Media contact(s):
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521;mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us

Grant aims to provide options for safe reproductive health care services

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - The U. S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and legislation aimed at making term abortion largely illegal in Ohio, is causing confusion and concern for access to necessary reproductive health services. The health, safety and welfare of Cuyahoga County residents require a collaborative response to ensure residents can get the care they need in a safe and timely manner.

County Executive Armond Budish has proposed a grant to the Center for Community Solutions to launch the Greater Cleveland Reproductive Health Project. The item will be heard at Board of Control on Monday, September 12, 2022.

“The reversal of Roe v. Wade was alarming and angering for many residents of Cuyahoga County. Local government can help make an impact,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “It is our responsibility to make changes at the ground level to show the community that we are with them and support the choices that are best for them. This partnership with the Centers for Community Solutions can help our residents make informed decisions about their reproductive health care services and get the care they need and deserve.”

“The Center for Community Solutions applauds Cuyahoga County for supporting this important community planning effort in response to the Supreme Court decision,” said John Corlett, President and Executive Director, The Center for Community Solutions. “Through this project Community Solutions will convene local health and human service leadership to identify service gaps and then develop and implement strategies to fill those gaps so that pregnant persons are well informed and supported regarding all their options.”

“The George Gund Foundation has had a steadfast commitment to reproductive health care and justice since its founding 70 years ago. We applaud Cuyahoga County’s commitment to serving its citizens in a manner which respects bodily autonomy and the freedom to choose one’s future through its support of the Reproductive Health Project,” stated Anthony Richardson, President of The George Gund Foundation. “We look forward to a meaningful public-private partnership with Cuyahoga County in the work ahead.”

The Greater Cleveland Reproductive Health Project will provide women of all ages the support, outreach, education, and proper assistance so they can be well-informed of their options regarding their pregnancy. Strategies include:

• Assisting pregnant persons with understanding and exercising all their options, including linking them to follow-up care.
• Providing logistical support, where appropriate, such as transportation, hotel accommodations, and childcare expenses.
• Educating public and private health and human services staff regarding options available to pregnant persons, including referral, legal and medical information.
• Convening local health leaders to identify gaps that will be created by the Dobbs decision and strategies to fill those gaps.
• Producing a written report with recommendations for local and state policy makers to address service gaps.
• Connecting the project with other health and human services initiatives the county administers or supports.
• Creating connections between health and human service providers and the region’s health systems to share information and uncover new trends and challenges.

None of the $475,000 grant funding will be used to fund abortion or any associated service, legal or otherwise, in Ohio or in any other state or country, and none of the project strategies shall include payment for any abortion procedure or associated services.