Infant Mortality Awareness

Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of September 14-20, 2025 as: Infant Mortality Awareness Week.

Proclamation

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

WHEREAS: On average, 320 infants die in Minnesota every year; and

WHEREAS:  Minnesota’s overall infant mortality rate  of 4.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023 is lower than the national average. However, the death of any infant is one too many; and

WHEREAS: All babies born in Minnesota deserve a healthy start and opportunities to survive, thrive, and develop to their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS: Infant mortality is a complex societal problem that requires a response across many sectors and disciplines. Maternal health and wellbeing before, during, and after pregnancy, is impacted by housing and job insecurity, environmental toxins, lack of social support and community connections, and a lack of access to health care; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of September 14-20, 2025 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 14th day of August.