HPIO releases education action guide to address Ohio’s infant mortality rate

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released an action guide that highlights policy options for improving education, one of the social drivers of infant mortality in Ohio. 

HPIO recently produced the Social Drivers of Infant Mortality: Recommendations for Action and Accountability in Ohio report as an update to the 2017 A New Approach to Reduce Infant Mortality and Achieve Equity report.
 
The action guide takes a closer look at the education recommendations in the Action and Accountability report and provides state and local health stakeholders with additional information and tools to support next steps.
 
Despite the efforts of many in both the public and private sectors, progress in reducing infant mortality since 2011 has been minimal and uneven, and Ohio’s infant mortality rate remains higher than most other states.

Infant mortality prevention efforts have largely focused on public health and healthcare interventions for pregnant women, such as safe sleep education and prenatal care access. While these efforts have likely contributed to the overall reduction in infant mortality, healthcare services alone are not enough to close gaps in birth outcomes in Ohio.

Last week, HPIO released a similar housing action guide.
 
The guide and additional tools posted on HPIO’s website can be used to prioritize, advocate for and implement the recommendations.