Philanthropic support powers IU Health’s programs to reduce infant mortality and support mothers in need

Every strong community begins with healthy mothers and thriving babies. Yet across Indiana, too many families face preventable challenges that weaken the foundation of community well‑being. High infant mortality rates, limited access to nutritious food, unstable housing, and gaps in healthcare create stressors no family should have to navigate alone.

IU Health is stepping in as a catalyst for community resilience, ensuring families aren’t left to face these challenges without support. Through its Infant and Maternal Health programs—especially WeCare—IU Health is helping build stronger, healthier neighborhoods from the ground up.

WeCare partners with mothers from pregnancy through their baby’s first year, offering free, in‑person visits with compassionate coaches who understand that resilience grows through connection. These coaches listen. They guide. They help families access the resources that make daily life more stable and less overwhelming. Their support strengthens not just individual households, but the broader community that depends on them.

“Reliable transportation and essential supplies are vital during the pregnancy and postpartum stages,” says Olusegun Ajibade, MHA, CHES, project manager for IU Health’s Infant and Maternal Health program. “When we close those gaps, mothers can focus on what matters most—their health and their baby’s well-being.”

The Women’s Health Fund extends this impact even further. By providing essentials like diapers, wipes, and toiletries, the fund removes financial strain that can ripple through a family and into the community. When parents have what they need, they can create safe, nurturing homes, spaces where children grow, families stabilize, and communities flourish.

As Ajibade explains, “This fund helps close social determinants of health-related gaps that significantly affect maternal and infant well-being.” And in doing so, it strengthens the resilience of entire neighborhoods.

IU Health’s commitment goes beyond healthcare. It’s an investment in the long-term strength of Indiana’s communities, one mother, one baby, one family at a time.