Infant Mortality Awareness

Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of September 13-19, 2026 as: Infant Mortality Awareness Week. 
 

Proclamation

WHEREAS: Infant mortality is the death of an infant in the first year of life, and the infant mortality rate – the number of infant deaths per 1,000 babies born alive – is an important measure of the health and well-being of a population; and  

WHEREAS: Infant mortality does not affect all communities equally, with Black and Indigenous infants experiencing disproportionately higher rates of infant mortality than their white counterparts, reflecting persistent and systemic disparities in maternal and child health; and  

WHEREAS: The five leading causes of infant death are birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, maternal pregnancy complications, and injuries; and

WHEREAS: Infant mortality is a complex societal problem that requires a response across many sectors and disciplines. Leading with a commitment to making Minnesota the best state in the country for children and families, the Walz-Flanagan Administration lowered costs, expanded healthcare access, and restructured state support for children and families, addressing the key indicators of maternal and child health and well-being; and  

WHEREAS: With a focus on the social determinants of health, the administration has overseen the expansion of affordable housing and housing assistance, new worker protections for nursing mothers, paid leave and sick time, and community supports including food and cash assistance, ensuring children have a healthy start, and families have resources necessary to thrive; and  

WHEREAS: The administration also oversaw the creation of the Department of Children, Youth and Families, elevated the Children’s Cabinet, the Office of American Indian health and Tribal Relations, and the Office of African American Health, taking major steps to address the root causes of health disparities that disproportionately impact the populations with the highest levels of infant mortality; and  

WHEREAS: Minnesota remains committed to improving the health and well-being of women, infants, children and families to ensure all babies can celebrate their first birthdays; and  

WHEREAS: Infant Mortality Week provides the opportunity for individuals, organizations, government entities, health care facilities, community groups, and coalitions to promote awareness a about infant mortality and support healthier outcomes for all families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of September 13-19, 2026 as:

Infant Mortality Awareness Week in the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 13th day of September.