MHI provides additional opportunities for creative collaboration with organizations to further improve maternal health outcomes in Indiana. Ongoing innovation projects and partnerships include:
Dear Fathers - Dads to Doulas Program: IDOH and Dear Fathers have partnered to host a series of trainings for Indiana men to participate in the Dads to Doulas program. The aim of the program is to provide fathers the knowledge, tools, and skills to be best advocate for their families throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Fathers have the opportunity to learn more about specific topics of pregnancy through:
- Quarterly virtual workshops focusing on specific maternal and infant health topics & how it pertains to fathers
- Six-week cohort training for a deeper and more immersive learning experience
- Provider Parent Symposium -
- Doula Scholarships – To increase reach and access to care across the state while also, IDOH has partnered with community-based organizations to provide women professional development opportunities through doula scholarships. Key partners of this initiative include:
- The Little Timmy Project, Mothers on the Rise, and Healthy Beginnings at Home
- Indiana Digital Storytelling Project Health: MCH: Hear Her Indiana: Indiana Maternal Health Digital Story Premiere: compilation video
- The Digital Storytelling Project, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health and StoryCollab, provides participants with an opportunity to share their lived experiences through guided digital storytelling. Through a supportive workshop process, individuals are equipped to develop personal narratives into short digital stories that elevate authentic voices, foster understanding, and increase awareness of maternal and family health experiences across Indiana.
