Funder’s Perspective: A look at Hamilton County’s infant mortality rates

Perspective by bi3 Fund President & CEO Jill Miller

bi3 Fund President & CEO Jill Miller

The bi3 Fund is most interested in tackling wicked health issues like infant mortality. By definition, a wicked problem is made up of multiple, complex, interdependent factors that are difficult to identify and understand, let alone solve. In other words, wicked problems lack simple, straightforward solutions. They often require years, if not decades, to see meaningful progress. And the path to success isn’t straight; it’s a winding journey with ups and downs.

A year ago, our community celebrated a historic low: Hamilton County reached its lowest infant mortality rate on record, and for the first time, Black infant mortality dropped below double digits. This year, we experienced an uptick in our overall infant mortality rate from 5.5 to 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.  This presents an opportunity to learn and double down on strategies that work. We’ve had upticks before, and we will experience them again.  We cannot determine the success of a solution based on one data point in time. Yes, we saw our infant mortality rate tick up in 2024, but since 2013, Hamilton County has seen a 29% decline in infant deaths, evidence that progress is being made. More than 200 babies are alive today due to Cradle Cincinnati’s and Hamilton County’s collective efforts to reduce infant mortality.

As a long-term funder of efforts to improve infant mortality in our community, bi3 knows that meaningful progress comes from sustained investment, community-driven innovation, and a shared commitment to equity.

Progress happens when people come together:

• Eight local hospitals have been certified through Cradle Cincinnati’s Mama Certified Program, which provides families with the information they need to make better decisions about where to have their baby.
• A greater number of dedicated community health workers, doulas, and local partners walk alongside families every day to support them along their journeys.
• We’ve also seen those with lived experience share their voice with compassion and courage, creating a community that tells mothers and families that they are not alone.

Systems change takes time. It’s not always visible and doesn’t happen all at once. However, we are making steps forward.

At bi3, we remain committed to ensuring all babies have an opportunity to achieve their best health.

Let’s keep moving forward, together.