Saving the Smallest
Mississippi's Infant Mortality Awareness & Prevention Campaign
Mississippi's Infant Mortality Awareness & Prevention Campaign
Every baby deserves the chance to celebrate their first birthday.
In Mississippi, too many families experience the heartbreak of infant loss—but many causes of infant death are preventable.
EveryBabyFirst.com is a starting point for expectant parents, caregivers, and families. Here, you’ll find clear, trusted guidance on the biggest risks to babies and simple steps you can take to protect your child’s health, before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and throughout baby’s first year.
Every baby deserves the chance to celebrate their first birthday.
In Mississippi, too many families experience the heartbreak of infant loss—but many causes of infant death are preventable.
EveryBabyFirst.com is a starting point for expectant parents, caregivers, and families. Here, you’ll find clear, trusted guidance on the biggest risks to babies and simple steps you can take to protect your child’s health, before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and throughout baby’s first year.
Why Infant Mortality Matters in Mississippi
Mississippi continues to have one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation—nearly 1 in 100 babies born in Mississippi die before their first birthday. Many of these deaths are linked to factors such as premature birth, unsafe sleep, and limited access to early prenatal care.
In August 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health declared Infant Mortality a Public Health Emergency, recognizing the urgent need to improve outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.
“We cannot and will not accept these numbers as our reality. Declaring this a public health emergency is more than a policy decision; it is an urgent commitment to save lives. Mississippi has the knowledge, the resources and the resilience to change this story. It will take all of us — policymakers, healthcare providers, communities and families — working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive and celebrate their first birthday.”
– Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer
The numbers
US Preterm birth Rate
0
%
MS Preterm birth Rate
0
%
MS National Rank
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All Infant Deaths
What MSDH Is Doing to Help
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is taking action to help babies live past their first birthday and stay healthy. Infant deaths happen for many reasons. That’s why MSDH is working with doctors, hospitals, and communities across Mississippi to protect moms and babies.
Improve pregnancy and birth care
MSDH is building an Obstetrics (OB) System of Care so pregnant women and babies get the right care at the right hospital, at the right time-especially in emergencies.
Increase access to prenatal care
MSDH is expanding prenatal services in areas with few or no OB providers, often called “OB deserts.”
Connect families to help close to home
Community Health Workers help moms and families find medical care, transportation, nutrition support, and other resources in their communities.
Support Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies
MSDH provides services in specific counties for pregnant women and babies who need extra support, helping create safer births and healthier babies.
Work with hospitals and doctors
MSDH partners with medical providers to improve maternity care and encourage early prenatal visits.
Teach safe sleep practices
MSDH educates families on how to put babies to sleep safely to reduce preventable infant deaths.
Acting Now to Save Lives
Even before new national data is released, MSDH knew action could not wait. Declaring this a public health emergency allows MSDH to move faster, share resources, and work closely with partners across Mississippi to save lives.
Tracking Infant Deaths
MSDH studies infant deaths under age 1 to understand what happened and prevent future deaths.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
PRAMS tracks specific maternal experiences and behaviors around pregnancy that could impact their baby's health. Using this data, the program aims to reduce negative birth outcomes like low birth weight, infant illness and death, and maternal health issues.
Infant mortality is a serious public health concern, but the good news is that it can be prevented. By understanding the risks, acting early, and helping families access the care they need, Mississippi can provide every baby with a healthier, brighter start in life.
Together, We Can Change the Story
What Puts Babies At Risk?
Preterm Birth
Babies born too early face higher risks for breathing, feeding, and infection problems.
Low Birth Weight
Often linked to premature birth, is the leading cause of infant mortality in Mississippi.
Congenital Disorders (Birth Defects)
Genetic and structural conditions present at birth can affect infant survival. While the causes of many congenital disorders are not known, some can be prevented.
Safe Sleep & SIDS
Sleep-related deaths (SIDS and SUID) are the third-leading cause of death for Mississippi infants. Fortunately, parents and caregivers can take steps to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.