WASHINGTON – Daviess Community Hospital has received a prestigious honor from the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) for its outstanding commitment to infant and maternal health. The recognition was presented at the fifth annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program, in partnership with State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP.
The INspire program, developed and funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, aims to encourage and acknowledge hospitals across the state that demonstrate excellence in key areas crucial to improving health outcomes for Hoosier mothers and their babies.
Daviess Community Hospital earned the INspire Hospital of Distinction designation by consistently implementing and maintaining best practices in several critical areas, including:
- Infant Safe Sleep: Ensuring adherence to guidelines that minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Breastfeeding Support: Providing resources, education, and support to mothers who choose to breastfeed.
- Perinatal Substance Use Care: Addressing the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
- Addressing Social Drivers of Health: Recognizing and addressing factors like poverty, housing, and access to resources that can impact maternal and infant health.
- Obstetric Hemorrhage Management: Implementing protocols and training to effectively manage and respond to postpartum bleeding emergencies.
- Maternal Hypertension Management: Utilizing best practices for monitoring and treating high blood pressure during pregnancy and postpartum.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the safest and highest quality care for expectant mothers and newborns in our community,” said Daviess Community Hospital Chief Financial Officer April Settles, CPA. “Our dedicated team strives to uphold and exceed these best practices every day, and we are honored to receive this distinction on behalf of all those we serve.”
State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, highlighted the statewide progress, stating, “The Indiana Department of Health remains focused on working with healthcare providers to improve outcomes for Hoosier moms and babies. We are grateful to have hospitals across the state support initiatives, such as the Indiana Perinatal Levels of Care and obstetrical emergencies training, that have contributed to improvements in both maternal and infant health.”
In a significant milestone for the program, 2025 marks the first year that 100% of Indiana’s birthing facilities have earned either the INspire Hospital of Distinction or INspire Hospital recognition. This achievement underscores the collective dedication of healthcare providers across the state to addressing critical factors influencing maternal and infant health and working towards reducing mortality rates.
IHA President Scott B. Tittle also praised this achievement, saying, “Indiana hospitals are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Weaver and her team for their continued partnership to address the critical issue of infant and maternal mortality. We are proud to celebrate the Hoosier facilities that have successfully demonstrated these best practices and how far our state has come in the five years since the launch of INspire. Together, we are truly making a difference.”
What This Means for the Daviess County Community:
For the residents of Daviess County and surrounding areas, this recognition signifies Daviess Community Hospital’s ongoing dedication to providing comprehensive and high-quality care for mothers and newborns. Their focus on holistic maternal and infant care includes:
- Providing safe, evidence-based birthing experiences.
- Supporting breastfeeding initiatives and education for new mothers.
- Promoting awareness and prevention of perinatal substance use within the community.
- Actively addressing social drivers of health to ensure all mothers and babies have the necessary support.
- Implementing effective protocols for managing obstetric emergencies, prioritizing the safety of both mother and child.
- Utilizing best practices for monitoring and controlling maternal hypertension to minimize risks during pregnancy and after delivery.
This recognition from the Indiana Hospital Association highlights Daviess Community Hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering positive health outcomes for the community’s newest and most vulnerable members.
