JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi State Board of Health met to discuss several topics on Wednesday, including maternal and infant mortality.
In August 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) declared a public health emergency in response to rising infant mortality rates across the state.
According to the agency, Mississippi’s 2024 data shows the overall infant mortality rate has increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is the highest in more than a decade. In Mississippi, 3,527 babies have died before the age of 1 since 2014.
St. Dominic opens 24/7 OB-ED in Jackson
“The Board of Health adopted the new obstetrical system of care, which is our state’s fourth statewide system of care. We hit more than any other state and we’re the only state now that has put a comprehensive statewide system in place for high risk moms and babies to try to improve infant mortality,” said State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney…