May 2025 Newsletter
A Message from Danielle
“This baby. The one in my head. I’m responsible for that one.”
That single, powerful statement captured the heart of our very first CelebrateOne Progress Forum. It was a gathering rooted in hope, urgency, and our shared responsibility to reimagine what's possible for maternal and infant health in Central Ohio.
More than a discussion, it was a starting point for action. A room full of leaders, partners, and community champions came together with open minds and full hearts, united by one belief: every baby deserves to reach their first birthday.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped set the tone for what's next. We know this is just the beginning.
Whether you were there in person or catching up now, we invite you to watch the full event recording and recognize the work we're doing together, share in the hope we're building, and see the change that's possible when a community unites for its children.
Together, we can beat infant mortality.
Hope begins with ONE baby.
- Danielle P. Tong | Executive Director
Happy Mother’s Day
To all the moms, the new moms, the soon-to-be moms, the grieving moms, the healing moms, the grandmothers, the chosen moms, and the village of people who support mothers every day: you are seen, you are strong, and you are deeply appreciated.
From all of us at CelebrateOne, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for the love, care, and strength you give to your families and communities.
The 411 on C1
We have a bunch of great events ahead and we’d love to see you there!
Check out what’s coming up below and sign up today!
Join us for a free, expert-led webinar designed for birth workers, social workers, and community health professionals. Learn about the roles and career paths that shape maternal and infant health and how collaboration drives better outcomes.
Featuring Dr. Chante Meadows, LaToyia Matthews, and hosted by CelebrateOne’s Kadijah Torian.
Expecting a baby or parenting a little one under one? Don’t miss our Community Baby Shower at the Linden Community Center on May 31! Enjoy family fun, connect with local resources, and get the support every parent deserves. The first 500 families will receive a diaper bag filled with baby essentials. Space is limited - RSVP today!
Our Policy Summit on maternal and infant health advocacy is happening soon!
Learn how to influence change, connect with allies, and discover how policy can drive healthier outcomes for Central Ohio families.
Infant Safety News
Emergency Car Seat Referrals
CelebrateOne is proud to support our partners and clients with emergency resources that keep infants safe. If you’re working with a family in urgent need of a car seat, we’re here to help.
Car seat referrals are for emergency cases only. If a client has exhausted all other community resources and is within two weeks of delivery without a car seat, you can submit a referral through our emergency request system.
Here's how it works:
Use our Car Seat Referral Link to submit the request.
The referral will go directly to Tiffany Groce, CelebrateOne’s Infant Safety and Vitality Manager.
Tiffany will assign the case to a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
The CPST will contact the client and install the car seat within 24–48 hours.
We appreciate your partnership in making sure every baby has a safe ride home. If you have any questions about the referral process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tiffany directly.
Questions? Contact Tiffany Groce | e. TMGroce@columbus.gov | p. 614.645.1384
Partner Spotlight
Highlighting Family Voices with Groundwork Ohio’s FAN Program
CelebrateOne is proud to highlight the important work our partners at Groundwork Ohio are doing through the Family Action Network (FAN), an initiative that centers parents and caregivers as leaders in shaping policies that support young children and families across Ohio.
FAN creates space for families to come together in monthly conversations to share lived experiences, learn about early childhood policies, and advocate for meaningful change.
If you're a parent or caregiver of a child under age 5, this is a powerful opportunity to raise your voice and connect with others who care deeply about creating a stronger start for all Ohio children.
Learn more and get involved at groundworkohio.org/familyaction
Community Calendar
Walk with a Doc For Perinatal Families
Hosted by Little Bottoms, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and CelebrateOne
CelebrateOne is proud to sponsor Walk With A Doc for Perinatal Families, a free monthly event for pregnant and postpartum families, held every 3rd Saturday at Westgate Park.
Meet at 9:30 AM for a light breakfast, followed by a short health talk and a community walk at 10 AM.
Strollers are encouraged! Please bring your own, but a limited number will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Childbirth & Baby Basics
Hosted by the Columbus Public Health
Columbus Public Health’s Home Visiting team is offering free childbirth and parenting classes—and you can earn gift cards and baby supplies just for attending (while supplies last)!
Childbirth & Baby Basics
Learn about the third trimester, labor and delivery, comfort techniques, newborn care, postpartum health, and child safety. Classes are offered at a variety of times and locations to fit your schedule.
Support people are encouraged to attend. Need help with transportation or child care? Let CPH know, solutions may be available.
Connectors in Action
Our Connectors are making an impact.
Check out these snapshots of them in action across the community!
What We’re Reading
Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems: A Community-Driven Approach to Creating Change
By Jill Haubner Miller & Dr. Meredith C Smith
Published January 15, 2025
Cincinnati once faced one of the worst infant mortality rates in the country, especially for Black babies, who were dying at three times the rate of White babies.
But through bold partnerships between healthcare providers, nonprofits, funders, and community members, the city transformed its approach. In just over a decade, Hamilton County achieved record-low infant mortality rates, saving over 220 lives and cutting the Black infant mortality rate in half.
In Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems, Jill Haubner Miller and Dr. Meredith C. Smith share the groundbreaking model behind this success and offer a roadmap for meaningful systems change that any community can adopt.