Reflecting on Progress and Paving the Way Forward: A Year-End Recap

As we bid farewell to another impactful year at Healthier Moms & Babies, we take a moment to reflect on the strides we've made and the challenges we've faced in our mission to combat maternal and infant mortality. In 2023, our team has been fueled by passion, determination, and a collective commitment to create positive change for mothers and infants in our region.

Celebrating Achievements:

This year, our organization achieved significant milestones that underscore our dedication to improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Through collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, community leaders, advocates, and volunteers, we successfully implemented several programs aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare and mental health support and promoting education and awareness.

One of our proudest achievements was the intentional focus on the Infant Mortality Community Action Network. This network brings together individuals and organizations who support moms, babies, and families to work collaboratively on the recommendations of the Allen County Infant Mortality Report. By emphasizing community representation from past or present program participants and individuals with lived experiences, this initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovative solutions that address the root causes of maternal and infant mortality.

We also launched our Pregnancy and Infant Loss Grief Support Group, facilitated by our team of mental health therapists and nurses trained in Perinatal Mental Health and Bereavement. The group meets the 4th Tuesday of the Month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in our conference room in The Summit Building H. Learn more here.

We continued to expand the reach of The Hopper, our mobile diaper pantry, which provided thousands of diapers to low-income families. In early 2024, we’ll begin asking volunteers to help with Hopper outreach events, which is a great way to give back and support our diaper distribution. We’ve provided over 115,000 diapers at our outreach events alone!

Community Impact:

The heart of our work lies in the communities we serve. Throughout the year, we witnessed the positive impact of our programs on the lives of countless mothers and infants. Whether through increased access to prenatal care, educational workshops, or improved healthcare infrastructure, we are honored to be a catalyst for positive change. This year, we’ve seen over 350 healthy babies born, provided thousands of home visits, and distributed over 300,000 diapers to families in need.

Gratitude for Supporters:

None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your generosity has fueled our mission, enabling us to reach more communities and save more lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each individual and organization that has stood alongside us in our mission.

Looking Ahead:

As we embark on a new year, Healthier Moms & Babies remains steadfast in our commitment to making a lasting impact on maternal and infant health. Our team is eager to tackle new challenges, explore innovative solutions, and expand our reach to even more communities in need. In 2024, we will leverage the lessons learned and experiences gained in the past year. With the support of our dedicated community and partners, we are confident that we can continue to make strides toward a community where maternal and infant mortality are rare occurrences rather than tragic statistics.

We are proud to announce that we will host an Infant and Maternal Mortality Conference on Friday, February 3 at Do It Best’s Don Wolf Conference Center on the Electric Works Campus. Healthcare professionals will come together to address crucial issues impacting infant and maternal mortality, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Lauren Dungy-Poythress, Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. She will share her extensive expertise and insights during this event. For more information, visit: https://www.healthiermomsandbabies.org/conference

There are many opportunities in the New Year to support our mission. Save the date for these upcoming events and opportunities:

June- Community-wide Diaper Drive

September 7- The Diaper Dash at the Parkview YMCA

November 1- Fighting for Firsts Celebration at the Mirro Center

As we bid farewell to 2023, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in our journey. Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to strive for a future where every mother and infant can thrive. Here's to a new year filled with hope, progress, and the collective determination to build a healthier world for all.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a bright start to 2024.