Regional Infant and Child Mortality Review Committee 2014 Final Report

The Regional Infant and Child Mortality Review Committee serves 10 counties in southeastern South Dakota with the aim of using its reviews to prevent future loss of life during childhood. In 2014, the committee reviewed 25 deaths. Consistent with observations made in previous years, in 2014 all infants who died during sleep did so with risks present in the sleep environment. Concern persists about progress in decreasing these infant deaths during sleep in the region. The two teen suicides in 2014 marked a decrease in the number observed in 2013, but represent an ongoing concern. Four deaths involved auto crashes with three of these involving a teen driver. A child homicide did not occur in the region in 2014. The report provides the committee's recommendations for community action that could prevent future deaths of infants and children.