Through our maternal health initiative, IMPACT Mississippi, we are working to create a healthier future for women and families across the state. IMPACT Mississippi is a holistic initiative focused on improving maternal health outcomes by addressing critical issues such as postpartum care, infant and maternal mortality, and reproductive health.
Mississippi’s infant mortality rate has risen over the past decade, with 316 babies dying before their first birthday in 2022 alone, according to the March of Dimes 2024 Report Card. Chronic health conditions, combined with social determinants of health like poverty, limited access to care, and systemic inequities, place a disproportionate burden on Black women in Mississippi. These realities demand urgent, coordinated action to ensure every woman can experience pregnancy and birth safely.
Our mission is to safeguard and promote women’s health by ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders, IMPACT Mississippi is committed to building a healthier and more equitable future for all women in Mississippi. We believe that by working together to dismantle barriers and address the root causes of health disparities, we can create lasting change that improves the lives of women and their families for generations to come.
Our key priorities include:
- Expanding access to quality postpartum care: Advocating for comprehensive health coverage through Medicaid and addressing barriers that hinder access to essential postpartum services.
- Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates: Implementing targeted strategies to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- Enhancing women’s reproductive health: Promoting preventive care, early detection, and treatment for conditions such as breast and cervical cancer.
- Combating the spread of STDs and HIV: Advancing prevention, education, stigma reduction, and treatment initiatives to protect women’s health.
Resources
- Mississippi Women of Reproductive Age Face Many Barriers to Good Health
- MSDH Public Health Declares Public Health Emergency on Infant Mortality
Blog Posts
Introducing IMPACT Mississippi and Maternal Health Blog Series | Mississippi Center for Justice
Beyond the First 60 Days: Closing the Gap in Postpartum Care Access | Mississippi Center for Justice