The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released a new fact sheet titled “Uplifting Community Voices: Employment and maternal and child health.”

The factsheet highlights employment policies that support maternal and infant health, using the city of Cincinnati as a case study. The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) interviewed two city of Cincinnati leaders, Latisha Hazell, Human Resources Director, and Laura Castillo, Director of the Department of Economic Inclusion.

Policies outlined in the brief are important because they empower individuals and parents, enhance job opportunities and have been demonstrated to improve birth outcomes.

As illustrated above, wage gaps between races and genders vary by occupation and factors such as discrimination, racism, type of job, education and work experience.

By implementing a living wage initiative and an updated parental leave policy, Cincinnati has championed evidence-based practices designed to increase equity and foster a supportive work environment for city employees and contractors.

“Employment can support health and reduce infant mortality when it provides access to a living wage, resources and benefits such as health insurance and paid leave,” the report states. “On the other hand, research indicates that unemployment during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weights and higher infant mortality rates. Working parents are essential contributors to Ohio’s economy. When their jobs support their ability to provide stable housing, high-quality child care and healthy food to their families, all Ohioans benefit.”