MGH Recipient of Only ISDH Gold Award

Marion Health participated in a 2007 state initiative to evaluate hepatitis B vaccine administration of newborn infants. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) awarded Marion Health with the only Gold Award in the state based on the recent findings of that 2007 initiative.

Marion Health received the award for their 98% completion rate of newborns receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. The highest percentage the ISDH evaluated in the entire state.

“This is another great step of ensuring patient safety and improving the health status of our healthcare community and the world,” states Paul L. Usher, President and CEO.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic long-term HBV infection can cause liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer and even death. HBV is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

A newborn can become infected by contact with the mother’s blood and body fluids at the time of birth. An infant who is infected can unknowingly spread the disease to others throughout its life.

Routine hepatitis B vaccination of U.S. children began in 1991. The reported incidence of acute hepatitis B among children and adolescents dropped by more than 95% and by 75% in all age groups since vaccinations began.

The award is the result of a collaborative team effort from all Obstetric and Pediatric physicians, their respective office staff, and Family Birthing Center and Health Information Management staff.