Program Description

OEI implements policy and system changes that address inequities in social determinants of health. The program also connects pregnant women with supportive services.

OEI provides capacity and infrastructure to health departments to support epidemiology and health equity

It supports the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) committee which is a community based, action-oriented process aimed at improving services, systems, and resources for women, infants, and families centered around looking at the root causes of fetal and infant deaths in Cuyahoga County

Data are used to drive policy and systems change, and also to improve system coordination to enhance & support for pregnant women.

Neighborhood Navigators is an example, serving as an outreach, identification and referral resource for all existing local programs that support healthy pregnancy.

Improving access to labor and delivery care for women in labor and delivery deserts through the use of Palm Cards provides valuable information.

Baby on Board program offers improved support for families with limited access to reliable transportation.

Funded community partner
Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI)

Priority Population
Black, African American families in areas with high rates of infant mortality.

What is the problem we are working to address?

The overall IMR for the county was 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births for 2022. This represents the fourth consecutive year of decline and the lowest rate in county history.

The black non-Hispanic IMR was nearly double at 9 and increased 6% from 2021, but it was the second lowest in the last 10 years.

Even though this year’s IMR is the lowest in county history we are still higher than the 2022 provisional Ohio IMR and the national IMR.

Ohio’s State Health Improvement Plan, coordinated by the Ohio Department of Health, has set a 2028 overall infant mortality rate target of 6.0 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

Why does it matter?  

Through our maternal interviews, we provide the opportunity for mothers and family members who lost a baby to elevate their voices and share their stories.

While fetal and infant mortality rates in the United States have improved, disparities persist between whites and persons of color, especially African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans.

What are the solutions? 

Baby on Board is a pilot program developed by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s (CCBH) Ohio Equity Initiative Grant (OEI) to reduce transportation barriers for families who are pregnant and/or caring for a child under the age of one.

Eligible families receive bus passes to accommodate travel needs associated with, but not limited to medical and social service appointments, work, school, childcare or acquiring necessities such as food, clothing, and personal items.

Family Eligibility Criteria to receive a RTA bus pass:

• Family is pregnant or caring for infant is less than one year of age.
• Family does not have transportation to meet medical or social needs.
• Parent/caregiver must complete an online survey to receive bus passes.
• Family must be engaged with a Baby on Board Partner agency.  If family is not engaged, they should be referred to become engaged: Neighborhood Navigation at 216-658-1355

Social Determinants of Health Taskforce (SDOH)
The SDOH Taskforce is represented by individuals with influence within systems to works on policy and system changes that provide opportunities for families to connect to services and healthcare needs.

Our taskforce discusses data trends, identify needs and develop strategies to address opportunities to improve conditions for families.

Current focus is centered on the Baby on Board program, Unite Us platform and Maternity/ Paternity policy work.

Team members are encouraged to bring thoughts & ideas about different barriers they see in the community to find solutions for residents.

Equity Diversity and Inclusion
OEI supports the integration of racial equity into CCBH through organizational assessments, trainings, and policies.

Please click here for more information. 

Program Contacts

• Supervisor: Michele Benko – mbenko@ccbh.net or x1528
• Program Manager: Erin Dodds – edodds@ccbh.net or x1537
• Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Andre L. Brown, PhD, MPH (he/him/his) abrown@ccbh.net or x1113