Franciscan Health Rensselaer received the Community Impact Award from the Indiana Department of Health – State Office of Rural Health.

The annual award recognizes a Critical Access Hospital that has made a significant impact in addressing health care disparities in the rural communities it serves. Franciscan Health Rensselaer was honored for Creating an Oasis in an Obstetric Care Desert.

This marked the first time Franciscan Health Rensselaer has received the Community Impact Award.

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized by the Indiana Department of Health and the State Office of Rural Health and equally honored to provide these services to our communities all while addressing the challenge to reduce infant and maternal mortality by providing prenatal and postnatal assistance to those most in need,” said Carlos Vasquez, Franciscan Health Rensselaer and Crawfordsville chief operating officer, in a press release.

Franciscan Health Rensselaer’s Creating an Oasis in an Obstetric Care Desert highlighted multiple programs. The programs were developed and guided by Vasquez and Tristan Kirby, Franciscan Health director of community education. The programs include the Prenatal Assistance Program, Supplementary Diaper Pantry, Baby Depot, Community Baby Showers, Car Seat Clinics, Bike Helmet Clinics and Project Swaddle – a home visiting program for high-risk prenatal and postpartum mothers.

“Through connection to resources, education, mental health support, and supplementary diapers, the Prenatal Assistance Program brings needed support to pregnant and postpartum women in Jasper and Newton counties,” Kirby said. “Our staff is dedicated to serving local families whether this is the first baby or the fifth baby.”