Witham Health Services Maternity Center was recognized Thursday by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), in partnership with Governor Eric J. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, for their commitment to infant and maternal health at the 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.
Witham Health Services earned a Category of Excellence recognition based on implementing best practices in five key areas, including infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and cessation, perinatal substance use, and obstetric hemorrhage.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our dedicated staff, Witham Health Services Maternity Center has risen to the challenge. We have an amazing team!” said Lynn Schafer, BSN, RN Clinical Director OB Services. “We remain committed to doing our part to create a highly-reliable obstetric care system for moms and babies in Boone and surrounding counties and all across Indiana.”
“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.”
Indiana Hospital Association serves as the professional trade association for more than 170 acute care, critical access, behavioral health, and other specialized hospitals in Indiana.
About Witham
Witham Health Services has served the residents of Boone and surrounding counties for over 105 years.
Witham Health Services is a progressive, modern health care provider. We offer many of the medical services people need throughout their lifetime, right here, close to home. Whatever your health care needs are in the future, you won’t have to travel far for quality care. We have offices in Crawfordsville, Frankfort, Jamestown, Lebanon, Thorntown, Whitestown at Anson and Zionsville.
With our physicians, specialists, and advanced equipment and procedures, you can count on exceptional care in friendly, familiar surroundings with your family and friends nearby. If you’re hospitalized, your treatment will be managed by a physician or specialist you know and trust. Our staff takes pride in providing high quality care with a caring touch.
Witham Health Services is a county owned, nonprofit healthcare organization committed to improving health through excellence and personalized care. We also support the community through sponsorships, donations and partnerships that align with our Mission, Vision and Values.