Marion County’s infant mortality rate remains significantly higher than both the state and national averages, underscoring the need for stronger coordination among health care providers, community organizations and public agencies, according to Cradle Indy’s newly released 2026 Marion County Maternal & Infant Health Report.
The report paints a stark picture of maternal and infant health across the county while outlining Cradle Indy’s strategy to connect families with existing services rather than creating new ones.
According to the report, Marion County records 8.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with 6.3 statewide and 5.6 nationally. The county’s rate is approximately 50% higher than the national average and well above the Healthy People 2030 goal of five deaths per 1,000 live births.
The report also highlights disparities across neighborhoods. Between 2020 and 2024, ZIP codes including 46241, 46219 and 46218 experienced some of the county’s highest infant mortality rates, while neighboring Hamilton County reported a rate of just 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Cradle Indy said the data demonstrates that where a family lives contributes to whether a child reaches their first birthday, but their efforts aim to address this disparity.
Indiana also continues to struggle with maternal health outcomes. In a letter included in the report, Executive Director Nicole Carey notes that Indiana has the nation’s third-highest maternal mortality rate and argues that no mother should have to navigate pregnancy without support.
“We believe no mother should have to build her own safety net to survive her pregnancy,” Carey wrote.
Rather than functioning as another direct service provider, Cradle Indy describes itself as a “backbone organization” that coordinates maternal and infant health resources across Marion County. The organization says hospitals, community groups and social service agencies often operate independently, making it difficult for families to access the full range of support available.
Among its priorities is expanding access to doula care. The report cites research showing continuous doula support can reduce preterm births, low birthweight and postpartum depression while increasing breastfeeding rates. Because Indiana Medicaid and many private insurers do not currently cover doula services, Cradle Indy works with community partners to connect families with yearlong prenatal and postpartum support.
The organization also emphasizes addressing social determinants of health, including housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, lack of child care and untreated mental health conditions, which it says contribute to poor birth outcomes.
Since launching in September 2025, Cradle Indy reports it has connected 226 families with services, matched 115 families with doulas, facilitated 411 referrals to community resources and established partnerships with more than 50 organizations across Marion County. Those partners include hospitals, federally qualified health centers, public health agencies, managed care organizations and community-based nonprofits.
The report highlights collaborations with organizations such as JUST Community Inc., Nurse-Family Partnership, The Bridge Project and the Marion County Public Health Department, saying no single program can address infant mortality alone.
Looking ahead, Cradle Indy is calling on community organizations, health systems, funders and residents to strengthen collaboration, invest in doula services and support coordinated strategies aimed at reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths.
The full report, including data, recommendations and partnership opportunities, is available at cradleindy.org.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
