During SFY 2016-17, the Commission funded a pilot program with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Moms2B Program and the Columbus Urban League (CUL) aimed at decreasing Ohio’s alarmingly high infant mortality rate which is 23% higher than the national average. (Ohio ranks second to last in the country for infant mortality) .
Moms2B and CUL offered expectant and new parents a community-wide comprehensive prenatal and first-year-of-life program. The classes were offered weekly at four locations in Columbus’ poorest neighborhoods. Using a positive approach and surrounding pregnant and new moms and dads with the support, education and the resources they need to be a better parent, Moms2B and CUL seek to decrease the high rate of infant mortality in Ohio.
Fathers encouraging breastfeeding, not smoking and practicing safe sleep with their babies have been shown to have a direct positive impact in reducing infant mortality.
To view the pilot project's final report, click here.
The pilot was so successful that CUL continues to partner with Moms2B and they have expanded services to additional locations in Columbus.
If you would like to learn more, please contact David Fluellen at the Columbus Urban League, 614-257-600 ext. 343
The Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 10:00 am. – 12:00 p.m. It will be a Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Please click here to join the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 Commissioners’ Meeting.
2021 Commission Meeting Dates: Feb. 11, May 13, July 8, Sept. 9 and Nov. 18.
If you would like to attend a commission meeting, please contact Terri Simons at 614-752-0182. Click the highlighted text to learn more about the commission meetings. Want to know more about the OCF Commission Meetings? Click on the highlighted text to learn more. Please e-mail Terri.Simons@jfs.ohio.gov if you have any questions.
Reforming Child Support to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families, June 2019
Supporting the Fatherhood Journey: Finding from the Parents and Children Together (PACT) Evaluation
Child Support Noncustodial Parent Employment Demonstration (CSPED) Impact Report
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Promoting Responsible Fatherhood AdCouncil Fatherhood PSAs
Region V Fatherhood Webinars
National Fatherhood Initiative National Center for Fathering
Kids Count Data
Grant Writing Webinar (Power Point Slides)
Infant Vitality Toolkit for Fathers
Ohio County Services
Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families (OPNFF)
Ohio Collaborative to Prevent Infant Mortality
Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition
Ohio Putative Father Registry
Ohio Strong Babies
Start Talking Ohio
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