Addressing Racism and Social Determinants of Health to Promote Infant and Maternal Wellbeing

Not all Ohio moms and babies have equitable access to opportunities for long-term health and wellness. In fact, only five states have a higher Black infant mortality rate than Ohio, and despite a 10% decline in Ohio’s overall infant mortality rate since 2009, Ohio’s Black-white infant mortality disparity increased by 26% during the same time period. Institutional racism and inequitable access to critical resources and health services before, during, and after pregnancy persist and are contributing to poor maternal and infant health outcomes, especially for Black and Brown women and their children. Maternal mortality is rising in Ohio also, and research shows that many of these deaths are preventable, taking place often after pregnancy when Medicaid postpartum coverage ends. Ensuring that all women have access to adequate health care is essential for laying a healthy foundation for their children. Join the Ohio Legislative Children’s Caucus to discuss pervasive inequities in infant and maternal health and how Ohio can utilize Medicaid as a critical tool to increase the safety and vitality of all moms and babies in our state.