Good Samaritan was recognized today 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.
Good Samaritan earned
INspire Hospital of Distinction 2020 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.
“The INspire designation is validation that Good Samaritan is taking
the correct steps towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in our
surrounding areas,” states Margaret Suozzi, MSN, RN, Director of
Women’s & Children’s Health. Rachel Spalding, DNP, RN,
NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, echoes Margaret’s statement, “Obtaining
this designation is more evidence that exceptional patient care is our
primary focus.”
“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.