The South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force released its five-year strategic plan on Mar. 30, outlining efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.
The initiative aims to address ongoing challenges in maternal and infant health by focusing on collaboration, data-driven strategies, and targeted investments. The task force brings together more than 60 partners from healthcare, public health, tribal communities, and social services.
“Our goal is simple but powerful: a future where every mother and infant in South Dakota thrives,” said Secretary Melissa Magstadt. “This strategic plan combines data, collaboration, and targeted investments so we can strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy while supporting families across our communities.”
The plan identifies three main priorities: improving postpartum care for maternal health; enhancing safe sleep education to protect infants; and building systems that increase access, coordination, and quality of care statewide. These areas include specific goals such as increasing postpartum visits, expanding crib distribution programs for safe sleep practices, improving prenatal care access, and strengthening links between healthcare providers and social services.
Data from a new ten-year review of pregnancy-associated and infant deaths (2015–2024) informed the strategy. Key findings show that while pregnancy-associated death rates declined from 2022 to 2024 in South Dakota, infant death rates remain high. Most pregnancy-associated deaths occurred between 43 days to one year after childbirth (58.7%), highlighting the need for extended postpartum support. The report also notes that American Indian mothers and infants continue to face higher mortality rates.
Current initiatives aligned with the plan include a pilot program using the Canopie app for mental health support during pregnancy/postpartum periods as well as Safe Sleep Ambassador training for providers statewide. About 1,000 safe sleep kits or cribs are distributed each year through public health offices.
Several components of the strategic plan are supported by the Rural Health Transformation Project—an effort aimed at strengthening healthcare access in rural areas through Regional Maternal and Infant Health Hubs that connect hospitals with clinics, tribal services, and community organizations.
Funding tied to these efforts will help expand doula workforce programs; provide improved training for maternal health professionals; and introduce new service models supporting families during pregnancy through a child’s first year.
More information about the South Dakota Maternal & Infant Health Task Force Strategic Plan (2026–2030) is available on the Department of Health website.
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