INDIANAPOLIS — An interim public health committee will issue recommendations in mid-October for the Indiana General Assembly to improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and babies. The proposals are expected to focus on increasing access to postpartum checkups and mental health screenings.
The CDC notes that most infant and maternal deaths are preventable, yet over 40% of women miss their postpartum visits.
“What does having transportation partners look like? I think that could be of tremendous value here in Indiana,” said State Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis). “The State of Indiana, we have some of the highest numbers of women on Medicaid here…some women are going back to work, we’ve heard, as early as 10 days.”
Indiana, historically among the states with the highest infant and maternal mortality rates, recorded its lowest number of infant deaths last year, according to the Indiana Department of Health. However, this milestone came after lawmakers cut historic public health funding, which Sen. Jackson says had a major impact on the downward trend.
“I’m hopeful that this committee can make a strong case to reinstitute that funding,” she said.
Previously, the Health First Indiana program distributed $225 million to counties to address local public health needs. In the current budget cycle, counties will receive only $80 million.
“We need to keep in mind the fiscal situation that we’re in right now,” said State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso), committee chair.
“All of the local health departments across the State of Indiana have faced a cut within their budgets,” said Shelby Jackson, a public health educator with the Vigo County Health Department. She stressed that consistent funding is essential to reduce maternal and infant mortality long-term.
“It’s a significant challenge to effectively move the needle to a healthier infant and maternal population within one year of implementation for our local health department,” Jackson added.
Gov. Mike Braun has previously said he would consider restoring Health First Indiana funding to prior levels.
“We may be pouring more resources into it if we can get a good ROI on doing it,” Gov. Braun said in April.
The interim public health committee is expected to release its final recommendations on Oct. 15.
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