AN ALARMING number of infant deaths has led to one state declaring a public health emergency.

The state’s Department of Health reported that its infant mortality rate has risen to its highest level in over a decade.

Mississippi reported 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 born, which is almost double the national average of 5.6 deaths, according to the Department of Health .

Since 2014, 3,527 babies have died before turning a year old.

“Too many Mississippi families are losing their babies before their first birthday,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said in a press release.

Edney said the issue is close to his heart, as he’s a father and a grandfather.

“Declaring this a public health emergency is more than a policy decision; it is an urgent commitment to save lives,” he conti

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