COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that the Ohio Department of Health, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, has awarded $5 million in grants to 19 community- and faith-based organizations. The funding aims to enhance support for pregnant women and families with newborns.
“Ensuring all Ohioans have the best possible start in life truly begins before a child is even born. That means making certain the child’s family has access to the resources and support they need,” said Governor DeWine.
The grants will be used to initiate or expand services across the state, focusing on improving infant and maternal health and supporting new families, particularly where there are current gaps. The support extends to pregnant women and families with children up to 12 months postpartum.
The announcement comes in the context of Ohio’s infant mortality rate, which stood at 6.9 per 1,000 live births in 2021. Both Ohio and the nation aim to reduce this figure to 6.0 or fewer infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The new funding represents a significant step towards achieving this goal.