Perry County tables decision on FEMA-funded maternal/infant-review coordinator until September

Amanda, the county's public health nurse supervisor, described a FEMA-funded maternal/infant mortality review coordinator role that would be shared across Perry, Spencer and Crawford counties. She said the coordinator would gather medical records, conduct interviews, assemble case materials and convene review boards to determine whether deaths were preventable and identify potential interventions. "They will help, identify those people for the rewards and help set them up," she said about the state's role in supporting the coordinator.

A board member noted data for the region, saying, "we have 3 infant deaths and 3 fetal deaths in 2024," and Amanda said more up-to-date data would be released. Committee members asked whether salary and fringe benefits could be budgeted and reimbursed by the state; Amanda said benefits could be included in the salary request and reimbursed, likely via quarterly submissions, but staff would confirm exact procedures. Amanda also explained that some counties already share a coordinator and that roughly 67 of 92 counties participate in the review teams.

Given outstanding questions about a clear job description, total compensation and how the role would be administered across three counties, a committee member moved to table the decision until the September meeting so staff (Amanda and Chris) could present a full package. The motion passed on a vocal aye vote. The health department will prepare a job description, proposed salary and benefits details for the next meeting.