Indiana

Indiana offers several state-sponsored programs to support maternal, infant, and child health. Here are some key initiatives:

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division

The Indiana Department of Health's MCH Division focuses on improving the health of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents. They provide resources, education, and support services to promote healthy pregnancies and child development.

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program

MIECHV offers voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant women and families with young children. The program aims to promote healthy family environments and child development.

Indianapolis Healthy Start (IHS)
IHS provides education, referrals, and support services to pregnant women and their families in Marion County. The goal is to eliminate disparities in birth outcomes and infant survival rates through case management, health education, and outreach.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
The Indiana WIC Program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and assistance in accessing healthy foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

Mothers on the Rise (MOR)
MOR serves mother-baby pairs transitioning from the Indiana Women’s Prison Leath Unit to their home community, helping mothers navigate their community and build capacity to flourish.

Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
CSHCS assists families in obtaining medical care for children with serious, chronic medical conditions by providing financial assistance and care coordination.

Healthy Families Indiana
This voluntary home visitation program is designed to promote healthy families and children through services, including child development support, access to health care, and parent education.

My Healthy Baby Program
Launched statewide, this program connects pregnant women to early prenatal care and support services in their communities, aiming to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Housing Equity for Infant Health Initiative

This initiative addresses inequitable access to safe and affordable housing in Indiana, recognizing the impact of housing on infant health.
Indiana offers several state-sponsored programs to support maternal, infant, and child health. Here are some key initiatives:

1. Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Indiana provides health coverage to pregnant women through two primary Medicaid programs

• Hoosier Healthwise: Designed for low-income pregnant women and children, offering comprehensive medical care during pregnancy and postpartum.

• Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP): Covers low-income adults, including pregnant women, providing essential health benefits.

Eligibility is based on income and residency status.

1. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

The Indiana WIC Program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and assistance in accessing healthy foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. Benefits include healthy foods, personalized nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare services.
Eligibility: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and reside in Indiana; U.S. citizenship is not required.
How to Apply: Schedule an appointment at a local WIC office. Learn more

1. Breastfeeding Support Programs

Indiana supports breastfeeding through various initiatives

• Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition: Works to promote, support, and protect breastfeeding as the optimal first food for infants. Learn more

• IU Health Breastfeeding Support: Provides resources and support to help mothers with breastfeeding. Learn more

1. Indian Health Service (IHS) Maternal and Child Health Program

The IHS Maternal and Child Health program aims to increase access to safe, quality care for American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant women and children. It provides resources and clinical guidelines to support maternal and child health.

1. Indiana Home Visiting Programs

Indiana offers several home visiting programs to support families

a. Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
NFP pairs first-time mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance on maternal health, child development, and parenting skills. The program aims to improve pregnancy outcomes, child health, and economic self-sufficiency. Learn more

b. Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program
MIECHV offers voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant women and families with young children. The program aims to promote healthy family environments and child development. In Indiana, models such as Healthy Families America (HFA) and NFP are utilized.

c. Healthy Families Indiana
This voluntary home visitation program is designed to promote healthy families and children through services, including child development support, access to health care, and parent education.

1. Mothers on the Rise (MOR)

MOR serves mother-baby pairs transitioning from the Indiana Women’s Prison Leath Unit to their home community, helping mothers navigate their community and build capacity to flourish.

1. Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)

CSHCS assists families in obtaining medical care for children with serious, chronic medical conditions by providing financial assistance and care coordination.

1. My Healthy Baby Program

Launched statewide, this program connects pregnant women to early prenatal care and support services in their communities, aiming to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. These providers offer free, personalized guidance during pregnancy and for at least the first 12 months after the baby's birth.

1. Indianapolis Healthy Start (IHS)

IHS provides education, referrals, and support services to pregnant women and their families in Marion County. The goal is to eliminate disparities in birth outcomes and infant survival rates through case management, health education, and outreach.