Maternal and
Child Health
Healthy Mothers. Thriving Babies. Stronger Communities.
At the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC), we believe every mother deserves quality care and every child deserves a healthy start. Our Maternal and Child Health program is dedicated to addressing the disparities that impact minority families—through education, support services, and innovative programs like the Black Maternal Health ECHO and Community Doula Services.
Together, we’re creating a safer, more equitable future for mothers and
babies across Indiana.
Our Mission
To improve birth outcomes and support maternal health through culturally competent care, education, and systems change—empowering families before, during, and after pregnancy.
Supporting Mothers. Strengthening Families. Saving Lives.
The Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC) is committed to improving the health of mothers, infants, and children—especially in Indiana’s minority communities. Our Maternal and Child Health Program focuses on eliminating disparities in maternal care and ensuring families receive the education, support, and advocacy they need.
What is a Doula?
A person who is trained to assist a woman during childbirth, and who supports the mother and family before and after the birth. Doulas are more than a birthing coach, they are an advocate for the mom. Doulas facilitate a safe, empowering birth experience, and provide the physicals, emotional, and educational support for a pregnant mom.
The IMHC CDS program is operated by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC), and serves Elkhart, LaPorte, and Cass counties. This program has multiple partners who provide resources and a variety of educational programs. Participants will be provided with system navigation paired with birth and postpartum practical support, home visits, advocacy, and evidence-based information.
Community Doula Services is a program that was started in 2017 with the assistance of grant funding to help combat the dismal infant mortality rates we face here in Indiana. Nearly one third of all pregnant women in Indiana do not receive prenatal care. Although nearly one-third of pregnant women do not receive early prenatal care in Indiana, the sad fact is that more than 45% of black and Latino do not receive early care. That is why IMHC Doula Services is particularly interested in reaching and serving these populations.
Prenatal care is so important for not only the healthy development of babies, but also the health and well-being of the moms themselves.
Focus Areas
Black Maternal Health ECHO
A statewide initiative connecting healthcare providers, community advocates, and public health professionals to share best practices in Black maternal care.
-
Monthly virtual learning sessions
-
Focused on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity
-
Backed by data, community voices, and clinical expertise
Community Doula Services
IMHC trains and deploys trusted community-based doulas to support expecting and new mothers—before, during, and after childbirth.
-
Emotional and physical support for labor and delivery
-
Prenatal and postpartum education
-
Advocacy for respectful and equitable care
-
Focused on serving Black and Brown communities
How You Can Get Involved
Call 317-926-4011 to Join Or Contact Us to get Involved
Why It Matters
-
Black women in Indiana are 2–3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes.
-
Doulas reduce the risk of preterm birth and improve maternal satisfaction.
-
Community-driven models like ECHO build lasting health systems change.
How You Can Get Involved
-
Refer a Mother to our Doula Program
-
Sponsor a Doula to help expand our services
-
Participate in the ECHO series as a health professional or advocate
-
Donate to sustain our life-changing maternal care programs
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Providing resources and advocating for policies that address systemic health inequities