STATEHOUSE (July 7, 2020) – To help lower Indiana's high maternal and infant mortality rates, State Reps. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) and Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) said there are new resources available for Hoosier moms and their newborns.
With the seventh-highest infant mortality rate in the nation, more than 600 Hoosier babies died before their first birthday in 2017, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Indiana also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates. Lindauer, vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, said engaging more at-risk expectant mothers in early prenatal care is key to lowering these numbers.
"Starting a family is one of the greatest joys in the world," Lindauer said. "Unfortunately, too many mothers don't have access to the necessary medical care during their pregnancy or after the child is born. Resources like the MOMS Helpline are available for expectant mothers to keep them and their babies healthy."
According to Lindauer, the recently launched Maternal and Child Health MOMS Helpline connects pregnant women to early and regular prenatal care, along with a network of prenatal and child health care services within their local communities and throughout the state. Women in need can visit in.gov/isdh and click on "MOMS Helpline," or call 1-844-MCH-MOMS (1-844-624-6667) for resources.
Bartels said the MOMS Helpline is just one of several tools Indiana offers to support expectant and new mothers. The perinatal navigator pilot program, established in 2019 through a law both Bartels and Lindauer supported, connects expectant mothers to prenatal care, and provides referrals for wrap-around services and home-visit programs in Indiana's highest-risk counties. He said more than 12 programs are already operating, including Dubois County's, which launched in May.
With many Hoosier babies born addicted to drugs, and to help expectant mothers receive referrals to treatment programs early, they can also be screened for substance abuse. Bartels said women are often more motivated to seek addiction help when they become pregnant.
"The MOMS Helpline is there to help ensure both mom and baby are healthy during a pregnancy and after birth," Bartels said. "By connecting mothers to these resources, Indiana could see a decline in the number of children born addicted to drugs or alcohol, so they, too, can live healthy lives."
Visit in.gov/isdh for more resources and information on Indiana's efforts to support Hoosier moms and babies.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R- Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes portions of Daviess, Dubois, Pike and Martin counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
