Addressing Mississippi's Infant Mortality Crisis Strategies for Healthier Moms and Babies

Mississippi faces a critical health challenge with its infant mortality rate reaching 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, the highest in the United States. This alarming statistic reflects a growing public health emergency that demands urgent attention. The Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN), part of The Montgomery Institute, is stepping forward to raise awareness and promote solutions through a special event: the Healthy Moms & Healthy Babies Awareness Lunch & Learn. This free session will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at noon at NorthPark Church in Meridian. It aims to engage families, healthcare providers, and community members in a vital conversation about improving outcomes for mothers and infants.

Understanding the Infant Mortality Crisis in Mississippi

Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before their first birthday. Mississippi’s rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, which hovers around 5.5. This means that nearly twice as many infants in Mississippi do not survive their first year compared to other states. Since 2014, over 3,500 babies have died in Mississippi before reaching one year old, a number that continues to rise despite efforts to reverse the trend.

In 2025, the state declared infant mortality a public health emergency, highlighting the urgency of the problem. Dr. Alyse Boswell, DO, who will speak at the upcoming CHIN event, stresses that this issue is not just a statistic but a call to action. She points out that the causes of infant mortality are complex and include factors such as:

• Limited access to quality prenatal care

• High rates of preterm births and low birth weight

• Maternal health conditions like hypertension and diabetes

• Socioeconomic challenges including poverty and education gaps

• Racial disparities affecting African American communities disproportionately

  
  

Addressing these factors requires a coordinated effort between healthcare providers, families, and community organizations.

Prevention Strategies and Maternal Health Focus

The Healthy Moms & Healthy Babies Awareness Lunch & Learn will focus on prevention strategies that can reduce infant mortality. Dr. Boswell will discuss practical steps that expectant mothers and families can take to improve health outcomes. Key prevention strategies include:

• Early and regular prenatal care visits to monitor mother and baby health

• Proper nutrition and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol

• Managing chronic health conditions with medical guidance

• Education on safe sleep practices to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

• Support for mental health and stress reduction during pregnancy

  
  

Community support plays a crucial role in these efforts. Programs that provide education, transportation to medical appointments, and access to healthy foods can make a significant difference. CHIN President Beverly Knox emphasizes that “the health of our mothers and babies reflects the health of our entire community.” This means that improving infant mortality rates benefits everyone by building stronger families and healthier neighborhoods.

How Families and Communities Can Help

Families and communities have a powerful role in supporting healthier beginnings for babies. The upcoming event will offer resources and guidance on how to get involved. Some ways families and communities can contribute include:

• Encouraging pregnant women to attend prenatal appointments

• Creating safe, smoke-free environments at home

• Learning about and practicing safe infant sleep guidelines

• Connecting with local support groups for new parents

• Advocating for policies that improve healthcare access and maternal support services

  
  

CHIN is providing education and free childcare during this event to make participation easier for families. The April 21 Lunch & Learn will be a chance to hear directly from experts, ask questions, and connect with local resources. RSVPs are required by April 17 to ensure childcare availability.

Moving Forward Together

Mississippi’s infant mortality crisis demands attention and action from all corners of the community. Events like the Healthy Moms & Healthy Babies Awareness Lunch & Learn provide a platform for education, support, and collaboration. By focusing on prevention, maternal health, and community engagement, Mississippi can work toward lowering its infant mortality rate and giving every child a healthier start.

If you live in or near Meridian, consider attending the event on April 21. Bringing awareness to this issue and learning how to support mothers and babies can create lasting change. Together, families, healthcare providers, and community leaders can build a future where fewer infants are lost and more mothers thrive.