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Sustained Effort Needed to Reduce Infant Mortality

South Dakota’s infant mortality rate increased in 2017, according to new data released today by the Department of Health. There were 12,128 births in 2017 and 94 infant deaths for a rate of 7.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.

WIC Program Announces New 2018 Income Guidelines

The South Dakota Department of Health has released new income guidelines for the WIC Program effective June 1, 2018.

CDC Names Mitchell Doctor Childhood Immunization Champion

Dr. Christine Arnold, a pediatrician at Sanford Health in Mitchell, has been named a Childhood Immunization Champion by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to promote immunization among children in their communities.

Health Department Urges Vaccination As Flu Activity Increases

People should not delay getting a flu shot now that flu activity is increasing in South Dakota. So far this season, South Dakota has reported 146 laboratory-confirmed cases and 26 flu-related hospitalizations. The best way to prevent getting sick with influenza is to receive a dose of influenza vaccine.

South Dakota Observes World Breastfeeding Week (2017)

Aug. 1-7 South Dakota joins the rest of the nation and countries around the globe in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2017. The theme of this 25th annual observance is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together” to focus on working together to encourage, protect and support breastfeeding.

Minnesota Measles Outbreak Continues, Keep Immunizations Current

As a Minnesota measles outbreak nears 50 cases, a South Dakota health official urges state residents to make sure their immunizations are up to date.