Mississippi high infant mortality rate has led the state to declare a public health emergency. AFP via Getty Images

Mississippi declared a public health emergency for the first time in recent history, sounding the alarm on the highest infant mortality rates the state has seen in more than a decade. Mississippi ranks last in the nation in infant mortality, with 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 compared to the national rate of 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to American Health Rankings and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The declaration gives state leaders the ability mobilize the healthcare workforce and implement a strategy to address equitable access to care. The strategy includes obstetrics system of care, eliminating obstetrics deserts

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