports. Oakland's jump in the rankings was partly attributable to its improvement in infant mortality, reducing its rate by 46% since the last survey. Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown (D) called the reduction "a very encouraging sign," but added that "Oakland clearly has a way to go." County health officials were not surprised by the disparity between Oakland and Fremont. County Public Health Department spokesperson Sherri Willis said, "Fremont has become a de facto suburb of Silicon Valley. It's not even in the same league as Oakland" (7/23).