News

Maternal mental health continues to be a pressing need on Indianapolis’ Far Eastside, where one in four mothers receiving care at Eskenazi Health Center Grassy Creek screens at risk for postpartum depression. Recognizing the urgency and the opportunity to reach mothers earlier with meaningful support, Eskenazi Health partnered with the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) and Pathway Resource Center on an innovative maternal health initiative designed to uplift and empower expecting mothers across the community.

Through this collaboration, Eskenazi Health and partners including Carriage House East and Divine Transitions are connecting mothers not only to essential prenatal care but also to the supportive resources that influence mental and physical well-being. As part of this maternal health programming, 392 food vouchers were distributed to mothers for nutritious, locally sourced groceries through Eskenazi Health’s Fresh for You Market on Wheels, a mobile market and food pantry. And 279 mothers were referred to Eskenazi Health’s SNAP enrollment team for long-term food assistance. This access to fresh foods helps improve prenatal nutrition while reducing transportation barriers and easing financial strain, allowing many families to redirect limited funds toward rent and utilities.

The initiative’s multilayered approach includes community-based maternal health programming delivered through CAFE, expanded OB-GYN capacity at Eskenazi Health Center Grassy Creek through the addition of a dedicated prenatal care community health worker and staff training in Mental Health First Aid and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression screening. Two hundred and ninety-nine participants received individualized assistance as needed with housing, bus passes, diapers, car seats, safe sleep resources and workforce development. The partnership with CAFE also hosted a maternal health fair, a community baby shower, doula programs, breastfeeding education and safe sleep classes, each deepening trust and strengthening families’ connections to ongoing care. One hundred and fifty-eight people participated in the baby shower. Together, these efforts ensure that mothers receive whole-person support, including clinical, emotional and social, at every touchpoint.

Overall, the initiative has touched many expecting mothers on the Far Eastside, through a combination of innovative outreach, direct support to address the social drivers of health and education efforts. Together, Eskenazi Health and partners are transforming maternal health outcomes on the Far Eastside, ensuring that every mother receives the compassion, support and resources needed to nurture both her own well-being and the health of her growing family.