bi3 Updates
Apply for a Black Maternal Health Week Spark Grant
At the bi3 Fund, we are committed to improving maternal and infant health for all moms and babies. Every mother and young child should have access to the supports they need to grow and thrive—from pregnancy through early childhood. Unfortunately, Black babies are dying at significantly higher rates than white babies. We have learned through our work that when you focus on reducing the largest disparity, care and birth outcomes improve for all.
This year, bi3 is offering Spark Grants to support community efforts that celebrate, educate and advocate for Black maternal health during Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17, 2026).
Organizations can apply for up to $7,500 to support free, public events across our region that raise awareness, build connection, and pilot ideas that can lead to better outcomes for moms and babies, during the week and beyond.
Plus, see our feature below on how a Black Maternal Health event sparked lasting impact.
Grantee Spotlight: Booker T. Washington Community Center
From a day of listening to a place for healing
What began as a single Black Maternal Health Week event is becoming a lasting community resource to support moms and babies.
The Booker T. Washington Community Center’s “Birthing Joy” event, held during BMHW 2025, was rooted in listening, connection, and care. As a pilot, it revealed both the depth of community need and the power of trusted, culturally grounded approaches.
Ultimately, it sparked the vision for what would become the Maternal Wellness Center, set to open in 2026, seed-funded by the bi3 Fund.
Policy Corner:
Triving moms = A thriving Ohio
Ohio’s future begins with how we care for moms and babies—before, during, and after birth. When families thrive, communities grow stronger, and Ohio prospers.
In 2026, bi3 is engaging lawmakers and partners around two priorities:
- Removing barriers to early, comprehensive prenatal care starts in the first trimester: Getting moms into care early is one of the most effective ways to support healthy pregnancies and successful births. This access includes not only doctor visits but also proven support services, such as doulas and other community-based providers.
- Consistent mental health screening from pregnancy through the first year postpartum: Mental health and physical health are not separate. Early identification of issues and support can prevent crises, strengthen parent–child bonding, and reduce long-term impacts on families.
As policy conversations continue to evolve this year, look for opportunities to raise your voice and stay up to date on maternal and infant health policy development in bi3’s newsletters and social channels.
Community Conversation:
Jill Miller talks equity and impact on Coffee with Michelle
Jill Miller recently joined Michelle Hopkins on WCPO 9’s Come Have Coffee with Michelle to share her journey in health equity leadership and bi3’s work to reduce infant mortality and elevate youth voices to improve mental health and wellbeing across our community.
For more updates on the work of bi3 and our funded partners, be sure to follow us on social media!
