Mississippi State Department of Health declares infant mortality emergency

The Mississippi State Department of Health has declared a public health emergency over rising infant mortality rates in the state.

Data from 2024 shows the overall rate has increased to 9.7 dates per 1,000 live births, which is the highest in more than a decade.

To respond to this, MSDH officials are working with other health agencies and medical systems across the state to increase prenatal care in rural counties and expanding community programs.