An official website of the Cuyahoga County government. Here’s how you know
First Year Cleveland Receives $2.9 Million from State of Ohio
Contacts:
Donisha Greene, (216)443-7075; or dgreene@cuyahogacounty.us
Joan Mazzolini, (216)664-4466; or jmazzolini@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Through First Year Cleveland, the funding will support the following:
“First Year Cleveland is an important collaboration between the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the philanthropic community and area health systems,” said Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley. “The infant mortality rate in Greater Cleveland is shockingly high and, therefore, demands attention by our entire community.”
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson added, “Cleveland has led a strong effort to reduce infant mortality. But it is clear that more must -- and can -- be done. We will work together to increase the chances that every infant here in Cleveland will live a long and productive life.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish added, “The rate of infant mortality in Cuyahoga County is shameful. Our trends are worse than some third-world countries. The state’s new funding is much-needed and much-appreciated. We have programs here that we know work and this additional funding, along with the city and county funding, will help us address this unacceptable rate head on.”
The overall infant mortality rate -- babies who die before their first birthday – in Cuyahoga County is 8.1. In Cleveland it is around 13.
Cuyahoga County is one of nine Ohio communities engaged through the Ohio Department of Medicaid to identify innovative projects that connect at-risk women and infants to quality health care and care management.
First Year Cleveland continues to aggressively seek local dollars to attract state, federal and foundation funding.
Donisha Greene, (216)443-7075; or dgreene@cuyahogacounty.us
Joan Mazzolini, (216)664-4466; or jmazzolini@clevelandcitycouncil.org
Funding to address infant mortality in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County
CLEVELAND – First Year Cleveland –an initiative aimed at reducing infant mortality in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County has been awarded more than $2.9 million from the Ohio Department of Medicaid.Through First Year Cleveland, the funding will support the following:
- Centering Pregnancy – a unique program that provides prenatal care and birth-related information and support to pregnant women in a group setting. The number of women participating in centering pregnancy is expected to increase to 375 women. Total Funding Amount: $760,000
- Home Visiting Programs – through partnerships with MomsFirst, the Ohio Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative and other programs, first-time mothers receive valuable knowledge and support in such as prenatal care, breastfeeding, safe sleep and family planning. Total Funding Amount: $2 million
- Local Fatherhood Initiatives– support and funding to target and teach new fathers how to care for their new babies. Total Funding Amount: $200,000
“First Year Cleveland is an important collaboration between the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the philanthropic community and area health systems,” said Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley. “The infant mortality rate in Greater Cleveland is shockingly high and, therefore, demands attention by our entire community.”
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson added, “Cleveland has led a strong effort to reduce infant mortality. But it is clear that more must -- and can -- be done. We will work together to increase the chances that every infant here in Cleveland will live a long and productive life.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish added, “The rate of infant mortality in Cuyahoga County is shameful. Our trends are worse than some third-world countries. The state’s new funding is much-needed and much-appreciated. We have programs here that we know work and this additional funding, along with the city and county funding, will help us address this unacceptable rate head on.”
The overall infant mortality rate -- babies who die before their first birthday – in Cuyahoga County is 8.1. In Cleveland it is around 13.
Cuyahoga County is one of nine Ohio communities engaged through the Ohio Department of Medicaid to identify innovative projects that connect at-risk women and infants to quality health care and care management.
First Year Cleveland continues to aggressively seek local dollars to attract state, federal and foundation funding.
