PIERRE, S.D.(KELO)- Taking action to reduce maternal and infant deaths in South Dakota.

The state Health Department has launched a task force in an effort to reverse trends of preventable deaths among mothers and infants.

Katelyn Strasser of the Health Department says nearly two-thirds of sleep-related infants deaths occurred in adult beds.

Strasser says the task force is working on ways to help young mothers to reduce the risks.

The group expects to have a set of recommendations available by September.