South Dakota Launches Task Force to Address Maternal and Infant Deaths

The South Dakota Department of Health has launched a new task force aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality across the state. The initiative focuses on addressing preventable deaths, including sleep-related infant fatalities—nearly two-thirds of which have occurred in adult beds, according to Health Department official Katelyn Strasser.

By Christal Blue May 6, 2025 11:42 am

South Dakota maternal and infant mortality infant sleep safety South Dakota SD Department of Health task force preventable infant deaths SD maternal health initiative South Dakota safe sleep practices for infants infant mortality reduction efforts Katelyn Strasser Department of Health maternal health support programs SD public health recommendations September 2025 — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The state is taking action to reduce maternal and infant deaths in South Dakota. The state Health Department has launched a task force in an effort to reverse trends of preventable deaths among mothers and infants. Katelyn Strasser of the Health Department says nearly two-thirds of sleep-related infant deaths occurred in adult beds. Strasser says the task force is working on ways to help young mothers to reduce the risks. The group expects to have a set of recommendations available by September. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

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