AKRON, Ohio — Several health-based organizations in Akron and Summit County have joined together to help reduce infant mortality disparities. 

Akron, along with partners in the Full Term First Birthday (FTFB) collaborative — Summit County Public Health and United Way of Summit and Medina — launched a community-based Infant Health Fund for the purpose.

What You Need To Know

  • Ten grants will be dispersed to local community groups

  • The grant will range in prixe from $3,000 to $5,0000

  • Applications must be submitted by April 18

  • The funds can be used on participent incentives, program supplies or staff training

“I’m proud to launch a new Full Term First Birthday program to help combat the growing disparity in infant mortality rates in our communities,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik in a news release. “Data tells us that while the infant mortality rates for both Black and white babies have declined in Ohio, the disparity between the two is actually growing. This means that not only are Black babies dying at a higher rate than white babies, but that the disparity between those numbers is actually increasing. By helping fund the boots on the ground organizations who are directly working with the communities most impacted by this disparity, we hope to make a difference in the data and help all infants in our city reach important milestones like their first birthday.”

Through the fund, 10 grants that range from $3,000 to $5,000 that will go toward community-based organizations that focus on maternal health, breastfeeding support, safe sleep education, early childhood development and other similar efforts.

To receive the grant, organizations must be a nonprofit, or have a fiscal sponsor, and serve Akron neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates. 

“Summit County Public Health is excited to launch the Infant Health Fund in collaboration with Full Term First Birthday partners,” said Christopher Barker Summit County Public Health Commissioner in a news release. “The Infant Health Fund will allow us to support organizations that are deeply imbedded in Akron neighborhoods.”

To apply to the fund, or view the application, click here. Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2025 at 5 p.m. They can emailed to FTFB@schd.org. Questions about the grant or program can be sent to the same email address by March 26.

Awards will be announced in early June and can go toward program supplies, such as car seats, breastfeeding supplies, bus passes, program/participant incentives and staff training. The funds cannot be used for lobbying, entertainment or salaries. 

“We are thrilled to work with our coalition members to support community-based programs,” said Richelle Wardell, City of Akron’s Education and Health Strategist, who, along with SCPH Director of Family Health Shaleeta Washington, will oversee the fund. “Through shared experiences and understanding, grassroots organizations have built trusted relationships over time and can serve as bridges between families and health care systems, helping them navigate prenatal care, advocate for themselves, and feel safe to ask questions.”

Recipients will be required to participate in a monthly call with FTFB partners and attend a retreat in the fall.