On Aug. 21, 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) declared a public health emergency in response to rising infant mortality rates across the state. Mississippi’s 2024 data shows the overall infant mortality rate has increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is the highest in more than a decade. In Mississippi, 3,527 babies have died before the age of 1 since 2014.

Infant deaths include those occurring within the first year of life. The leading causes in Mississippi include congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Since infant mortality is a multi-dimensional issue, MSDH is leveraging clinical leadership to coordinate intra-agency resources to develop a united system to address this public health emergency, while seeking to reinvigorate interventions that will enable children to see their second birthday.

MSDH urges other clinical champions to join in the effort to reduce infant mortality across Mississippi. In direct response to this emergency, a multi-pronged strategy. includes:

• Activating an OB (Obstetrics) System of Care, which standardizes and regionalizes maternal and infant care, improves transfer systems designating levels of care and expedites transfers to appropriate facilities.
• Eliminating “OB deserts” by increasing prenatal care opportunities utilizing targeted county health departments.
• Expanding community health worker programs to connect mothers and babies with care and resources where they live.
• Strengthening Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, a care management and home visiting program that supports expectant moms and infants at risk, providing safer birthing experiences and healthier infant development.
• Partnering with hospitals and medical providers to address gaps in maternal care and to reinforce the importance of early prenatal visits.
• Educating families on safe sleep practices to reduce preventable infant deaths.