$245,000 to go toward improving maternal, infant health outcomes in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation announced it has recently awarded $245,000 in grants across Ohio to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

According to the March of Dimes, more than one in 10 babies in the state were born early in 2024, which put Ohio at 37th place for pre-term births. 

The state’s infant mortality rate is also 7.2 deaths per 1,000 births, which is well above the national average of 5.6. Babies born to Black mothers have rates nearly twice as high. 

“Maternal Health Awareness Day on Jan. 23 is an important reminder that too many women in Ohio still face barriers to safe, healthy pregnancies,” said Michelle Stoughton, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Ohio. “Through these grants, we’re investing in community-based organizations that are closing health gaps—from housing instability and substance use disorder to access to perinatal and postpartum care—so families can get the support they need at every stage of their journey.”

The funding will support programming at four organizations across the state: 

• Community Development for All People (Columbus) for its Thrive to 5 program
• Community Shelter Board (Columbus) for its Homelessness Prevention Program for Expectant Mothers
• First Step Home (Cincinnati) for its Maternal Addiction Program
• Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center (Cleveland) for its 13-week Making Opportunities Matter (M.O.M.) Program

“Addressing maternal and infant health challenges depends on strong partnerships and continued investment,” said Stoughton. “By supporting these organizations, we’re helping build healthier starts and stronger futures for families across Ohio.”