Rep. Sweeney Announces $1.2M for Cribs for Kids to Combat Infant Mortality

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) today announced that the Controlling Board has approved $1.2M under the Department of Children & Youth to further combat infant mortality. The funds will be used in partnership with the non-profit organization Cribs for Kids to provide new parents with educational resources on the importance of and how to practice safe sleep with their infant. Cribs for Kids will also provide safe sleep products to parents to allow them to put their baby to sleep safely and assist with practice safe sleep. 

“Every child in Ohio deserves a safe, comfortable place to rest their head,” said Rep. Sweeney. “Unsafe sleep practices and sleep-related infant deaths are a leading cause of Ohio’s high infant mortality and many of these heartbreaking losses are preventable. This funding & programming will help to empower Ohio families with the information, resources, and support that they need to keep their babies safe while sleeping.”

The funding also supports the distribution of Cribs for Kids Survival Kits to eligible at-risk families in 71 counties. The Survival Kits include tools necessary for preventing infant mortality such as, portable cribs, fitted crib sheets, and educational materials.  

Additionally, the Controlling Board approved $20M for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to contract with various firms to provide architectural, engineering, and surveying services.

Some other items approved by the Controlling Board include:

• $91M for planned renovations to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, including new buildings and underground infrastructure work.
• $792K for Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to provide medical assessment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• $443K for Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to provide online professional development training for direct support professionals (DSPs).