INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), in partnership with Governor Eric J. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, recognized Indiana birthing hospitals today for their commitment to infant and maternal health at IHA’s third annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program.

 INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best-practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hospitals for excellence in addressing key drivers of infant and maternal health.

“Infant and maternal mortality are at the top of all of our priority lists,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The work of our delivering hospitals makes a huge difference in the lives of mothers and infants in every corner of the state. Together we will continue this important work to save even more lives and give every Hoosier newborn the best opportunity ahead.”

“Indiana birthing hospitals continue to be incredible partners in the state’s efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through both innovation and a commitment to continuous quality improvement,” said Dr. Box. “I am grateful for the work of our health care providers across the state who work tirelessly to ensure that mothers and babies are connected to the right care at the right time.”

Seventy-two hospitals earned either an INspire Hospital of Distinction or Category of Excellence recognition based on their performance in six key areas, including infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and cessation, perinatal substance use, obstetric hemorrhage, and maternal hypertension. A list of award recipients and their recognition can be found here.

“Our members’ dedication to quality improvement in maternal and child health is truly inspirational,” said Brittany Waggoner, IHA Maternal and Infant Quality Improvement Advisor. “Despite the challenges our Indiana delivering facilities are facing today, they remain committed to creating a highly-reliable obstetric care system for moms and babies across Indiana.”