NEWS

Stark agencies get state funds for fetal, maternal health

Charita M. Goshay
The Repository

COLUMBUS – Six Stark County-related agencies are set to share in $5 million in funding from the Ohio Department of Health to improve fetal and maternal health.

The state health agency, in partnership with the Governor’s Children’s Initiative, is funding 44 community and faith-based organizations in 42 counties to improve support systems for pregnant women and newly parenting families.

The organizations will attempt to reduce barriers to wellness for participants by providing resources and services that address gaps in existing maternal and infant systems and support pregnant women and new parents.

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Ohio's infant mortality rate was 6.9 per 1,000 live births in 2019, the same as it was in 2018. The state and national goal is 6.0 or fewer infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

"These resources will provide communities across the state with new funding to begin or expand services to help more babies reach their first birthdays and support healthy parents," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a prepared statement. "We are committed to reducing the unacceptable infant mortality rate in Ohio because all babies deserve a healthy start and an opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential."

Who received funding in Stark County?

The Stark County recipients are:

  • Family Empowerment Ministries: $84,000 to provide parenting education, fatherhood programs, social support groups, job readiness classes, and nutrition education for pregnant and parenting families.
  • Ohio Guidestone (Stark/Summit): $98,480.50 to provide mental health services and support to future and new fathers.
  • Pregnancy Choices (Stark/Summit): $150,000 to establish new programs for pregnant women, new mothers, fathers and families.
  • Produce Perks (Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Lorain, Stark and Summit): $235,534 to support the expansion of the Infant-Vitality Produce Prescription Program for pregnant and postpartum women within five Ohio Equity Institute counties.
  • Stark County Community Action Agency: $105,000 to expand and enhance the Community Action Pathways HUB.
  • Stark County Diaper Bank (Clermont, Medina, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne): $24,267.50 to enhance access to diapers for pregnant and newly parenting families.

The programs begin Jan.  1.