Mississippi Declares Newborn Death Emergency

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Mississippi health officials have declared a state of emergency over the rate of infant mortality in the state

The state has recorded nearly 10 deaths for every 1,000 births, the highest in a decade

Officials have vowed to address “OB deserts” — areas where there’s no obstetrics care — and data shows nearly half the counties in the state would qualify as a desert

Mississippi officials have declared a public health emergency as the rate of infant mortality hits a decade-long high.

“Too many Mississippi families are losing their babies before their first birthday,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said in an Aug. 21 release from the Mississippi State Department of Health . The rate of infant mortality is “the highest in more than decade,” with 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live