AKRON, Ohio — Infant mortality is decreasing in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health, but one northeast Ohio county is looking to make those numbers even lower.

What You Need To Know

  • Different factors can cause infant deaths, such as birth defects and preterm births

  • 10 grants will be given out 

  • Applications for the Full Term First Birthday grants are due by April 18

Summit County is taking applications for a new grant program aimed at increasing the number of babies who make it to their first birthday.

The City of Akron and the Summit County Public Health Department are working together to decrease the number of babies who don’t make it to their first birthday. Shaleeta Washington is the director of Family Health for Summit County Public Health. She has worked on this project and knows women and babies in Akron need it.

“One baby is way is too many," said Washington. “And we're seeing in our community that Black babies are dying at three times the rate of our white babies.”

Ohio Department of Health data shows between 2019 and 2023, Summit County had 168 infant deaths.

In Ohio, 904 infants died in 2023 — 275 were Black babies. In 2022, 910 died and 273 were Black.

In 2023, Cuyahoga County reported 112 infant deaths.

Different factors can cause infant deaths, such as birth defects and preterm births. But Washington said other factors are also preventable, like unsafe sleeping conditions.

“The best way for a baby to be put to sleep is alone on their back in a crib," said Washington. “And what we're seeing in our community is that that is not always happening. So, we are consistently doing education, doing outreach, making sure that we're getting that message out.”

The new grant program Full Term First Birthday is looking for local organizations that helps reduce infant death and come up with plans to help women carry to full term. The program will give out 10 grants from $3,000 to $5,000.

“This infant health fund is our attempt to do things slightly differently and try to get into the neighborhoods that are most affected by this issue," said Wardell.

Richelle Wardell, the Education and Health Strategist for the City of Akron, said this is a short-term program. They expect for grant recipients to put their submitted plan in action starting in July.

“We're looking for applicants who are using best practices and infant vitality," said Wardell. "Lots of things that we know already work.”

Washington said they are also looking to engage with new people, build trust and build connections with community-based organizations who interact with the moms and babies who need them.

“We want to ensure that the community is at the forefront of this.”

Applications for the Full Term First Birthday grants are due by April 18.