Mississippi declares health emergency over rising infant mortality

Mississippi health officials have declared a public health emergency as the state’s infant mortality rate reached its highest level in more than a decade. In 2024, 9.7 infants died per 1,000 live births, a rate more than 60% above the national average and the highest since data tracking began showing this trend. Since 2014, 3,527 babies in Mississippi have died before turning one. The declaration signals a shift from a primarily advisory stance to a coordinated, rapid-response effort intended to save lives and reduce disparities in maternal and infant health.

Officials described a multipronged plan designed to expand access to care and strengthen the system of support for mothers and babies. Key components include expanding prenatal services in counties that lack obstetric providers, establishing an obstetric care network to regionalize services and improve emergency transfers, and enhancing home visiting and community health worker programs. The aim is to ensure continuous care before, during, and after pregnancy, with a focus on addressing gaps that can contribute to adverse outcomes. “Improving maternal health is the best way to reduce infant mortality,” said the state...