News from CelebrateONE Columbus • March 2023

Infant Mortality Rate Declines

The infant mortality rate (IMR) in Franklin County declined slightly in 2022, while the number of sleep-related infant deaths increased significantly, according to data from Columbus Public Health (CPH).

The IMR in 2022 was 7.9 deaths per 1,000 births, a decrease from 8.1 reported in 2021.

While the IMR is improving, it is still high in Columbus and nationwide, with the COVID-19 pandemic having a direct impact during the last several years. Researchers are still sorting through the data but have begun honing in on pregnant women delaying treatment for various conditions and the hesitancy of some women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during their pregnancies may be contributing factors. 

When reviewing the data by race, the IMR for Black babies dropped from 14.5 per 1,000 births in 2021 to 13 in 2022. Meanwhile, the IMR for white babies ticked up slightly in the county, from 4.7 in 2021 to 5.1 last year.

“The infant mortality rate is an important indicator of the health of our community,” said CelebrateOne Executive Director Maureen Stapleton. “While the numbers are trending downward, we still have not hit pre-pandemic levels, especially in our CelebrateOne priority neighborhoods."

In CelebrateOne neighborhoods, the IMR rose to 11.3 last year, from 11.1 the previous year. When breaking the figure down by race, there was also a decline in the Black IMR, 16.9 compared to 15.1, but rose for white babies, from 5.7 to 7.9.

Also rising in 2022 was the number of infant sleep-related deaths, with a total of 30 in the county. In 2021, a total of 17 deaths were reported. There was also an increase of sleep-related deaths in CelebrateOne neighborhoods. “These deaths are preventable,” Stapleton said.

In 2022, there were more births in Franklin County and CelebrateOne neighborhoods but still fell short of the 18,350 births in 2019.

There was much to celebrate in the end-of-year data report. A total of 2,096 cribs were distributed in Franklin County last year, exceeding the goal of 1,700.

Another goal was also surpassed in 2022, with a total of 1,334 safe sleep ambassadors trained. The goal was 1,000.

What is s safe-sleep ambassador? A safe sleep ambassador completes a CPH training and then shares the important ABCs of safe Sleep – Alone in the Crib, Back and in an empty Crib - with family and friends. Register for Safe Sleep Training here: http://infantsafesleepCPH.eventbrite.com

You're Invited:

March 18 Safe Sleep Training

Infant sleep-related deaths are on the rise in our community. These deaths are preventable if you know the ABCs of safe sleep.

Join us for a safe sleep training from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, Howard Community Center, 2505 N. Cassady Ave.

There will be free refreshments, giveaways and prizes for all who attend.

Now Hiring Certified Doulas

CelebrateOne is now hiring certified doulas to help women during their pregnancy, at the hospital and when they get home.

Some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:

• A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor
• A decreased incidence of C-sections
• A decrease in the length of labor
• A decrease in negative childbirth experiences

To learn more about joining our team as a certified doula, visit our website, https://www.columbus.gov/celebrate-one/

If you know someone who is a certified doula, please have them submit a cover letter, resume and proof of liability insurance to: KVTorian@columbus.gov.

Did You Miss our Lunch & Learn?

In case you missed our February 16 Lunch and Learn, Pot during Pregnancy: the Dangers. Click above for the replay. 

In the Spotlight . . .

Meet Mailli Robinett

Name: Mailli Robinett

Job Title: Community Health Worker

When did you start working at CelebrateOne? October 2021

Tell us about your job?  My job is to connect pregnant women and families with babies under the age of one to community resources and support. I am regularly out in the community, meeting families where they are and working with them to address any barriers to care.

What do you find challenging about your job? The most challenging part of my job is wanting to meet every need or barrier a family faces to healthcare, while navigating a complex system.

What is the most rewarding aspect? The most rewarding aspect of this job is being able to share resources that will make a lasting impact for a family. I love being a part of “the village” helping to raise and support a child. Building those relationships and hearing updates about how the pregnancy is going or how much the baby has grown is so special to me.

What have you learned since you have been working at CelebrateOne?  The biggest thing that I have learned is how important timing is when thinking about “meeting people where they are.” Everyone has a different timeline and respecting those boundaries has helped me be a better advocate and supporter.

Personally or professionally, is there something you want to accomplish during 2023? Personally, I want to continue to grow and challenge myself to do things out of my comfort zone.  

Describe yourself in three words:
• Adventurous
• Outgoing
• Adaptable

We are grateful to Safelite

We are grateful to the employees of Safelite’s human resources and finance departments and Wendy Bradshaw, director of community engagement, for hosting a book drive recently and donating 2,850 books to CelebrateOne. The books will be distributed to pregnant women and families at our 2023 baby shower events.