The state of South Dakota's child: 1990

For the first time since 1970 the birth rate in South Dakota (15.7) has dropped to a rate level lower than that of the nation (15.9). The continuing decline in the number of total births in South Dakota makes it all the more important to be cautious as annual South Dakota data are examined. Five year (1984-1988) mean neonatal mortality data show that its rate for both the white and the nonwhite populations in South Dakota are lower than those of the nation. Alternately, the five year mean post neonatal mortality rate for whites is slightly above the national rate and for nonwhites it is substantially higher than the national rate. This paper concludes with a discussion of approaches currently being pursued in the state to improve the health and well being of Native American children.