Rep. Sweeney Announces $635k for Infant and Maternal Home Visit Pilot Program

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) today announced that the Controlling Board has approved funding for a new, evidence-based home visit pilot program designed to provide in-home support to new moms and families in the postpartum period. The initiative is part of a suite of new programs aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality rates and improving early childhood outcomes across Ohio.

“Part of making Ohio a more attractive place to live, work and raise a family is ensuring that young families have access to the community resources they need to raise a healthy, happy child,” said Rep. Sweeney. “Similar programs in other states have demonstrated significant, measurable improvements in family health outcomes and incidence rates, I’m glad to see Ohio is finally joining their ranks.”

The program, Family Connects, will offer all new families a nurse home visit around three weeks after the family brings their baby home. During the visit, the nurse will be able to offer guidance & support, answer questions, and address any concerns the new parents may have while in the home; the program will also be designed to better connect families with additional clinical or community support if needed. The home visits will begin in the summer with the goal of serving approximately 4,000 new families across 11 counties within the first year of the program.

The Controlling Board also approved $2.65M in funds for the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation Start-Up Fund. The fund provides grants to Ohio start-up companies working to commercialize technologies that were originally developed at Ohio universities and other Ohio nonprofit research institutions, generating economic activity and further enhancing Ohio’s reputation as a leader in science & technology innovation.

Other approved items include:

• $163.7M for the Building Demolition & Site Revitalization Program
• $10.9M in federal funds for local urban & community forestry programs
• $5.2M in federal funds for nursing services at Ohio Veterans Homes
• $391k for the Safer Ohio School Tip Line to provide 24/7 crisis support to teachers helping students in crisis situations