South Dayton News

State Representative Andrea White's (R-Kettering) legislation designed to address infant and maternal mortality rates in Ohio has been signed by Governor DeWine. The new law aims to improve health, learning, and development outcomes for mothers and infants.

The Strong Foundations Act will provide access to critical prenatal, postnatal, infant, and toddler services, supporting children, mothers, and families during the first 1,000 days of life. House Bill 7 expands existing strategies, introduces innovative approaches and technology, and relies on local community relationships to address these issues. In Ohio, more than 1 in 150 babies die before their first birthday, highlighting the need for such measures.

Representative White commented, "This bill is not what we had hoped to pass this GA, but it is something. And if it gets us to the next right step and most importantly saves and changes lives in the process, we are at least moving forward."

Ohio ranks 44th in infant mortality and 31st in infant maltreatment, affecting both rural and urban counties. Notably, one in five infants and toddlers live in poverty, and 2,000 are in foster care. White emphasized, "I am grateful that we were able to receive consideration of the needs of our most vulnerable citizens and their families from the House and Senate in order to pass H.B. 7. Now more than ever, Ohio mothers and young children need us to come alongside them."

The legislation's strategies aim to yield a strong return on investment by saving lives and reducing costs. "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 added.

The bill requires the Ohio Department of Health to report to the legislature on the modernization of WIC and expands access to evidence-based programs like Help Me Grow, Nurse Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, and Parents as Teachers in targeted communities.

Representative White co-sponsored House Bill 7 with State Representative Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus). The legislation, having received approval from both chambers and the governor’s signature, will now become law.