Rep. Ross Deal encourages public to attend Wednesday meeting on early motherhood support

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Ross Deal (D-Mishawaka) is encouraging the public to attend an Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) community engagement meeting on Wednesday (November 6) in St. Joseph County to raise awareness for services that will become available in 2020 to mothers covered by Medicaid.

This free event will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, 5215 Holy Cross Parkway, Mishawaka.

This year, House Enrolled Act 1007 became law, assigning ISDH the duty of creating the OB Navigator Program. Its purpose is to provide one-on-one guidance to mothers during their pregnancy until the first six to 12 months of their baby’s life. The program is designed to assist mothers covered by Medicaid in Indiana’s highest-risk areas.

At the community engagement meeting, Rep. Deal said an overview of the program will be provided, as well as county level data on infant mortality. There will be a chance to ask questions and engage in a group conversation with representatives from community health organizations. The goal is to receive feedback from the community and various stakeholders so the program can best serve the needs of those affected.

“Indiana has the 7th worst infant mortality rate in the nation and it is vital that we take advantage of these life-saving resources,” Rep. Deal says. “By providing personal care to those who need it most, the OB Navigator Program offers a brighter future for Hoosier mothers and babies.”