Rep. McNally Announces $15K for the Youngstown Minority Infant Mortality Summit

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced that the Ohio Commission on Minority Health has awarded The Youngstown City Health District a $15,000 grant. This is to support the 2026 Minority Health Infant Mortality Summit.

The conference will bring together healthcare professionals, community organizations, expectant parents, fathers, caregivers, and families to address maternal and infant health, and the disparities that impact our community. The Youngstown Local Office on Minority Health’s goal is to educate, empower and equip attendees with information, resources, and the tools needed to support mothers, pregnancies, and babies. It will also focus on teaching lifestyle changes that will lower the infant mortality rates, preterm birth rates, and low birth rates. There will be special sessions that focus on maternal health before and after pregnancy, safe sleep, domestic violence, the impact of tobacco and substance abuse on pregnancy, the importance of postpartum care and father involvement.  This Ohio Commission on Minority Health grant will support the conference and invest in the local office’s ongoing work in reducing infant mortality and improving maternal and infant outcomes in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

“Infant mortality is one of the most important issues that we, as a state, can be working on. Healthy moms and healthy babies deserve all the support we can give them. I am so grateful that the Ohio Commission on Minority Health is reaching out and uplifting local offices. I have been working on this issue since my time on Youngstown City Council and I am currently serving on the Ohio Commission on Infant Mortality this General Assembly,” said Rep. McNally.

This event will take place on September 18, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Youngstown, Ohio.