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Franciscan Health Rensselaer has been honored with the Community Impact Award by the Indiana Department of Health and the State Office of Rural Health. The award was presented during the fall Critical Access Hospital Convening Meeting.
This annual award is given to a Critical Access Hospital that has made a notable impact in addressing healthcare disparities in rural communities. Franciscan Health Rensselaer was recognized for its efforts in "Creating an Oasis in an Obstetric Care Desert."
This is the first time Franciscan Health Rensselaer has received this particular award. Previously, in 2023, the hospital was honored with the Community Partner Award alongside Appleseed Childhood Education. In 2022, Jerrett Sterrett, an employee at Franciscan Health Rensselaer, received the inaugural Critical Access Hero Award. This marks the third consecutive year that the hospital has been acknowledged with one of these prestigious awards.
"We are humbled and honored to be recognized by the Indiana Department of Health and the State Office of Rural Health and equally honored to provide these services to our communities all while addressing the challenge to reduce infant and maternal mortality by providing prenatal and postnatal assistance to those most in need," stated Carlos Vasquez, chief operating officer at Franciscan Health Rensselaer and Crawfordsville.
The "Creating an Oasis in an Obstetric Care Desert" initiative includes multiple programs developed under Tristan Kirby, director of Community Education at Franciscan Health, along with Vasquez. The initiative was launched following a challenge from Indiana health commissioners aimed at enhancing prenatal care within Jasper and Newton counties. Programs were developed offering pregnancy education, counseling, assistance accessing hospital and community resources, as well as emotional support.
Among these programs are the Prenatal Assistance Program, Supplementary Diaper Pantry, Baby Depot, Community Baby Showers, Car Seat Clinics, Bike Helmet Clinics, and Project Swaddle – a home visiting program for high-risk prenatal and postpartum mothers.
"Through connection to resources, education, mental health support, and supplementary diapers," said Kirby. "The Prenatal Assistance Program brings needed support to pregnant and postpartum women in Jasper and Newton counties. Our staff is dedicated to serving local families whether this is the first baby or the fifth baby."
These initiatives aim to lower infant mortality rates while improving prenatal and postnatal care for women and children served by Franciscan Health Rensselaer.
