Indiana health department reports potential record-low infant death rate in 2024
An early review of Indiana's 2024 infant death records showed a year-over-year decline — potentially reaching a historic low, according to provisional data from the state health department.
Indiana's Department of Health (IDOH) reported an infant mortality rate of 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, down from 6.6 deaths in 2023. If the rate holds after final review, it would be Indiana's lowest since the state began tracking the measure in 1900. The previous low was 6.5 deaths in 2019, according to IDOH data.
'With Indiana's infant mortality rate at its lowest in over a century, we see the real impact of everyone who is focused on protecting our most vulnerable Hoosiers,' Gov. Mike Braun said in a Tuesday statement. 'We are committed to ensuring that even more babies have a healthy start and a strong future.'
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Infant mortality refers to the death of a child before their first birthday and is often seen as a key indicator of overall public health. Indiana has long struggled to lower its rate, particularly among marginalized populations and in rural areas. For years, the state ranked among the worst in the nation.
'We are ecstatic that more Hoosier babies are celebrating their first birthdays,' said State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver. 'Seeing these efforts pay off is something to celebrate, and we are grateful to clinicians, healthcare centers and affiliates, local health departments and all our other partners for their collective efforts.'
Indiana's rate still remains above the national average, however. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national infant mortality rate was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023. The federal 'Healthy People 2030 goal' is to lower the national rate to 5 deaths per 1,000 births.
IDOH officials pointed to ongoing efforts through Health First Indiana. The initiative supports partnerships between the state health department and local groups to improve prenatal care access, support home visiting services, promote breastfeeding, and expand education on infant safe sleep practices. IDOH also reviews hospital discharge and fatality data to guide future interventions.
Health First Indiana funding was slashed in the new state budget, however.
A final analysis of the 2024 numbers is expected later this year.
'The critical work to further reduce infant mortality continues,' Weaver said. 'The Indiana Department of Health is committed to our role to decrease the number of infant deaths in Indiana and give the next generation of Hoosiers the best possible start.'
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