Every September, communities across the country pause to recognize National Infant Mortality Awareness Month (NIMAM). For Pee Dee Healthy Start (PDHS), this month is an opportunity to provide further information about prevention, connect families to support, and remind our community that no parent should navigate a high-risk pregnancy or infant loss alone.
Infant mortality is one of the clearest indicators of a community’s overall health because it reflects a family’s access to prenatal care, housing stability, and chronic stress. Nationally, the infant mortality rate has slowly improved (around 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births). However, the U.S. still trails most developed countries, and outcomes remain uneven across communities.
Day 366
Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before their first birthday. NIMAM was created by the National Healthy Start Association (NHSA) as part of its “Celebrate Day 366… Every Baby Deserves a Chance” campaign.
Day 366- the day after a baby’s first birthday- is a milestone too many families in this country don’t get to celebrate.
The Leading Causes of Infant Mortality
- Preterm birth and low birth weight
- Birth defects
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Maternal pregnancy complications
- Unsafe sleep-related injuries
Most of these causes are influenced by factors before a baby is born, such as access to prenatal care, education, and consistent support throughout pregnancy and the first year of life.
We Support Prevention, Not Just Awareness
Awareness matters, but prevention is where lasting change happens. This is the work Pee Dee Healthy Start has been doing across our region for more than three decades. Our approach to preventing infant mortality includes:
- Connecting families to early prenatal care, so health concerns are caught and managed before they become emergencies
- Education on safe sleep practices, one of the most effective, low-cost ways to reduce SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths
- Case management and home visits, giving pregnant women and new parents a consistent point of contact for questions, resources, and support
- Addressing the conditions around pregnancy, such as transportation, housing, nutrition, and stress that shape birth outcomes as much as clinical care does
- Supporting fathers and families, because infant health outcomes improve when the whole support system is engaged
If You or Someone You Know Is Pregnant or Newly Parenting
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Pee Dee Healthy Start works with families throughout pregnancy and through a baby’s first two years, and our services are free for those who qualify.
If you’re in one of our seven service counties and want support, or you’re not sure if you qualify but want to ask, reach out to our team at 1-800-747-BABY (2229).
2026 National Campaign Resources
The following campaign materials are now available to help raise awareness and educate about infant mortality.
- Work with your local or state leaders on an Infant Mortality Proclamation.
- Access the 2026 National Infant Mortality Awareness Month resources, including the toolkit for ideas on how to educate about infant mortality and hold community events.
Our Everyday Mission
September gives us a moment to spotlight infant mortality, but at PDHS, prevention is the work we do all year. If this month prompts even one family to make a prenatal appointment, learn about safe sleep, or simply ask for help, it’s done its job. Every baby deserves to see Day 366 and beyond.
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Pee Dee Healthy Start, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a 30-year track record of serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties. Founded in 1991 in response to high rates of infant mortality and limited access to maternal healthcare in South Carolina’s Pee Dee region, PDHS continues to work toward healthier outcomes for mothers, babies, and families.
