A South Dakota task force reports that progress has been made in carrying out a program aimed at reducing the number of infants who die each year.
First lady Linda Daugaard, who chaired the task force, says it will take a sustained effort over time to reduce South Dakota's infant mortality rate. But she says members of the task force are committed to programs that will reduce that mortality rate.
The first annual report issued by the task force says progress has been made in promoting safe sleep practices for infants and making sure pregnant women get medical care.
About 80 South Dakota infants die each year before their first birthdays. The state's infant mortality rate is higher than the national rate and higher than in some neighboring states.
