HPIO delivers report on impact of social determinants on infant mortality

Last week HPIO delivered a report titled “A New Approach to Reduce Infant Mortality and Achieve Equity,” to the Legislative Services Commission.

Senate Bill 332, signed by Gov. Kasich in January, required LSC to contract with a nonprofit organization to issue a report regarding the social determinants of infant mortality, and LSC contracted with HPIO to do so.

The report found that improving social and economic conditions such as housing, transportation, education and employment opportunities, could help Ohio make faster progress in reducing the number of babies dying before their first birthday (Source: “Report: Look to solutions beyond health care to keep so many Ohio babies from dying,” Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 5, 2017).

The 233-page study by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio includes 127 policy recommendations, many gleaned from experience of other states. A 2-page snapshot and 16-page executive summary are also available.

“We’ve always known infant mortality is very complicated. Clinical care is necessary, but we also need to look at other issues,” said Shannon Jones, executive director of Groundwork Ohio, a child advocacy group, and a former state senator who sponsored SB 332.