Infant mortality rate climbing in Lucas County In Ohio, a Black infant is nearly three times more likely to die before turning one year old than a white baby. Author: Amanda Fay Updated: 3:12 AM EST February 11, 2021 TOLEDO, Ohio — It's a big problem in our state and right here in Lucas County: babies are dying before they celebrate their first birthday. What's more troubling is that in Ohio, a Black infant is nearly three times more likely to die before turning one than a white baby. "Just another year where we're looking at babies dying and it's a cause for concern," said Toledo-Lucas County Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski.