Symposium to address infant mortality
By Truth Staff May 22,2025
The Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition (NIHHC) announced it will hold a symposium on June 13, “From Infant Mortality to Infant Vitality.”
The symposium will spotlight the need for better prenatal and infant health care in the community, particularly among Hispanic families in Elkhart County.
The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Elkhart Health & Aquatics, 200 E Jackson Blvd., Elkhart.
Elkhart County ranks among the top five counties in Indiana with the highest Hispanic infant mortality rates, and ZIP codes 46516 and 46514 have had some of the highest infant mortality rates in the state.
In 2023, according to the Indiana Department of Health, 524 Hoosier babies died before their first birthday – that equates to about 10 babies every week.
This symposium will explore effective strategies to improve birth outcomes for the community and shift these statistics from infant mortality to infant vitality, organizers said. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Hear from keynote speaker Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana State Health Commissioner
Discuss insights from NIHHC’s 18-month research study on infant mortality among Hispanics in Elkhart County
Explore innovative and actionable solutions with healthcare providers and leaders
Network with community leaders and stakeholders
Experience livestreaming and simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish
“Infant mortality is the No. 1 indicator of a community’s health, and it will take all of us working together to improve outcomes for more Hoosier babies,” Weaver said. “I encourage area stakeholders to engage in this discussion of key infant mortality issues in Elkhart County as we work to implement evidence-based programs and create lasting results.”
The symposium will feature expert discussions and community-driven solutions featuring Weaver with the keynote address; Dr. Jean Marie Place, associate professor of Public Health at Ball State University; Dr. Rebecca Johnson, an independent researcher based in Chicago; and Liliana Quintero, executive director of NIHHC with more than 20 years of experience in public health among vulnerable populations.
In addition, the event will be a platform to launch NIHHC’s educational communication campaign, inviting stakeholders to shift the focus from infant mortality to infant vitality. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English and Spanish.
Registration options include in-person or virtual with livestream broadcasting in English and Spanish. Registration and more information: nihhc.com.
“By supporting the symposium, we will ensure that Hispanic families in Elkhart County have access to the vital care they need,” Quintero said. “Therefore, Indiana rates will improve. Join us in transforming infant mortality into infant vitality.”
The Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition (NIHHC) is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of underserved communities, with a focus on Hispanic populations.
The symposium is funded in part by the Indiana Department of Health and supported by Indiana Minority Health Coalition and First State Bank.
To read this article on the Elkhart Truth website, click here.