State health leaders are hopeful a newly-released report about infant mortality in Indiana will help prevent deaths. The report shows Indiana had the fifth-highest infant mortality rate among states in 2010. The study looked at causes behind infant deaths. The report shows the main three risk factors were expectant mothers being 15 to 20 years old, being enrolled in Medicaid and having fewer than 10 prenatal care visits. Health officials say they are optimistic they can make “meaningful change” in reducing infant deaths. Governor Pence's proposed budget includes $13.5 million to tackle the problem. Initiatives already underway include a recently launched program to teach parents about healthy habits.
