The Cincinnati Health Department has been awarded a $340,000 grant to address maternal and infant health in the Tri-State area. Epidemiologist Joseph White emphasized the importance of tackling the maternal and child health crisis that exists across the United States, including in Cincinnati where the infant mortality rate frequently exceeds the national average.
White highlighted the challenging living conditions that many babies are born into, noting that a recent study at UC Health found that one in five families delivering babies in the area were food insecure. In response, part of the grant funding will be used to address food insecurity among both mothers and infants.
Geneva Goode, Chief Operating Officer of the Cincinnati Health Department, emphasized the connection between proper nutrition and maternal health, explaining that without adequate nutrition, women are at risk of experiencing stress, depression, and hypertension. The department plans to use the grant to expand services for expecting and new mothers, including prenatal education and postpartum support.
While preliminary data suggests that infant mortality rates in Cincinnati may have improved in 2023 compared to previous years, White cautioned that the city still lags behind the national rate. The Cincinnati Health Department encourages those in need of prenatal care to visit their website for more information.
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