bi3 Fund
UPDATES
bi3 invests $631,000 to strengthen support for new moms
Pregnancy and a baby’s first year are often a joyful time, but it can also be an overwhelming one. In fact, one in five women experiences a maternal mental health condition during this time. Yet, many go without the support they need.
To help ensure every mom and baby have the support they need, bi3 is investing $631,000 in community organizations that strengthen maternal mental health support across Greater Cincinnati.
New grants to Best Point Education & Behavioral Health and The Transformational Healing Place will help connect mothers to therapy, peer support, and culturally responsive care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, these efforts aim to ensure more mothers, especially those facing the greatest barriers, have someone in their corner when they need it most.
These investments are part of bi3’s broader work to improve maternal, infant, and young child health in our region.
CET highlights community efforts to address infant mortality
Improving maternal and infant health remain a main focus for bi3. A new CET “Brick by Brick” story showcases Greater Cincinnati’s efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, highlighting the community-driven work of Cradle Cincinnati and the TriHealth Good Samaritan OB-GYN Center, both of which are supported by bi3.
Featuring bi3 Fund President and CEO Jill Miller and TriHealth Senior Vice President Jeremiah Kirkland, the segment highlights how cross-sector collaboration is improving access to care, strengthening support systems, and reducing infant mortality, while reinforcing the need to stay committed to this ongoing work.
Join our partners for Black Maternal Health Week events
At bi3, we believe every mother and young child should have access to the supports they need to grow and thrive—from pregnancy through early childhood. Much of our work focuses on reducing health gaps that impact Black women and families and serve as barriers to good health outcomes.
bi3 awarded Spark Grants to seven local organizations to support community events that center Black voices, experiences and leadership during Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) across Greater Cincinnati.
Jill Miller shares bi3’s approach to solving wicked problems with Candid
What does it take to make progress on issues like infant mortality and health inequities? In a recent feature with Candid Insights, a national nonprofit-focused publication, Jill Miller, President & CEO of bi3, discusses four essential strategies:
- Let data guide decisions and nonprofit strategies
- Challenge assumptions by listening to those with lived experience
- Start small and try something new
- Center those closest to the problem as leaders
Discover how these approaches are enabling communities to address complex social issues in innovative ways.
Supporting maternal mental health in Ohio
Advocating for change is one of bi3’s core strategies to advance our mission. Recently, we have been supporting legislation to ensure that new and expectant mothers can access mental healthcare screening and be quickly connected to care throughout the perinatal period—from early pregnancy through the first year postpartum.
Together with our partners, we are providing testimony and urging the passage of Senate Bill 352, introduced by Senators Casey Weinstein and Jane Timken, and its partner House Bill 742, introduced by Representatives Rachel Baker and Jodi Salvo.
The need is urgent. Maternal mental health issues are the leading complication during pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant or postpartum women. Despite this, 75% of affected women remain untreated, causing repercussions for babies, families, and communities.
SB 352/HB742 adopts a practical, systems-level approach to closing this gap by supporting proven strategies: early identification, warm handoffs to care, and scalable community-based models that meet mothers where they are.
We will continue to track this bill’s progress and keep our partners informed.
GRANTEE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Marty Olberding, Registered Nurse, Certified Case Manager
Good Samaritan Hospital Perinatal Programs
At bi3, we know that improving outcomes for moms and babies takes more than programs. It takes people who lead with compassion, trust, and deep community connection.
Our latest Partner Spotlight features Marty Olberding of TriHealth’s Good Samaritan OB-GYN Center, whose work reflects what it looks like to care for the whole person and walk alongside families every step of the way.
You may also recognize one of the moms featured in this story from the recent CET “Brick by Brick” segment mentioned above—an example of how these efforts come to life through real experiences and trusted relationships.
For more updates on the work of bi3 and our funded partners, be sure to follow us on social media!
