Indiana's infant mortality rate continues to rise and is linked to substance use disorders.

State health commissioner says the opioid epidemic is "a contributing factor" to Indiana's infant mortality rate, which is among the worst in the nation.

It's sometimes difficult for families to afford cribs or other sleep accommodations for infants. A situation that can result in sleep-related deaths for newborns.

In, 2014, the state's infant mortality rate was seven per every 1,000 births, compared with the national average of 5.8.

New mothers at IU Health hospitals will be given a sleep sack in an effort to help reduce the state's high infant mortality rate.

In 2014, 14.7 babies per every 1,000 born to black mothers died before their first birthday. The state's total infant mortality rate was a little over 7 per every 1,000.