Cradle Cincinnati Connections

Project: To reduce extreme preterm births and infant deaths and to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Investment: $1,581,000 to fund three years

Grantee: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, on behalf of Cradle Cincinnati

Background: In 2013, bi3 provided a $3.2 million grant to fund the development of a unique mom-centered approach to tackle Hamilton County’s high infant mortality rates. The pilot program proved effective in delivering strong outcomes in the Avondale neighborhood. In the three years following the implementation of the pilot project, there were zero extreme preterm births in Avondale, down from 19 the five years prior.

The key was the collaboration between competing healthcare providers, community-based organizations and Avondale residents. Community leaders, families and physicians were involved early in program development. In addition, previously-siloed services were integrated into a single bundle of care to help moms overcome every barrier that may prevent a healthy, full-term delivery.

Project Description: After the strong successes seen in the Avondale pilot, the Cradle Cincinnati Connections project will scale the model to four zones — comprised of 12 zip codes that account for 40 percent of infant deaths in Hamilton County: 45202, 45204, 45205, 45211, 45214, 45223, 45224, 45225, 45229, 45232, 45237and 45239.

This project offers pregnant moms neighborhood-based support that links community resources to those offered by medical systems. Each zone will have a service team that includes community health workers, social workers and nurse case managers that will co-create services with families living in the community. This project will provide services to approximately 1,800 pregnant moms over the next three years

About Cradle Cincinnati: Cradle Cincinnati is a broad collaborative of health and civic partners working together to lower infant mortality in Hamilton County. The group includes every maternity hospital system, public health departments, social service agencies and families from the community. Cincinnati Children’s serves as the fiscal agent for Cradle Cincinnati.

Other Partners: TriHealth’s OB-GYN Center at Good Samaritan Hospital, The University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and several other local care providers and community-based organizations

 Other Funders: Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Medicaid, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center