The City of Akron is stepping up its efforts to address a matter of life and death: the sobering disparities in infant mortality rates within their communities. In collaboration with Summit County Public Health (SCPH) and United Way of Summit and Medina, they have announced the launch of the Infant Health Fund, a new initiative aimed directly at organizations embedded in the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
Targeting areas in Akron with elevated infant mortality rates, the fund will distribute up to 10 grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to qualified nonprofits working on maternal health, infant nutrition, and other key issues. Applications, open until April 18, can be sent to [email protected], and interested parties should get their questions in by March 26, as stated on the City of Akron's website. The grants will cover the cost of much-needed supplies and staff training but will not fund salaries or lobbying efforts.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed the urgency of the situation, citing statistics that show an increasing gap between the mortality rates of Black and white babies. "I'm proud to launch a new Full Term First Birthday program to help combat the growing disparity in infant mortality rates in our communities," Malik told the City of Akron. The initiative, known as Full Term First Birthday (FTFB), will facilitate these grants in collaboration with partners, with awarded organizations required to engage in monthly calls and a retreat later in the year.
Emphasizing the importance of community-level action, SCPH’s Director of Family Health, Shaleeta Washington, explained, "The launch of the Infant Health Fund offers a valuable opportunity for local organizations and initiatives dedicated to family health and well-being to expand their reach," as stated on the City of Akron's website. FTFB's efforts extend beyond funding; the collective impact collaborative works towards policy advocacy, community education, and boosting awareness about the importance of full-term pregnancies.
Through this strategic mix of funding, education, and grassroots engagement, Akron aims to ensure every child reaches their first birthday and thrives beyond it. Full details on the grant application process and the FTFB initiative can be found at fulltermfirstbirthday.org, where the shared goal is to tighten the fabric of a community’s health and hope for its youngest members.
