While there is still much to be done, there has been encouraging progress made to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal and infant health in Franklin County and central Ohio.
The work of CelebrateOne, Ohio Better Birth Outcomes and a host of community partners has resulted in Franklin County achieving its lowest infant mortality (IMR) rate in recent history (6.7 per 1,000 live births in 2020). But even at this level, the IMR is too high. There is also significant racial disparity in infant mortality rates, with black babies dying at a higher rate than white babies.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is tackling this problem from multiple angles using research, treatment programs and community outreach to create a better future for all pregnancies and babies, and to reduce the disparities between white and black infant mortality rates.
Maternal and Infant Health Programs
- Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies Participant
Aims to decrease infant mortality. - Moms2B
Provides care and support to expectant mothers in low-come Columbus neighborhoods, designed to reduce infant mortality and preterm births. - Rides4Baby
Partnering with SmartColumbus to learn more about how to best provide medical transportation assistance to pregnant moms. - Stable Cradle Program
Provides pregnancy and parenting education and mentoring to mothers recovering from substance abuse living in the U.S. - STEPP Clinic
Expectant mothers with addictions to drugs or alcohol come to the Substance Abuse, Treatment, Education and Prevention Program (STEPP) for treatment