Mississippi declares public emergency over infant deaths

The Mississippi State Department of Health has declared a public health emergency because of rising infant mortality rates. The rate increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births last year, the highest in more than a decade, and more than 3,500 babies have died before age 1 since 2014. Leading causes of death include congenital malformations, preterm birth, low weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The state will work to standardize and regionalize care, increase prenatal care opportunities, partner with health systems and educate families on safe sleep practices. “This is deeply personal to me, not just as a physician, but as a father and grandfather,” State Health Officer Stan Edney said. “We cannot and will not accept these numbers as our reality.”