Feb 2025 Newsletter
A Message from Danielle
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the countless contributions of Black Americans. In this special message, our Executive Director reflects on the rich legacy of Black birth workers, from ancestral and granny midwives to today’s doulas and midwives. Despite historical barriers, Black birth workers continue to make a profound impact on maternal health and birth outcomes.
Join us in celebrating and uplifting Black doulas and midwives, this month and every day.
Funding Opportunities
HealthPath Foundation of Ohio's 25th Anniversary Grant
HealthPath is awarding grants up to $25,000 to support initiatives that advance health equity in Ohio. This special funding opportunity commemorates their 25th anniversary.
Learn more
Columbus Foundation Grants for Marginalized Populations
The Columbus Foundation offers funding for programs that promote economic mobility and equity in Franklin County. Nonprofits working with marginalized communities can apply.
Baby 1st Network’s Fire Starter Mini-Grants
Small community organizations in Ohio can apply for up to $1,500 to support infant health initiatives. A Letter of Intent is required by February 21, 2025.
Learn more
The 411 on C1
Please save the date for our upcoming Progress Forum on March 24th. You won’t want to miss it. More information will be coming soon.
Housing News
Ready to Rent: Empowering Families to Overcome Housing Barriers
Takia Walker | Housing Stabilization Manager for CelebrateOne
Finding stable housing can be a challenge for families facing rental barriers, but Ready to Rent is here to help. This peer-involved program is designed not only to assist families in securing housing but also to educate all renters on their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
CelebrateOne is proud to have launched Ready to Rent for families currently enrolled in our housing programs. The impact is already evident: five families have successfully completed the program and are on their way to securing stable housing and brighter futures. One family is even in the process of applying for their first home purchase after a lifetime of renting!
The Ready to Rent curriculum includes six sessions covering key aspects of the rental journey, such as problem-solving, financial preparation, house-hunting, settling into a new home, and planning for future moves. The program also addresses each family's unique needs, incorporating economic empowerment strategies and career development opportunities to foster long-term stability.
We are excited to expand Ready to Rent to our community partners soon and continue making a difference in the lives of families striving for secure, independent living. Stay tuned for more updates.
Questions? Contact Takia Walker | e. TJWaller@columbus.gov | p. 614.645.6466
Community Calendar
2025 Addressing Racism in Maternal-Infant Care Continuing Education Series - Health Literacy – February 18
Hosted by Ohio Better Birth OutcomesSign up today to participate in the 2025 OBBO's Addressing Racism in Maternal-Infant Care Continuing Education Series on February 18th. There is an option for either virtual or in-person attendance. Learn More.
3rd Annual Maternal Mental Health Summit – February 22
Hosted by the Columbus (OH) Chapter of The Links, IncorporatedThe 3rd Annual Maternal Mental Health Summit will take place on Feb. 22 at 11 AM at the OSU Healthy Community Center, featuring Honorary Chair Danielle Tong, keynote speaker Elizabeth Brown, resources, panels, brunch bites, raffles, and more. Learn More.
Black Family Wellness Expo – March 15
Hosted by Wrights Way FoundationThe Black Family Wellness Expo will take place on March 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the OSU Healthy Community Center. This free event, featuring childcare and lunch, will provide essential resources and support for pregnant women, infants, and maternal health. Attendees can expect healthy cooking demos, safe sleep training, family workouts, informational presentations, community resources, giveaways, and more. Topics include prenatal and newborn health, maternal health, nutrition, opioid abuse awareness, financial wellness, and women's health advocacy through voting rights. Learn More.
What We’re Reading
The Sum of Us: What racism costs everyone and how we can prosper together
By Heather C. McGhee — Author | Speaker | Advocate
Published February 9, 2021
The Sum of Us is an account by economist Heather McGhee of research that endeavors to explain, “ the mystery of why [the American economy]so often fails the American public.” Her research guides her to the understanding that the root cause is racism, and that it does not just negatively affect people of color, but it has a cost for everyone. “It is the common denominator of our most vexing public problems, the core dysfunction of our democracy, and constitutive of the spiritual and moral crises that grip us all.”
This work parallels precisely what we see in the space of preventing infant mortality. The infant mortality rate is astronomical and unacceptable for everyone. It is three times as astronomical for Black families, but those issues that cause the disparity affect all families. If we can commit to addressing the issues that cause the disparity, we will see the rates of infant mortality for all races fall.
Expanding the Role of Midwives to Address the Maternal Health Crisis
By P. Mimi Niles, Laurie C. Zephyrin for The Commonwealth Fund
Published online May 5, 2023
This issue brief examines how midwives can play a larger role in addressing the maternal health crisis in the U.S. With rising maternal mortality rates and disparities in care, midwifery offers a proven, cost-effective solution. However, policy and funding barriers limit access to these services, particularly for marginalized communities. Expanding midwifery care could significantly improve birth outcomes and equity in maternal health.
This aligns with what we see in our work to improve maternal and infant health. Many of the risk factors contributing to infant mortality—lack of access to quality prenatal care, provider shortages, and racial disparities—could be mitigated with greater integration of midwifery into our healthcare system.
Learn More.