Fetal-Infant Mortality Review

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), through its Division of Family Health Data and Fatality Prevention, has released the 2025–2027 FIMR Safety PIN (Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) Funding Opportunity to support efforts aimed at reducing fetal and infant mortality across Indiana. This initiative specifically funds community-based organizations, hospitals, health departments, and other healthcare or not-for-profit entities to implement or continue county or regional Fetal-Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) programs. These efforts are critical in identifying service gaps and preventing future infant deaths by analyzing fetal and infant mortality data and translating findings into actionable interventions at the local level. This performance-based grant spans two years, with the project period beginning tentatively on October 1, 2025, and ending on September 30, 2027. Funded programs are expected to conduct detailed case reviews through a two-tiered multidisciplinary structure, consisting of a Case Review Team (CRT) and a Community Action Team (CAT). The CRT evaluates de-identified cases of fetal and infant deaths to generate prevention recommendations, while the CAT develops and implements community-level interventions based on CRT findings. These teams should meet quarterly and include diverse, influential community members and healthcare stakeholders. The initiative emphasizes a non-blaming, person-first approach during all case evaluations. To be eligible, applicant organizations must operate within Indiana and include health departments, hospitals, healthcare entities, or IRS-recognized not-for-profit organizations. They must demonstrate financial compliance capabilities, collaboration with various organizations, and the capacity to expand or sustain FIMR services. Applications will be assessed based on their ability to target high-need areas, implement evidence-based practices, and demonstrate organizational capacity in administration, reporting, and service delivery. Applicants must complete a prescribed application template provided by IDOH and submit it via email by 5 p.m. EST on July 25, 2025, to Lhorsley@health.in.gov. Questions must be submitted by July 23, 2025. Required components include a project description, goals and objectives, data and evaluation plans, sustainability planning, and evidence of collaboration with local health departments. A separate budget document in Excel format is also required, with distinct tabs for each fiscal year of the grant. Administrative costs are limited to 10% of the total budget, and specific unallowable expenditures are clearly outlined, including out-of-state travel and equipment over $5,000 unless approved. Grant recipients will be required to submit quarterly reports, participate in biannual site visits, attend annual grantee meetings, and maintain accurate invoicing aligned with the approved budget. Data from FIMR case reviews must be entered into the IDOH REDCap system, and an annual FIMR report is due by July 1 each year in compliance with state legislation. Technical assistance and training are provided by IDOH, and continued communication and compliance with grant terms are mandatory throughout the award period. Contacts for this opportunity include Linzi Horsley, the Fetal-Infant Mortality Programs Director, and Jamie Smith, the Division Director of Family Health Data and Fatality Prevention, who can be reached at LHorsley@health.in.gov and JamiSmith@health.in.gov respectively. Additional details, FAQs, and updates are made available through the IDOH Grants Opportunity webpage.

Ensure font is legible and concise. Submit on template. Email questions by July 23 using the correct subject line.