On April 30, CelebrateOne Executive Director, Danielle Tong, joined Governor Mike DeWine, DCY Director Kara Wente, and community partners from Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo to announce Partners for Change — a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. CelebrateOne was selected as one of four awardees and will receive $750,000 over the next three years to expand its efforts in neighborhoods most impacted by poor birth outcomes.

Alongside First Year Cleveland, Dayton Children’s Hospital, and the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, CelebrateOne will help replicate the success of the Cradle Cincinnati model through a community-led, data-informed approach that centers families and strengthens local support systems.

“We’ve always believed that real change starts in community, with trusted voices, local partnerships, and solutions shaped by the people most impacted,” said Danielle Tong following the announcement.

“This grant helps us build on what’s already working and bring that support to more neighborhoods across Columbus.”

Franklin County continues to experience disproportionately high infant mortality rates among Black families, making this support an important step in addressing long-standing disparities and improving outcomes for mothers and babies in Columbus.

“Ohio recently hit its lowest infant mortality rate in 20 years, but we’re not stopping there,” said Governor DeWine. “Our families deserve more, and this initiative is how we keep moving forward.”

CelebrateOne is proud to work alongside local and state leaders to ensure that every baby in Columbus has the opportunity to reach their first birthday.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url