IU Health banks $2.5M grant to expand reach, hire workers
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IU Health is using a new $2.5 million state grant to hire more workers aimed at reducing infant mortality and addressing longstanding health disparities.
The Indiana Department of Health provided the grant to Indiana University Health Foundation and IU Health Community Health so the institutions can hire more community health workers for an expansion of its Indiana WeCare program and iHEART collaborative.
The WeCare program assists pregnant people toward a safe delivery and pregnancy in order to reduce infant mortality rates. IU Health said in a news release about 35% of those delivering babies are eligible for the program because they are at high risk or need. iHEART organizes resources to reduce inequities that relate to heart disease and cardiovascular health.
“Community Health Workers are at the heart of why the WeCare and iHEART programs have shown such promising results,” said Nichole Wilson, IU Health’s vice president of community health. “CHWs connect residents to resources and knowledge helpful for managing and preventing diabetes, managing cardiovascular disease, hypertension and supporting high-risk pregnant women and new moms.”
The goal, IU Health said, is for these workers to reside in the communities they serve and bridge health care gaps by breaking down social deterrents to care and directing patients to resources.
Specifically, communities in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Madison, Marion and Tipton counties will see new staff to deal with health inequities. The hospital system said it plans to expand further in the state.