Local business leader launches ‘120 Lives Project’ to combat infant & maternal mortality in Mississippi
JANS – As Mississippi faces a declared state of emergency tied to rising infant mortality rates and ongoing concerns about maternal health, particularly among women of color, one local business leader is stepping forward with a new twist on a community-centered solution.
Tonya H. Ware, State Director of ReadyNation Mississippi and Executive Pastor of The Church Triumphant Global, recently introduced Bridging the Gap: The 120 Lives Project, a new initiative aimed at reducing preventable infant and maternal deaths by focusing on the most critical period after childbirth: days three, four, and five postpartum, when maternal deaths most often occur.
Inspired by data presented at the Healthy Mississippi Conference, Ware partnered with Magnolia Medical and other maternal health advocates to design a high-impact model that blends medical awareness, community support, and mentorship. The initiative centers on elevated luxury-style community baby showers that offer not only celebration but also masterclasses and essential resources for moms-to-be and their families.
Each event includes gender reveal cupcakes, professional photo shoots, lunch, and access to a diaper and wipes pantry. Participants also receive education on early childhood development, nutrition, mental health, safe sleep practices, doula support, self-advocacy in healthcare settings, and opportunities to join an advocacy council.
A distinctive element of the project is its focus on engaging senior business leaders in the maternal health conversation. Ware emphasizes that maternal and infant health is not only a public health issue, but an economic one, noting that “healthy people build a healthy economy.”
The 120 Lives Project officially launched with the Magical Winter Wonderland Community Baby Shower on Saturday, December 13, in The Venue at Church Triumphant Global.
The initiative aims to follow 60 mothers through their first year postpartum and 60 babies to their first birthday. Organizers hope the effort will serve as a grassroots blueprint for a statewide system of care that ensures mothers not only give birth, but survive, heal, and thrive.
