Rep. Baker Announces $1.2M for Department of Children & Youth for Cribs for Kids, Combat Infant Mortality

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) today announced that the Controlling Board has approved $1.2M under the Department of Children & Youth with the aim of combating infant mortality. The funds will be used in partnership with the non-profit organization Cribs for Kids which will provide eligible parents education on the importance of and how to practice safe sleep with their infant. Cribs for Kids will also furnish parents a product to allow them to put their baby to sleep safely and assist with practice safe sleep. 

“In Ohio, there are 7 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births – which is the 43rd worst state in the country. Additionally, Black infants in Ohio have a mortality rate almost three times higher than the mortality rate of white infants,” said Rep. Baker. “There is a lot of work to do to make Ohio a great state for infants. I am pleased to announce these resources being directed to address this crisis.”

The contract 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.  

Some other items approved by the Controlling Board include:

• $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).