Ohio Launched Partner for Change Initiative
The state program aims to address infant mortality disparities across four key Ohio counties.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Babies
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In April 2025, Ohio officials introduced the Partner for Change initiative to combat the state's infant mortality rate. The program focuses on reducing preventable infant deaths through community-led health strategies.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to close significant healthcare gaps, as Ohio currently faces higher infant mortality rates than the national average. It specifically targets persistent inequities that result in Black infants being twice as likely to die before their first birthday as white infants.
Ohio currently reports an infant mortality rate of 6.6 deaths per 1000 live births, which sits above the national average of 5.5. This initiative leverages a community-oriented model previously established in Hamilton County.
The players
Mike DeWine
Mike DeWine is the Governor of Ohio who announced the launch of the Partner for Change initiative in April 2025.
Groundwork Ohio
Groundwork Ohio is a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization that hosted a webinar to present recent maternal health findings.
Cradle Cincinnati
Cradle Cincinnati is an organization based in Hamilton County that developed the community-oriented model replicated by this state initiative.
The details
Partner for Change operates in Cuyahoga, Lucas, Franklin, and Montgomery counties, utilizing data and community listening sessions to address family needs. In Montgomery County, local advocates are working to implement doula-friendly hospital environments and establish advisory structures to mitigate maternal healthcare inequities.
Timeline
April 2025: Governor Mike DeWine announced the launch of the Partner for Change initiative.
September 15, 2026: Groundwork Ohio hosted a webinar to present maternal health findings from four counties.
Culture Shift
The Partner for Change initiative replicates the community-oriented model previously used by Cradle Cincinnati in Hamilton County. This expansion signifies a shift toward localized, data-driven interventions to address long-standing maternal and infant health disparities across the state.
Residents in Cuyahoga, Lucas, Franklin, and Montgomery counties may see increased access to community advisory structures and maternal health resources. These local initiatives aim to improve health outcomes for families through targeted support and doula-friendly hospital policies.
The takeaway
The Partner for Change initiative highlights the importance of using community-specific data to solve complex public health challenges. By replicating proven models at a state level, officials hope to provide more equitable support for all families during pregnancy and the first year of life.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve newborn health in Ohio Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WYSO.
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