Our Story
CelebrateOne is dedicated to ensuring every baby in Columbus reaches their first birthday and beyond.
We partner with families, neighbors, healthcare providers, community organizations, and funders to make sure parents have the support and services they need for healthy pregnancies and safe, happy babies. At the same time, we drive systems-and policy-change efforts that address the root causes of infant mortality and create lasting impact across our city.
Because we believe every family deserves to celebrate the milestones that matter most.
A Healthier Columbus, Together
CelebrateOne was created in 2014 following the recommendations of the Greater Columbus Infant Mortality Task Force, which revealed a painful reality - too many babies in our city were not reaching their first birthday.
Championed by Mayor Andrew Ginther, CelebrateOne was founded as a collective-impact effort and eventually established as both a Mayor's Initiative and 501(c)(3). Aligning under one collective brought together hospitals, community organizations, public agencies, and neighborhood champions to unite around one shared mission - ensuring every baby in Columbus has the chance to reach their first birthday with the love, care, and stability families deserve.
That commitment continues today as CelebrateOne strengthens systems, supports families, and partners across our city to improve maternal and infant health.
The Challenge
Infant mortality is a complicated problem that cannot be solved by a single program, policy, or organization. This is because it’s shaped by deep, interconnected issues – like housing, income, access to care, stress, and community support – that require people and systems to change how they listen, learn, and work together.
The work to prevent infant deaths is urgent.
In 2024, 128 babies died in Franklin County before their first birthday.
1 in 4 of these deaths happened because babies were born too soon (premature).
Black babies in Franklin County die at twice the rate of White babies.
These figures reflect more than just statistics; they reflect lives, families, and futures.
This is the work of CelebrateOne.
Our Approach
Our 4 pillars turn strategy into action.
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Every birthing person deserves care that is accessible, respectful, and rooted in dignity. Through this pillar, CelebrateOne strengthens connections to early prenatal care, culturally responsive providers, and high-quality services that support safe pregnancies and affirming birth experiences.
We partner with health systems, clinics, community organizations, and perinatal support providers to expand access, reduce barriers, and make sure families feel informed, supported, and welcomed at every step. Our focus is simple — quality care for every birthing person, in every neighborhood.
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Healthy beginnings depend on more than medical care — they’re shaped by the conditions families live in every day. CelebrateOne addresses the social determinants of health by connecting parents to stable housing, transportation, nutrition support, mental health resources, and neighborhood-based services. Through community partnerships and cross-system collaboration, we work to ensure families have the stability and support they need during pregnancy and beyond. When families’ basic needs are met, babies have a stronger start.
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Families make powerful decisions when they have clear, trustworthy information. CelebrateOne builds health literacy by offering accessible education on pregnancy, infant safety, safe sleep, breastfeeding, and navigating healthcare systems. We focus on meeting families where they are — in neighborhoods, community events, clinics, and homes — with guidance that is judgment-free, culturally relevant, and easy to understand. Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge and confidence they need to care for themselves and their babies.
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Every community deserves a diverse, well-trained birthing workforce that reflects the families it serves. CelebrateOne strengthens the local birthing workforce by supporting doulas, perinatal professionals, community health workers, and trusted messengers who walk alongside families throughout pregnancy and early parenthood. We invest in training, mentorship, and pathways that expand the number of skilled, culturally responsive birth workers in Columbus. By building a stronger workforce, we create better outcomes and more supportive birth experiences for families across our city.
Our Values
Equity
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Empower
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Quality
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Collaborative
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Passionate
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Effective
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Innovative
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Equity • Empower • Quality • Collaborative • Passionate • Effective • Innovative •