Ohio Launched Maternal Health Initiative in April 2025
State officials aim to lower infant mortality by addressing health inequities in four key counties.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Babies
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In April 2025, Governor Mike DeWine announced the Partner for Change initiative to combat infant mortality in Ohio. The program focuses on four counties where officials are working to close the health gap that leaves Black infants more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.
Why it matters
Ohio currently records 6.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, which remains higher than the national average of 5.5. This initiative seeks to address these preventable losses by identifying and removing systemic barriers to maternal care.
Ohio recorded an infant mortality rate of 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, notably above the national benchmark of 5.5. The initiative now operates across Cuyahoga, Lucas, Franklin, and Montgomery counties.
The players
Governor Mike DeWine
The current Governor of Ohio who oversees state health policy and launched the initiative.
Cradle Cincinnati
A Hamilton County organization known for its community-based model to improve infant survival rates.
Groundwork Ohio
A non-profit advocacy group that hosted the webinar to discuss maternal health findings.
The details
The Partner for Change initiative replicates a community-oriented model originally developed by Cradle Cincinnati in Hamilton County. Local teams utilize data and community listening sessions to determine specific family needs. In Montgomery County, for example, advocates are working to establish community advisory structures and implement doula-friendly hospital environments to improve maternal outcomes.
Timeline
April 2025: Governor DeWine announced the Partner for Change initiative.
September 15, 2026: Representatives presented recent maternal health findings at a webinar.
The Home Front
This program marks a statewide shift toward community-based health interventions modeled after successful regional mortality-reduction programs. By scaling these localized strategies, Ohio aims to reverse the long-term trend of infant mortality rates exceeding national averages.
Families in participating counties should keep an eye on local health department communications for new doula support programs and maternal advisory groups. These resources can provide critical support during pregnancy and the critical first year of a child's life.
The takeaway
Understanding your local health resources is a vital step in ensuring a healthy start for your child. Residents in Montgomery, Cuyahoga, Lucas, and Franklin counties can look for upcoming community feedback sessions to help shape local maternal healthcare priorities.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources for your Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WYSO.
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Do you believe local health initiatives in your area are effectively reducing infant mortality disparities?
