Newborn and Child Resources
Resources for Hearing Screening
Follow these guidelines for proper infant hearing screening and download materials.
Resources for Blood Screening
Learn about collecting newborn blood spot specimens, ordering supplies, and more.
Newborn Screening Advisory Committee
Stay up to date on the latest meetings and guidance from the advisory committee.
Newborn Screening Updates
Newborn screening updates and news. Including additions to the blood spot and hearing screenings.
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Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of many emotions — from excitement to apprehension. Ask questions and learn more about how to take care of yourself and your baby.
Infant Health
Learn about services such as newborn metabolic screening, safe sleep, newborn hearing screening and the Pregnancy Care Program.
Children’s Health
Find trusted resources on childhood development milestones, vaccines to keep your child healthy, oral health, nutrition, special needs, mental health, and more.
MCH Services
The first 1000 days of life (from conception to the 24-month age) are the most significant 1000 days in one’s whole life.
News
South Dakota Maternal and Infant Health Task Force Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan to Improve Outcomes for Mothers and Babies
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.
South Dakota Department of Health Announces Completion of Statewide Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment
The South Dakota Department of Health Office of Lifespan Health has completed a comprehensive, year-long statewide needs assessment aimed at improving the health and well-being of South Dakota’s mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHN).
Bright Start Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting South Dakota Moms and Babies
The South Dakota Department of Health is proud to announce the 25th anniversary of Bright Start, a statewide home visiting program that has supported thousands of new and expecting mothers since its launch in 1999.
WIC Program Announces New Income Guidelines, 2025
The Department of Health has released new income guidelines for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program effective July 1, 2025.
Data & Reports
Safe Sleep By the Numbers Infographic
Unsafe sleep remains a leading cause of preventable infant death in South Dakota, with an average of 19 infants lost each year, and most deaths occurring in unsafe environments despite being preventable. This resource highlights key data and outlines 12 clear steps caregivers can follow during the first year of life to reduce risk and keep babies safe while sleeping.
PRAMS Summary Report, 2019-2023
The 2023 PRAMS survey gave South Dakota women an opportunity to share their experiences as part of an effort to improve the health of mothers, babies, and families in South Dakota. The data presented support the efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health.
Pregnancy-Associated and Infant Deaths in South Dakota, 2015-2024
The following report describes the characteristics of mothers who died during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy, as well as infants who died before their first birthday, in South Dakota from 2015–2024. Throughout this report, we refer to these losses as pregnancy-associated deaths and infant deaths. There were 787 infant deaths during those 10 years, and 75 pregnancy-associated deaths.
Healthy Relationships Cross-Program Evaluation Report, July 2024-June 2025
The following evaluation report is intended to inform SD DOH Healthy Relationships leadership on the activities and outcomes of Healthy Relationships programming for the contract year. The report also includes relevant state and county data to assist the decision-making processes for future Healthy Relationships programming.