Using Data to Lower Indiana Infant Mortality Rate

(image courtesy public domain pics by Pixabay)

A nonprofit group that uses medical data and technology to improve healthcare outcomes is targeting the Indiana’s high infant mortality rate. The state chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society is hosting a competition intended to uncover ways to improve health outcomes for Indiana mothers and infants.

According to 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indiana has the seventh-highest infant mortality rate in the country at 7.3 percent. per 1,000 births. The national average is 5.8 percent. The CDC says the state of Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate at 9.08 percent per 1,000 live births.

HIMMS is hosting the Healthy Mom + Baby Datapalooza, a competition to create data analysis that will help steer policies and initiatives for Governor Eric Holcomb’s OB Navigator program. Holcomb signed legislation to create the program. The goal is to create a tangible network of services to help mothers and babies stay healthy.

“The opportunity to support Governor Holcomb’s goal to achieve the lowest infant mortality rate among Midwestern states by 2024 is compelling,” said Ethel Massing, president of Indiana HIMSS.

HIMMS hopes by convening researchers, health care professionals and entrepreneurs from across the state, the competition will drive exploration to lower the infant mortality numbers.

“The unique insight gained from the Healthy Mom + Baby Datapalooza will benefit the OB Navigator program and I look forward to the event,” Indiana Health Commissioner Kris Box, MD.

The top ten finalists will present their solutions before a panel of judges in October at Parkview Education Center in Fort Wayne. HIMMS says more than $3,000 will be awarded as cash prizes to the top two finishers.

To learn more about the competition click here.