Photo Provided Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announces in Toledo last week the launch of an effort to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality rates.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara B. Wente announced in Toledo the launch of an effort to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality rates.

Through the DeWine-Tressel Administration’s newly announced Partner for Change initiative, DCY is teaming up with several organizations across the state to take a highly effective model, pioneered by Hamilton County-based nonprofit Cradle Cincinnati, and expand it into new communities throughout Ohio.

“Our children and our families are at the heart of everything we do as a state,” DeWine said. “Ohio recently hit its lowest rate of infant mortality in two decades, but we know more needs to be done. Expanding this model through our Partner for Change initiative is another example of how we are continuing to seek new and innovative ways to protect our children and families.”

“Ohio is at a critical juncture in our fight against infant mortality,” Wente said. “Under Governor DeWine’s commitment to protecting children and babies, we’ve made good progress. But now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. Now is the time to lean into what we know works by expanding this model and bringing its innovative, community-driven strategies into other areas of our state.”

Cradle Cincinnati’s model focuses on bringing together parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members to support moms and babies. They have played a pivotal role in reducing infant mortality rates in Hamilton County. In 2022, their infant mortality rate was 8.7 deaths for every 1,000 live births. In the time since, this number has dropped to 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births – a decrease of well over 30% in just a few short years.

Grant partners in four additional counties have been selected to collaborate with DCY to expand this model into communities with the highest birth and infant mortality rates in Ohio.

In Lucas County, the grant partner selected is the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio. Wednesday’s event was held in collaboration with HCNO and hosted at the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo’s Homer Hanham Club.

Other grant partners selected for the expansion include First Year Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), CelebrateOne (Franklin County), and Dayton Children’s Hospital (Montgomery County).

Family Tax Cut

DeWine also took time during the press conference to discuss one of the top priorities in his executive budget proposal: his tax cut for working families.

“Many young parents are working hard to make a living, but many of them are facing a lot of strain right now,” DeWine said. “With the creation of a family tax cut, we will be able to help these parents so they can support their kids.”

The proposal would give working families a tax cut of up to $1,000 for each child under the age of 7. This would help 450,000 families in Ohio.

Research shows that families receiving tax relief can better afford basic needs, demonstrate less financial stress, and create a more stable home environment for their children.

“Investing in families is investing in Ohio’s future,” DeWine said.