Cradle Cincinnati

Hamilton County's overall infant mortality rate increased from 5.5 in 2023 to 9.3 in 2025.

The number of babies in Hamilton County who died before their first birthdays increased last year. Cradle Cincinnati reports 67 deaths in 2024, up from 55 in 2023.

In another victory, the county's Black infant mortality rate also achieved single digits for the first time in 2023.

Mama Certified is a program that provides Black families with a meaningful way to assess and compare the maternal-related efforts of local birthing hospitals as well as encourage and support hospitals’ efforts to ensure Black parents-to-be and their babies receive respect and care.

Cradle Cincinnati's newly released five-year strategic plan aims to reduce Black infant mortality in Hamilton County. It lays out three goals for supporting birthing people throughout their pregnancies and afterward.

In 2022, 89 babies died before their first birthday — that's 21 more than in 2021.

October is safe sleep month. While Hamilton County has seen improvement in the overall infant mortality rate, sleep-related deaths aren't decreasing at a similar rate — and Black babies are at the highest risk. Local health agencies want to understand why the needle isn't moving and how they can help families.

The annual Infant Mortality Rate report from Cradle Cincinnati finds the number of babies dying before their first birthdays continues to decline, setting a new record low in 2021.

A new certification program uses data to help Black parents-to-be find a birthing center that meets their needs and considers their concerns and experiences.

Ohio lawmakers have drafted new legislation that would provide greater access for mothers to doulas during the birthing process. Could this new bill, H.B.…