By Shannon Jones, Senior Advisor, Groundwork Ohio
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In recognition of Infant Mortality Awareness Month, my former Ohio Senate colleague, Charleta Tavares, joined me in writing an op/ed for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Read a little of our history as we look back on the last decade of bi-partisan efforts to reduce Ohio’s abysmal infant mortality rate and identify opportunities for improvement. We cannot afford to be complacent. Now is the time to redouble our efforts.
Shannon Jones
Senior Advisor
As appeared in Cleveland.com September 15, 2024.
Eleven years ago, the two of us set aside our party labels, forged a trusted friendship, and worked together to address Ohio’s alarming infant mortality rates. This intensive, multiyear legislative project, which began with a statewide listening tour, resulted in landmark legislation designed to tackle the systemic failures contributing to this crisis.
Eight years after the passage of Senate Bill 332, it is deeply disappointing to report that, despite various initiatives and policies, Ohio continues to struggle with high infant mortality rates, particularly among Black infants, who are dying at more than twice the rate of white infants.
In 2014, Ohio’s overall infant mortality rate (IMR) was 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, ranking the state fifth worst in the nation. The racial disparity was stark, with the IMR for Black infants at 14.3, more than double the rate for white infants (5.5). The situation demanded urgent action, leading to the formation of the Ohio Commission on Infant Mortality and the subsequent 2016 passage of SB 332, which took effect on April 6, 2017. This legislation aimed to create a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system to serve Ohio’s most vulnerable mothers and babies.
Progress has been disturbingly slow. By 2021, the IMR for white infants had improved slightly to 5.4, and for Black infants to 14.2. Yet the disparity persists. Despite policy changes and targeted interventions, Black babies in Ohio are still dying at an alarming rate. Moreover, the overall rate of low-birth-weight babies among Medicaid enrollees is 11.4%, placing Ohio among the bottom ten states in the nation. Premature birth rates have also been trending worse since 2019, with the March of Dimes giving Ohio a “D” in its 2023 report card.
The data reveal a troubling truth: While policy changes are necessary, they are not sufficient. Strong, consistent, accountable leadership is essential — leadership that is singularly focused on improving outcomes for Ohio’s mothers and infants. The lack of progress indicates a need for more than just well-intentioned policies. We need an unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to prioritize the health of moms and babies and hold themselves accountable to the data.
To make meaningful progress, we propose the following:
1. Strengthen collaboration and accountability: The Ohio Department of Medicaid must leverage its influence to ensure that hospitals and providers actively participate in local efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. This could be achieved by linking new Medicaid funding to participation in these initiatives.
2. Enhance consumer and stakeholder engagement: Expanding community involvement in state policymaking, particularly in the design of Medicaid services and in addressing social determinants of health, is crucial. This will help build trust, reduce disparities, and improve overall health outcomes.
3. Support infrastructure and workforce development: With Ohio Medicaid covering more than half of all births, the state has a responsibility to ensure the financial health of birthing providers. This includes revising Medicaid reimbursement rates and investing in workforce development, particularly in OB/GYN, Certified Nurse Midwives and primary care.
4. Expand state leadership in value-based care: Transitioning to value-based purchasing in maternal care is essential for improving health outcomes. The state must pursue opportunities that align provider incentives with positive health outcomes.
Ohio’s infant mortality crisis is multifaceted and demands a coordinated, comprehensive effort. The future of Ohio’s children depends on our collective ability to address these systemic failures and ensure that every child has the chance to celebrate their first birthday. Our journey, like our friendship, is far from over, and together we will continue to fight for Ohio’s mothers and babies.
Shannon Jones is a former Republican state senator from Warren County and currently serves as Senior Advisor to Groundwork Ohio and a Warren County Commissioner. Charleta B. Tavares is a former Democratic state senator from Franklin County and current CEO at PrimaryOne Health.
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