New Law Aims To Help More Hoosier Babies Reach First Birthday

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed the perinatal care bill into law Wednesday.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A new Indiana law could help reduce the state’s high infant mortality rate.

“There are few — if any — things more important than protecting Hoosier babies and improving the lives and health of their mothers,” Governor Eric Holcomb said Wednesday.

The new law, House Enrolled Act 1007, signed by Holcomb puts two new initiatives in place. One is to create a navigator program to guide high-risk pregnant women.

Another program will verbally screen all expecting mothers for substance use disorders so they can be connected to treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Indiana had the seventh-highest infant mortality rate in the nation at 7.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017. That amounts to about 600 children before their first birthday.

The governor wants Indiana to have the lowest infant mortality rate in the Midwest by 2024.

“Today we’re putting new tools in place to make sure more babies reach their first birthdays and more moms get connected to the treatment they need,” said Holcomb.

HEA 1007 had passed the Indiana House and Senate with unanimous support during the 2019 legislative session.

RELATED STORIES:

Newly Upgraded WIC Clinic Will Help Serve SEI Moms And Babies

More from Local News


Events

Brush Fork Road to Close for Bridge Replacement

The project is slated to start March 24.

Special Olympics to Host Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

The event is set for April 13 at South Ripley Elementary School.

Rolling Roadblocks Scheduled for Pothole Patching on Various Road in Boone Co.

Crews will be pothole patching on Aero Parkway (KY 1017), KY 237, I-275 and I-75.

Bill Brinkman to Receive Outstanding Official Award

Brinkman is in his 35th year as an official.

Seven Earn Academic All-State Honors from ICGSA

To be eligible, student-athletes have to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Craig, Henry Named to HBCA East All-Star Team

Two Ohio River Valley Conference stars will team at the HBCA East/West All-Star Classic. 

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Conway Twitty - Tight-Fitting Jeans

Brad Paisley River Bank 23:49
George Strait Easy Come, Easy Go 23:44
Alabama 40-Hour Week - Eagle 23:40
Terri Clark When Boy Meets Girl 23:37