Columbus Public Health Applauds Ohio Senators’ Fight against Infant Mortality -- 2.13.2014
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928 [email protected]
Columbus Public Health Applauds Ohio Senators’ Fight against Infant Mortality
Bipartisan Legislation to Fund Tracking, Education and Prenatal Care
Columbus Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Teresa Long today expressed her strong support for a new bipartisan legislative package aimed at reducing the number of Ohio babies who die before their first birthday. The package was introduced under the leadership of Senator Shannon Jones (R-Cincinnati) and Senator Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus).
“We are excited about Senators Jones’ and Tavares’ commitment to infant mortality, and we are hopeful this substantive legislation could positively impact Ohio’s Infant Mortality Rate,” said Dr. Long.
The legislation will help public health professionals report, track and better understand the causes and circumstances surrounding infant deaths. It also will educate parents and screen them for infant safe sleep standards before they go home with their new babies.
The legislative package also will fund a prenatal care pilot program in federally qualified health centers, and will establish a commission to identify and track state infant mortality reduction initiatives for better coordination of local efforts. Additionally, it will provide case management services for postpartum care through Medicaid coverage and set aside $25 million for community-based services to reduce infant mortality.
“Infant mortality is a crisis in our community – and all across our state,” said Dr. Long. “This legislation will help build the momentum we need to help more babies live to celebrate their first birthdays.”
In central Ohio, three to four babies die every single week. Columbus’ infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the nation, and double the rate in New York City. The rate for black babies is also double that of white babies.
The new Greater Columbus Infant Mortality Task Force is developing a comprehensive community plan to cut the local infant mortality rate by 40 percent. The group will hold its second meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 14 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, visit www.gcinfantmortality.org.