Giving Compass' Take:

• The StartStrong program in Avondale was developed through listening to the needs of women in the community and began to fulfill them, dramatically reducing the infant mortality rate. 

• How can other communities develop their own programs based on this model? What other programs are proving to be effective in reducing infant mortality. 

• Learn about the relationship between maternal and infant mortality in the U.S.

For years, Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood recorded some of the highest infant mortality and preterm birth rates in the country. Now, after intense intervention, it has been nearly three years since Avondale had a single extreme preterm (before 28 weeks gestation) birth. Avondale progressed from having one of the highest infant mortality rates in Cincinnati to one of the lowest—a striking accomplishment.

In 2013, bi3, Bethesda Inc.’s grantmaking initiative, requested proposals seeking new ideas with the potential to lead to breakthrough change in health and healthcare delivery. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and a community-based home visitation agency submitted separate proposals focused on reducing infant mortality. bi3 saw a funding opportunity to pair unlikely partners to design a disruptive new model of care and improve outcomes for moms and babes, beginning in the neighborhood of Avondale.

This effort became known as StartStrong.

The StartStrong team began its field work by listening. They actively held conversations with women, families, and the Avondale community to understand what prevented women from getting prenatal care and becoming connected to needed social supports.

StartStrong’s Bundle of Care included early obstetrical clinical care for every mom; supportive communities to engage and activate mothers; coordinated, place-based care; and timely social services addressing issues that undermine health.

Read the full article about StartStrong by Jill Miller and Jennifer Zimmerman at Grantmakers In Health.