Ohio has announced a significant investment in the health and future of its youngest residents with the allocation of nearly $20 million in grants to 21 nonprofit organizations through the Ohio Parenting and Pregnancy Program. Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente shared the news, emphasizing the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen families, improve infant health outcomes, and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. This latest funding aims to connect expectant parents and caregivers with a range of services including education, support, and access to local resources tailored to community needs.
The grants are designed to address multiple aspects of family and child well-being. Selected organizations will offer prenatal education, parenting classes, case management, referrals, and material assistance to help prepare parents for the challenges and responsibilities of raising children. The competitive selection process ensured that each grantee demonstrated the ability to meet local needs effectively, with a focus on improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. This initiative aligns with Ohio’s broader mission to reduce infant mortality and strengthen family stability, a mission that has shown measurable results in recent years. According to Governor DeWine, Ohio’s infant mortality rate has dropped to 6.6 per 1,000 live births, the lowest level in two decades. He credited targeted investments in supporting families before, during, and after pregnancy as key factors in this improvement.
The program’s reach spans communities across the state, with grantees located in both urban centers and smaller towns. These include organizations offering diverse services, from providing safe housing for expectant mothers to delivering parenting workshops and health education. The aim is to ensure that no matter where families live in Ohio, they have access to vital resources that can make a lasting difference in their lives. Lieutenant Governor Tressel stressed that the state’s continued investment in parenting and pregnancy support reflects a commitment to building stronger communities. By supporting parents during this critical period, the state hopes to create a foundation for long-term health and stability for children.
Kara Wente, Director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, highlighted that supporting parents before a child’s birth can have profound benefits for the child’s future. She explained that by working directly with community-based organizations, the program meets families where they are, providing practical support that addresses their unique circumstances. This could include help with securing housing, accessing healthcare, improving parenting skills, or gaining confidence in caregiving responsibilities. The goal is not only to improve health outcomes at birth but also to ensure children have the support they need during their early developmental years.
The Ohio Parenting and Pregnancy Program, now in its second decade, has become a central component of the state’s strategy to address infant mortality and promote family stability. Over the years, it has adapted to meet evolving community needs, often expanding its scope and reach. This year’s funding increase was made possible by the Ohio General Assembly’s approval of Governor DeWine’s request for more resources in the state budget, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the importance of early intervention in family health. The long-term vision of the program is to ensure that every child in Ohio not only survives but thrives, with access to the opportunities and care necessary to reach their full potential.
With this renewed investment, Ohio reaffirms its commitment to tackling the challenges of infant mortality, supporting parents in their caregiving roles, and fostering healthier communities. The $20 million allocation will provide vital tools and services to thousands of families, helping them navigate the journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with confidence and hope. As the state continues to build on its progress, the focus remains clear: every child deserves a strong start in life, and every family deserves the support needed to make that possible.
