Indiana’s infant mortality rate has improved. Will it hold with health cuts? – Mirror Indy

Indiana’s Progress and Challenges in Maternal and Infant Health

Introduction

Lisa Diamond, a Community Health Liaison and Lactation Counselor with the Minority Health Coalition of Marion County, is actively engaged in supporting Indianapolis mothers and infants through breastfeeding education and resource connection. Despite Indiana achieving its lowest infant mortality rate in history, concerns remain regarding funding cuts that threaten ongoing progress.

Funding Cuts and Their Impact

Indiana lawmakers have reduced the Health First Indiana program funding by over 70% amid a $2 billion budget deficit. This program had previously invested millions into local public health departments to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Governor Mike Braun approved these cuts but indicated potential future reinvestment without committing to restoration.

• Health First Indiana previously allocated $225 million over two years to local health departments.
• Recent legislative cuts reduced this to $40 million annually for all 92 county health departments.
• Concerns exist that these reductions will reverse gains made in maternal and infant health.

Governor’s Health Initiatives and Public Response

Governor Braun has prioritized making healthcare more affordable and improving nutrition to reduce chronic diseases, which are linked to poor maternal outcomes. His administration has implemented measures such as banning food assistance purchases of soda and candy and addressing Medicaid program inefficiencies.

However, health advocates express skepticism regarding the sustainability of these initiatives given the funding cuts and lack of firm commitments to restore public health investments.

Significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Indiana’s efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health align directly with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The Health First Indiana program contributed to:

1. Reducing infant mortality rates to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 births in 2024.
2. Addressing maternal risk factors such as smoking and hypertension during pregnancy.
3. Enhancing access to public health services and education.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Persistent racial disparities remain a critical challenge, with Black infants more than twice as likely to die compared to white infants in Indiana. Efforts by organizations like the Minority Health Coalition focus on reducing these inequalities by providing targeted support and resources to marginalized communities.

SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Proposals to restrict Medicaid funding and cut public health programs risk undermining social protection systems that support vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and infants. Maintaining and expanding access to healthcare and nutrition assistance is essential to achieving these SDGs.

Key Challenges and Recommendations

Challenges

• Severe budget cuts to public health programs threaten to reverse progress in maternal and infant health.
• Ongoing racial disparities in infant mortality rates persist.
• Uncertainty regarding future funding commitments from state leadership.
• Potential federal Medicaid funding reductions could exacerbate state-level challenges.

Recommendations

1. Restore and increase funding for public health initiatives such as Health First Indiana to sustain and build upon recent improvements.
2. Implement targeted interventions to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
3. Strengthen partnerships between state agencies, local health departments, and community organizations to optimize resource use.
4. Advocate for federal support to maintain Medicaid coverage for maternal and child health services.

Conclusion

Indiana’s recent achievements in reducing infant mortality demonstrate the positive impact of coordinated public health efforts, consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding funding stability and health equity. Continued investment and commitment are essential to ensure that all mothers and infants in Indiana have the opportunity to thrive.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on maternal and infant health, infant mortality rates, and public health funding, which are core aspects of SDG 3.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights health disparities affecting minority populations, particularly Black infants, indicating a connection to reducing inequalities.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • References to food assistance programs and nutrition initiatives relate to SDG 2, which includes ending hunger and improving nutrition.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Discussions on Medicaid funding and support for low-income families link to SDG 1, which aims to end poverty and provide social protection.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.1: Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio.
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment (related to chronic disease control mentioned).
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health services (implied by Medicaid discussions).
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race or ethnicity (addressing racial disparities in infant mortality).
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on nutrition and food assistance programs (related to food assistance and nutrition improvements).
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including vulnerable populations (linked to Medicaid and public health funding).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Infant Mortality Rate
   • The article states Indiana’s infant mortality rate dropped to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 births, a key indicator for SDG 3.2.
2. Maternal Mortality and Health Outcomes
   • References to maternal health outcomes and chronic disease prevalence (e.g., hypertension, smoking during pregnancy) imply indicators related to maternal mortality and morbidity.
3. Health Disparities by Race
   • Disparities in infant mortality rates between Black and white infants suggest use of disaggregated data by ethnicity as an indicator under SDG 10.2.
4. Public Health Funding Levels
   • Funding amounts for Health First Indiana and Medicaid coverage percentages (41% of births covered by Medicaid) serve as indicators of resource allocation and social protection under SDG 1.3 and 3.8.
5. Nutrition and Chronic Disease Indicators
   • Data on maternal smoking and hypertension during pregnancy relate to indicators of risk factors for maternal and infant health.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mirrorindy.org