​​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 first 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.

“Indiana's birthing hospitals are critical partners as we work to drive down infant mortality," Gov. Holcomb said. “Thanks to their efforts, Indiana's infant mortality rate has fallen to the lowest level in state recorded history. Together we will continue this important work to save even more lives and give every Hoosier newborn the best opportunity ahead."

“I am inspired by the work and passion our birthing hospitals bring to make sure all babies born in Indiana have the best start at life," Dr. Box said. “Reducing infant and maternal mortality requires a multi-pronged approach over the course of many years to see impactful change. We're seeing that change happen, but we can't stop now. We must continue to adopt best practices so that we can celebrate more first birthdays in Indiana."​

Box noted that among many successes, Indiana has seen a nearly 30 percent drop in Indiana's black infant mortality rate in just two years.

 “Indiana hospitals are grateful for the leadership of Governor Holcomb and Dr. Box and are thrilled to be a partner in Indiana's successful effort to reduce infant mortality," said IHA President Brian Tabor. “We look forward to building on the progress we've made and achieving Governor Holcomb's goal for Indiana to have the lowest rate of infant mortality in the Midwest by 2024."

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

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