March 2026 Newsletter
A Message from Danielle
As we begin 2026, one thing is clear: improving infant vitality in our community has always been a shared effort.
Whether you have been part of this work for years or are just joining us, we are truly glad you are here. The progress our community has made is rooted in partnership. Hospitals, community organizations, public agencies, advocates, and families each play a role in ensuring more babies reach their first birthday and beyond.
This year, we are deepening that collaboration even further. Through efforts like the CelebrateOne Impact Network and our Data Roadshow, which brings our shared measurement work directly to partners, we are focusing together on the outcomes that matter most for babies and families, and how we measure progress.
This work is about more than numbers. It is about ensuring the time, resources, and passion across our community are aligned to create lasting change for babies and families.
The updates below reflect the momentum already building in 2026. We invite you to explore the work ahead, and thank you for being part of the community that makes it possible.
- Danielle P. Tong | Executive Director
In Case You Missed It
Check out what you might have missed below.
You’re Invited: Untold Stories Panel Event
For the past six months, CelebrateOne’s Untold Stories video series has shared the lived experiences of women and families in Columbus as they navigate pregnancy, birth, loss, and parenthood.
Join us on March 31 at the Columbus Museum of Art for a special community panel featuring the women whose voices shaped the series. Together, they’ll reflect on their journeys, the resilience they carry, and what meaningful support looks like for families in our community.
Doors open at 6 PM | Panel: 6:30–8 PM
Light refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to explore select museum exhibits between 6:00 - 6:30 PM at no additional cost.
New Untold Stories Videos
CelebrateOne’s Untold Stories: Journeys of Resilience and Hope series continues to highlight the real experiences of families in our community. Our three most recent videos continue to share powerful stories of resilience, love, and navigating pregnancy and parenthood in Columbus.
Watch now!
CelebrateOne Hosts First COIN Meeting
CelebrateOne recently held the first meeting of the CelebrateOne Impact Network (COIN), bringing partners together to collaborate on improving birth outcomes for families in Columbus. During the meeting, participants engaged in breakout discussions on Data to Action, Maternal-Infant Health Workforce, Programs & Service Alignment, and Policy, Advocacy & Systems Change.
We’re currently reviewing feedback from these conversations and will be sharing key themes and next steps in the coming weeks.
Celebrating Our Partners
At CelebrateOne’s 2025 First Birthday Celebration, we honored two exceptional partners for their contributions to families in our community.
The Legacy of Impact Award was presented to the Crane Group, accepted by CEO & President Dan Crane. This family-owned company is known for its long history of leadership and philanthropy, and its generous support has helped strengthen programs that improve health and wellbeing for families across Columbus.
The Partner of the Year Award went to COSI (Center of Science and Industry), accepted by President & CEO Frederic Bertley (Dr. B) and the COSI leadership team. As one of the nation’s leading science centers, COSI inspires curiosity and connects with families across Central Ohio through science, learning, and innovation.
We’re grateful for partners like these who help move this work forward every day.
CelebrateOne Leaders to Speak at BMHC
CelebrateOne’s Danielle Tong and Amanda Zabala, along with Stephaney Bauman of Franklin County Public Health, will speak at the Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus monthly webinar on March 19 from 12–1 PM.
Their presentation, Better Data to Optimize Black Maternal Health: Franklin County’s Journey, will explore how local partners are working to improve access to timely data and strengthen strategies that support Black mothers and families.
Danielle Tong, Executive Director, will also be participating in a panel at the Second Annual Black Maternal Health Summit on April 14 from 9 AM–2 PM at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium. Learn more.
ODM Partnership & Grant Kickoff
CelebrateOne recently kicked off a new $2.4 million investment in partnership with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to support programs addressing the social drivers of health connected to infant mortality. Over the next 18 months, 15 partner organizations will expand services, including prenatal and parenting education, maternal mental health support, fatherhood engagement, legal aid, connections to prenatal care, and community health worker and doula workforce development.
Together, these efforts are expected to support nearly 9,000 pregnant or parenting residents in Franklin County, providing trusted, community-based support for families.
CelebrateOne Has a New Website!
We’re excited to announce the launch of CelebrateOne’s new website! With a new look, improved navigation, and easy access to resources, stories, and events, it’s now simpler than ever to explore our work and stay connected.
Check it out and discover how we’re supporting families across Columbus.
Welcome Aboard
We’re excited to welcome Leaha Mathis as our new Community Organizer!
Leaha is a passionate community leader with extensive experience leading programs supporting families facing housing instability and mental health challenges. She brings a relationship-centered approach to building trust and connecting residents to the resources they need to thrive.
In her role at CelebrateOne, Leaha will lead outreach, relationship-building, and community-driven strategies to ensure the voices of families are at the heart of our work to reduce infant mortality in Franklin County.
Interested in meeting Leaha? She’s currently scheduling one-on-one meetings, email her to connect and share ideas!
Advocacy
Join Us at the Ohio March for Change
CelebrateOne is joining the March for Change on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Ohio Statehouse. Led by the March of Dimes, this event advocates for the health of all families and babies, including SB 267 to establish Ohio Doula Awareness Week and other key maternal and infant health policies.
Are You Registered to Vote?
Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard in your community. The deadline to register for the May 5, 2026 Ohio Primary is April 6. Make sure you’re ready to participate and have your say in shaping the future of your community.
Connector Calendar
CelebrateOne’s Connectors are out in the community sharing resources and supporting families. Here’s where you can find them in the coming weeks:
March 21 | Black Family Wellness Expo – 10:00 AM–11:00 PM, Linden Community Center
March 21 | Kingdom Power Baptist Church Wellness Fair – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Kingdom Power Baptist Church
March 25 | CSCC Stress-Less Day Student Fair – 12:00 PM–3:00 PM, Nestor Hall
Stay up to date on all upcoming events and see where our Connectors will be next.
Share Your Community Events With Us
Did you know you can submit your organization’s events to be featured on the CelebrateOne website? If you’re hosting an upcoming event that supports families and our community, we’d love to help spread the word.
Submit your event through our Community Event Submission Form to be considered for inclusion on our website. All submissions are reviewed before posting.
*Please note that links and graphics need to be WCAG 2.1 compliant to be shared.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars! CelebrateOne has several exciting events coming up this year. Save the dates below, we’ll be sharing more details soon.
CelebrateOne
Community Baby Shower
July 18th
Linden Community Center
CelebrateOne
Progress Forum
September 15th
High Line Car House
CelebrateOne
First Birthday Bash
October 17th
COSI
Interested in hosting a table at our Community Baby Shower?
We’d love to have you join us - email Megan Beck to learn more about tabling opportunities.