Mississippi declares emergency over rising infant deaths
Mississippi public‑health officials declared a state public‑health emergency after 2024 data showed sharply elevated infant mortality—nearly 10 deaths per 1,000 live births overall and 15.2 per 1,000 for Black infants. State health officer Dr. Daniel Edney and neonatologists described new measures to transport and centrally track preterm newborns to scarce NICU beds, and experts warned the crisis highlights national risks if forthcoming Medicaid spending cuts reduce access to maternal and neonatal care.
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🔍 Key Facts
- Mississippi reported nearly 10 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024; Black infants faced a rate of 15.2 per 1,000.
- The U.S. national infant mortality rate cited in the article is 5.6 per 1,000 live births.
- Mississippi declared a public‑health emergency on Aug. 21, 2025, and is implementing tracking and transport protocols to move preterm infants to NICUs.
- Experts (March of Dimes) warn that reductions in Medicaid coverage/access could worsen infant mortality nationally.