Mississippi News
Mississippi remains deadliest state for babies
Mississippi remains deadliest state for babies, CDC data shows
Mississippi babies are likelier to die before their first birthday than infants anywhere else in the country, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday.
The state had an infant mortality rate of 8.12 per 1,000 live births, well above the national average of 5.42 in 2020, the most recent year for which the national data is available. Louisiana, second from the bottom, saw 7.59 deaths for every 1,000 live births.
Mississippi has had the country's highest infant mortality rate for years. In 2019, the state topped the list with a rate of 8.71.
Black babies are twice as likely to die as their white counterparts in Mississippi. In 2020, the infant mortality rate among white infants was 5.7, compared to 11.8 among Back infants, according to health department figures. In 2019, 322 babies died before their first birthday in the state. Nearly 60%, or 185, were Black, though Black infants accounted for just 43% of births.
Nationally, the leading cause of infant mortality is birth defects. But in Mississippi, premature birth and pregnancy or delivery complications as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are the leading causes. Mississippi has the country's highest rate of premature birth, which is linked to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes among mothers.
The infant mortality rate is one of the many health indicators in which Mississippi “is not just 50th” but “50th by a mile,” as state health officer Dr. Daniel Edney put it during the first hearing held by the Senate Study Group on Women, Children and Families on Tuesday.
The group, which was created by Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, heard speaker after speaker indicate that the state is not prepared for the additional high-risk pregnancies that will occur in the wake of Mississippi's abortion ban.
The health department estimates the state will see an additional 5,000 births every year.
The Senate commission hearing, chaired by Sen. Nicole Boyd, R-Oxford, made clear that extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months will be a priority for the Senate in the next session. But the legislation likely faces an uphill battle in the House, where Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, killed the measure last year, claiming it would expand Medicaid– though it would not make more people eligible for the program.
And while experts say extending Medicaid coverage after birth would help reduce maternal mortality and improve infant health as well, it would not help ensure women are healthy when they become pregnant. The Senate commission heard data indicating that one in six women of childbearing age are uninsured, making it hard for them to get care to manage conditions like hypertension that increase the risk of poor birth outcomes.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors
SUMMARY: The MHSAA announced the annual Miss Softball winners, with three recipients coming from Northeast Mississippi who are currently competing for a state championship. In the 3A category, Mantachie's Ramsey Montgomery won the award with impressive batting and pitching statistics. Lucy Cochran from East Union won the 2A award for the second consecutive season, showcasing exceptional pitching and hitting skills. Emma Mayer from Myrtle was recognized in the 1A category for her outstanding hitting performance this season. All three players have excelled in their respective categories and are contributing significantly to their teams' success in the playoffs.
The post Three Northeast Mississippi players receive MHSAA Miss Softball honors appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: An increase in humidity is expected in Columbus, Mississippi over the next couple of days, with storm chances likely on Wednesday night. Tuesday will be warm and breezy with a few showers and storms possible in the afternoon, some of which may become locally strong. Wednesday will see the potential for widespread showers and storms in the evening as a strong cold front moves through, with the possibility of severe weather. However, nicer weather is expected for the weekend with gradual clearing on Friday and drier conditions on Saturday, although isolated showers may return on Sunday into Monday.
The post Humid next few days with storm potential at times – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
JSU welcomes new Women’s Basketball coach
SUMMARY: Margaret Richards has been named the new head coach for the Jackson State Women's Basketball team, marking a new era for the Lady Tigers. Richards previously coached at Alabama A&M for eight years before joining Mercer's staff. She is excited for the new challenge and looks forward to meeting alumni and continuing the team's tradition and history. Richards replaced Tomekia Reed, who left to become the head coach for the Charlotte 49ers. She is eager to hit the ground running and build upon the success of the team.
The post JSU welcomes new Women's Basketball coach appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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