bi3 Updates
The bi3 Fund welcomes Candace Novak Sabers as Vice President of Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
The bi3 Fund is excited to announce that Candace Novak Sabers has joined the team as bi3’s Vice President of Health Policy and Advocacy. Candace will lead the development and implementation of bi3’s health policy agenda, which is focused on improving health outcomes for all people in Greater Cincinnati and beyond. With over two decades of dedicated service to the children and families of Ohio, Candace brings a proven history of advancing critical initiatives that drive positive changes.
Candace most recently served as Vice President of Government and Community Relations at UC Health, where she was responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s strategic approach to government relations and community outreach.
bi3 awards $500,000 to support local immigrant and refugee populations
bi3 distributed a total of $500,000 in rapid-response grants to organizations that provide bilingual services and mental health support to immigrant and refugee populations. These funded partners include Catholic Charities, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Refugee Connect, Su Casa, and others.
REMINDER: Funding available to improve support for maternal mental health
The bi3 Fund continues to invite proposals for projects and initiatives to improve access and increase support for maternal mental health in four counties in our region. bi3 anticipates awarding three to five grants, each ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.
The Letter of Intent is due May 8, 2025.
Hopeful Empowerer Youth (HEY!) featured in Business Courier Podcast
Last month, Jill Miler welcomed Clare Blankemeyer, former executive director of HEY!, and Brooke, a HEY! youth fellow to join her on an episode of Cincinnati Business Courier’s Getting Health Care Right to share the latest updates on youth mental health and wellness in our community, which impact families and all sectors in our community. Clare and Brook discussed barriers kids face in achieving optimal mental wellness, as well as HEY!’s work to grow youth’s sense of agency and belonging.
Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems showcased
It’s been a busy few weeks for Jill Miller and Cradle Cincinnati Executive Director Dr. Meredith Smith, authors of the new book Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems.
The Greater Cincinnati community recently attended a special celebration at the Mercantile Library, where Meredith and Jill shared their experiences as authors and signed books.
Jill also appeared on a recent Local 12’s What’s Happening in Health segment with Liz Bonis to discuss Infant Mortality and Other Wicked Problems and our community’s progress over the past decade. Watch the interview (starting at 00:39:35).
Additionally, Jill and Meredith had the opportunity to highlight content from the book with healthcare leaders from across the country at the American College of Healthcare Executives 2025 Congress on Healthcare Leadership. They shared how the collaborative framework developed can help other communities as they work to address longstanding issues in their own communities.
Grantee Spotlight
Me & She Doula
In 2023, bi3 awarded Me& She Doula $200,000 to support families with doula services, as well as childbirth and breastfeeding education. The funding also supports impact measurement and the training and mobilization of new and existing doulas.
Learn more about this special organization and how they work every day to support women and babies in our community.
For more updates on the work of bi3 and our funded partners, be sure to follow us on social media!
