South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan to Improve Outcomes for Mothers and Babies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, [email protected]

South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan to Improve Outcomes for Mothers and Babies

PIERRE, S.D. - Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) and the South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force announced the release of a new five-year strategic plan (2026-2030) aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and infants across the state.

"Our goal is simple but powerful: a future where every mother and infant in South Dakota thrives," said Secretary Melissa Magstadt. "This strategic plan combines data, collaboration, and targeted investments so we can strengthen care before, during, and after pregnancy while supporting families across our communities."

The South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force was established one year ago and brings together partners across healthcare, public health, tribal communities, and social services to address maternal and infant health challenges statewide.

The task force is guided by a community-centered approach, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative partnerships among more than 60 members working together to improve outcomes for families in South Dakota.

Strategic Priorities to Improve Care
The strategic plan focuses on three priority areas designed to improve outcomes for mothers and infants:

• Postpartum care to improve maternal health;
• Safe sleep education and prevention strategies to protect infants; and
• Systems of care that improve access, coordination, and quality of care statewide.

These priorities include goals such as increasing postpartum care visits, strengthening safe sleep education and crib distribution, improving access to prenatal care, and strengthening coordination between healthcare providers and social services.

Data Informing the Plan
The strategic plan is informed by findings from the newly released 10-year review of pregnancy-associated and infant deaths in South Dakota (2015-2024). The report provides important insight into trends affecting maternal and infant health in the state and helps guide the task force's priority strategies and prevention efforts.

Key findings from the report include:

• Pregnancy-associated death rates decreased from 2022 to 2024, while infant death rates remain elevated;
• Most pregnancy-associated deaths occurred between 43 days and one year after pregnancy (58.7%), highlighting the importance of care and support during the postpartum period and beyond; and
• American Indian mothers and infants continue to experience higher rates of infant and pregnancy-associated mortality, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and support.

Initiatives Already Underway
Several initiatives aligned with the strategic plan are already underway across South Dakota.

These include a pilot program using the Canopie app to support mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and Safe Sleep Ambassador training for healthcare providers and community partners across the state.

South Dakota also distributes approximately 1,000 safe sleep kits or cribs each year through public health offices and partners to help reduce sleep-related infant deaths.

Connecting the Plan to Rural Health Transformation
Several initiatives within the strategic plan are also supported through the Rural Health Transformation Project, a statewide effort to strengthen healthcare access and workforce capacity in rural communities.

One major effort is the development of Regional Maternal and Infant Health Hubs, which will create a hub-and-spoke network connecting hospitals, clinics, tribal health services, and community organizations. These hubs will improve care coordination, strengthen referral pathways, and expand access to services for families in rural and tribal communities.

Funding opportunities connected to this effort will support initiatives such as doula workforce advancement, improved maternal health workforce training, and new service delivery models designed to better support families during pregnancy and the first year of a child's life.

Learn More
The South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force Strategic Plan (2026-2030) and additional resources are available on the DOH website.

At the heart of the Department of Health's mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.

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