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

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) 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. 

“Ohio needs to become a leader in lowering the infant mortality rate. This program and others will help achieve this goal. I would like to add that Ohioans take a lot of pride in supporting our disabled community. That is why I am happy to support the robust funding of programs that help meet the needs of this very special segment of our population,” said Rep. Brennan.

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.  

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).