South Dakota has launched a Maternal and Infant Health Task Force aimed at improving health outcomes through alignment of systems and collaboration. The initiative seeks to address disparities by transforming data into actionable strategies. "South Dakota families deserve the best possible start, and that begins long before birth with healthy pregnancies and strong support systems," stated Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt. She emphasized the role of effective data usage and partnership in reducing preventable losses.
In 2025, the Task Force will focus on creating a five-year strategic plan, providing technical assistance to stakeholders, and publishing an annual statewide report. These efforts will support programs targeting safe sleep, postpartum care, mental health, and socioeconomic factors such as housing and economic stability. The group aims to incorporate feedback from individuals with personal experiences related to pregnancy and postpartum periods to tailor solutions effectively.
The state faces challenges with a high infant mortality rate and increasing pregnancy-associated mortality. Key areas of concern include sleep-related infant deaths, insufficient postpartum check-ups, and barriers related to mental health and access to services. New data from South Dakota’s updated Infant Mortality and Child Death Review (ICDR) Dashboard has been released, including the 2024 Infant Mortality Report, pinpointing the need for targeted interventions.
Over the last decade, South Dakota’s infant mortality rate has remained consistent, whereas national rates have declined. The primary causes of infant mortality involve congenital malformations and unsafe sleeping conditions, with the latter accounting for 23% of such deaths between 2019 and 2023. Wide disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups.
The Task Force's efforts form part of the First 1000 Days initiative, which emphasizes the importance of early childhood development. The South Dakota Department of Health urges healthcare professionals and organizations to use the updated dashboard and reports for insights and recommendations.
For further information, visit the ICDR Webpage or contact the Maternal and Child Health Data Team at DOH.MCHdata@state.sd.us. The Department of Health continues to focus on safeguarding health and ensuring universal access to quality healthcare across South Dakota.
Alerts Sign-up