News Release 

FORT WAYNE — Lutheran Health Network hospitals were recently recognized by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), in partnership with Governor Eric J. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box, for their commitment to infant and maternal health at the second annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program.

The award recognizes the implementation of best practices in six key areas, including infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, tobacco prevention and cessation, perinatal substance use, obstetric hemorrhage and maternal hypertension.

INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best-practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hospitals for excellence in addressing key drivers of infant and maternal health.

A view of Kosciusko Community Hospital, which is part of the Lutheran Network. Photo provided by Lutheran.

The INspire Hospital of Distinction, awarded to hospitals that meet four or five-category criteria, was earned by Dupont Hospital, Kosciusko Community Hospital and Lutheran Hospital. The Category of Excellence, awarded to hospitals who meet one, two or three category criteria, was earned by Bluffton Regional Medical Center and Dukes Memorial Hospital.

“We are honored that IHA, Gov. Holcomb and Dr. Box recognize Lutheran Health Network facilities for implementing best practices to continually improve infant and maternal health. Our hospital medical staff and maternity department teams are committed to providing education to improve outcomes and long-term wellness,” said Scott Teffeteller, CEO of Lutheran Health Network.

“Indiana hospitals are grateful for the leadership of Gov. Holcomb and Dr. Box and are thrilled to be a partner in Indiana’s effort to reduce infant mortality,” said IHA President Brian Tabor. “We look forward to building on the progress we’ve made.

Indiana Hospital Association serves as the professional trade association for more than 170 acute care, critical access, behavioral health and other specialized hospitals in Indiana.