Indiana’s infant mortality rates are historically high compared to the rest of the U.S. In 2017, Indiana experienced the seventh highest infant mortality rate in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, a report by the Indiana State Department of Health revealed that if Indiana had the same infant mortality rate as the United States, 125 more babies would have survived in 2017.
In response, CareSource teamed with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Nurse-Family Partnership. The program assists first-time mothers with their pregnancies by providing our members with a free, personal nurse that regularly visits, starting early in the pregnancies and continuing through the child’s second birthday. Beyond lowering the infant mortality rate, the program also sets up mothers and their families with the right tools to support long-term self-sufficiency.
The Nurse-Family Partnership has experienced proven results in improving health outcomes such as higher birth rates, improved birth weights, better maternal mental health and more. The Regional Director of the program, Lynn Baldwin, said, “I’m so proud of this program. There are so many great stories. Being able to have an impact on such a large scale is incredible.”
Through this program, CareSource hopes to provide our members with the care they need to deliver healthy babies and create better futures for themselves and their children.
– Steve Smitherman, CareSource Indiana Market President
Blossom entered the world after her mother Catherine endured a staggering 12-day delivery. Thankfully, because Catherine participated in the Nurse-Family Partnership Program, she had one-on-one support throughout her entire pregnancy. Elizabeth, her nurse through the program, was with her every step of the way. Catherine said, “I was new to Indianapolis. I had never had children before. So, it was amazing to have someone to go to with questions and concerns.” Whether answering questions Catherine had or checking her blood pressure, Elizabeth made sure Catherine felt safe and heard. When Catherine endured delivery complications during pregnancy, she had care resources at her disposal. Then, when she needed extra time to heal after delivery, Elizabeth stayed in touch with her to assure that both she and Blossom got off to their best possible start. Elizabeth sees the impact of this program consistently: “All of the nurses in our program are seeing lives change. There are definitely challenges, but I’m proud of the support we’re able to provide and the strength of these mothers.” Now, nearly two years later, after an unimaginably traumatic beginning, both Blossom and Catherine look forward to a promising future together.
