South Dayton News

State Representative Andrea White’s (R-Kettering) legislation aimed at addressing Ohio’s high infant and maternal mortality rates and improving health outcomes for mothers and infants has passed the Ohio House. The Strong Foundations Act seeks to provide access to critical prenatal, postnatal, infant, and toddler services during the first 1,000 days of life.

House Bill 7 expands existing evidence-based strategies, introduces innovative approaches and technology, and leverages community relationships. This initiative is particularly crucial in Ohio, where more than one in 150 babies do not live to see their first birthday.

“No question, we have a staggering problem on our hands. We must invest in the futures of pregnant moms, infants, and children now or in some cases there won’t be an opportunity to do so later – we are losing far too many lives in our state,” White said.

Ohio ranks 44th in infant mortality and 31st in infant maltreatment. The issue affects both rural and urban counties. One in five infants and toddlers live in poverty, with 2,000 currently in foster care.

“On the surface this bill appears to be about addressing the horrific problems of infant and maternal mortality in our state and yes, it is that and so more. We need to help our mothers, preborn, infant and toddler children get off to the best possible starts so they can truly grow and flourish to their God-given potentials.”

“The strategies in this bill are proven to generate a strong return on investment – both already here in Ohio and around the nation – both in terms of saving lives, improving the long-term trajectory of our tiniest citizens and their families…and in saving costs so we have more resources to invest in solutions that work for Ohio families,” White said.

Key provisions include initiatives addressing access to prenatal care, pregnancy education, nutrition, housing support services impacting pregnant women, fathers, infants, toddlers' mental health care needs early intervention programs. Modernizing technology aims at simplifying applications for Special Nutrition Program for Women Infants Children (WIC), as nearly 48% eligible participants face transportation administrative hurdles currently hindering them from accessing benefits.

To enhance child care services House Bill 7 establishes grant programs targeting areas experiencing high levels of infant mortality limited child care availability supporting new enhanced Early Head Start initiatives focusing family support positive learning environments young children expanding evidence-based home visiting programs like Help Me Grow Nurse Family Partnership Healthy Families America Parents Teachers targeting rural Appalachian communities service gaps exist

White sponsors House Bill 7 alongside State Representative Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus). The legislation now moves forward consideration by Ohio Senate.