The South Dakota Department of Health released its plan to lower birth mortality rates for mothers and their babies.
According to the DOH, a Maternal and Infant Health Task Force was created to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and infants to improve health outcomes for families across the state.
Katelyn Strasser, Deputy Division Director of Community and Family Health, told Siouxland Public Media the DOH has seen continuous high birth mortality rates over the past two decades, with Native American populations disproportionately affected.
Strasser noted a committee’s results suggested that many of the deaths were preventable. She said the plan aims to address risk factors and gaps in care.
She said the data shows factors that contribute to the mortality rates include lack of access to prenatal care, mental health resources, and support for chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Strasser mentioned social aspects impacting mortality rates, are housing, transportation, childcare, and inability to access healthy food.
Strasser said the state’s data shows many indigenous women who live in rural areas have limited availability of local and cultural prenatal care.
According to Strasser, the state offers many programs and services to help mothers during the first 1,000 days of their child’s life.
The programs and services provide support, prenatal and postpartum education, nutrition guidance, and offer safe sleep education.