In this episode of This is Public Health, we're covering the important topic of maternal and infant health and what we’re doing to improve health outcomes in Illinois. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Lisa Masinter, OB/GYN and Deputy Director of the Office of Women's Health and Family Services at IDPH, and Dr. Robin L. Jones, OB/GYN, Institutional Lead for Birth Equity at Rush University Medical Center, and Chair of IDPH's Maternal Mortality Review Committee. 

Dr. Masinter shares why maternal and infant health is a key pillar of the Healthy Illinois 2028 state health improvement plan, what Illinois is doing to address health equity issues, and how we can help newborns thrive in their first year. Dr. Jones explains the disparities in maternal mortality, barriers to equitable care and potential solutions, and the importance of addressing substance use disorders among pregnant persons and new mothers.  

Episode Resources 

Healthy Illinois 2028 State Health Improvement Plan: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/provider-partner-resources/healthy-illinois.html  

2023 Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/mmmr/maternal-morbidity-mortality-report2023.pdf  

2024 Illinois Infant Mortality Data Report: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/perinatal-health/fetal-and-infant-mortality-report-2024.pdf  

Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative: https://ilpqc.org/  

Illinois Helpline: https://helplineil.org/app/home