MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Health leaders are launching a new five-year plan aimed at improving outcomes for mothers and infants across South Dakota, with a focus on postpartum care, safe sleep education, and better access to services.

The plan, developed by the Maternal and Infant Health Task Force as part of the Rural Health Transformation Project, outlines a three-pronged strategy designed to address ongoing challenges in maternal and infant health.

Key priorities include improving postpartum care for new mothers, expanding education around safe sleep practices for infants, and strengthening care systems so families can more easily find and access available services.

The initiative follows findings from a 10-year study covering 2015 to 2024, which showed pregnancy-related deaths have declined slightly over time. However, infant mortality rates remain a concern, with health leaders noting more work is needed to improve outcomes.

The report also highlights that pregnancy-related deaths can occur up to one year after childbirth, underscoring the importance of extended postpartum care and monitoring beyond the initial weeks after delivery.

By focusing on long-term recovery and support, officials hope to reduce preventable deaths and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Health leaders say the coordinated approach will help connect families with critical resources, particularly in rural communities where access to care can be more limited.

The five-year plan is expected to guide efforts statewide, with the goal of improving care systems and reducing infant mortality rates over time.