South Dakota's Strategic Plan for Maternal and Infant Health 2026-2030
The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) and the state's Maternal and Infant Health Task Force have introduced a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to enhance health outcomes for mothers and infants. Announced this week, the initiative seeks to tackle persistent challenges in South Dakota, such as preventable deaths among these groups. The task force, established in 2025, represents a collaborative effort among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare, tribal representatives, social services, insurance entities, government bodies, and parent advocacy groups.
The 2026-2030 strategic plan focuses on improving postpartum care, promoting safe sleep practices for infants, and fortifying healthcare systems across rural and tribal communities. "Our aim is for every mother and infant in South Dakota to thrive," commented Melissa Magstadt, South Dakota Secretary of Health. The plan leverages data insights, collaborative efforts, and targeted investments to enhance care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Drawing on a decade-long review of pregnancy-associated and infant deaths from 2015 to 2024, the plan aligns its priorities with findings that showcase declining pregnancy-associated deaths from 2022 to 2024, despite a rise in infant mortality rates that surpass the national average. The review highlights that South Dakota's infant mortality rate has remained unchanged for over 11 years, contrasting with gradual national improvement.
Challenges identified include preventable infant deaths due to congenital anomalies, unsafe sleep conditions, and risk factors like maternal smoking. Additionally, it was found that 58.7% of pregnancy-related deaths occurred between 43 days and one year postpartum. The report acknowledges disparities experienced by American Indian mothers and infants regarding mortality rates, underscoring the need for culturally informed support and prevention efforts.
The 2025 Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment emphasizes that 56.1% of South Dakota counties are considered maternity care deserts—the second-highest rate in the nation, with North Dakota following. The national average stands at 32.6%. In response, initiatives have commenced, including the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, recognizing hospitals committed to reducing risks associated with Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB), and SIDS. Currently, six hospitals in South Dakota are certified, with others in the process.
The DOH has announced upcoming funding opportunities through the Rural Health Transformation Project, scheduled for early summer 2026. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access and workforce capacity in rural regions by supporting the introduction of trained doulas and establishing regional hubs to coordinate care among hospitals, clinics, tribal health programs, and community organizations. These efforts are a crucial component of the strategy to improve maternal and child health outcomes across South Dakota.