Given the degree to which many Ohio politicians strain to show their desire to protect and support children and families, it is encouraging to see at least some money being put where their mouths are.

Ohio’s Departments of Health and Children and Youth have awarded $5 million to 19 community- and faith-based groups that support pregnant women and “newly-parenting families.”

It is worth noting that none of that money is going to organizations in our portion of the Ohio Valley, though perhaps we will see some benefit from the nearly $350,000 going to the statewide Baby’s 1st Network to “Provide safe sleep and breastfeeding information, and convene birthing professionals, community-based home visitors, early childcare providers, and representatives from community-based organizations.”

In 2021, Ohio had an infant mortality rate of 6.9 per 1,000 live births. That is equivalent to Lebanon, and HIGHER than countries such as Sri Lanka, Russia, China, Malaysia, Romania or Slovakia, to name a few. It’s higher than the U.S. average of 5.1 (Singapore and Slovenia recorded 1.5 deaths per 1,000 births).

“Giving all Ohioans the best possible start in life truly begins before a child is even born, and that means ensuring the child’s family has access to the resources and support they need,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.

“These grant funds are much needed and will go a long way in supporting and advancing maternal and infant health throughout Ohio,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff. “These funds will expand the reach of important programs, information, and guidance in areas critical to the health and well-being of our youngest Ohioans, including prenatal care, breastfeeding and nutrition, and stress management, as well as connect families to other health and social resources vital to their success.”

It is a wonderful start. The challenge now is to ensure funding is spread throughout the state so such support is available to all.