In Hamilton County, September holds significance beyond the turn of the season—it heralds a time to honor the unsung heroes who tirelessly fight against infant mortality. With Infant Mortality Awareness Month in full swing, the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners has highlighted the work of six individuals whose dedication is not just forthright but speaks to the potential of a community united for a cause. According to an announcement on Hamilton County’s official website, these individuals have been recognized as the 2025 Champions for Change for their exceptional contributions.
Indeed, each awardee has uniquely contributed to the health and well-being of mothers and infants. To always have an answer at hand, Jocquelene Pressley of Cherished Hearts has been named the 2025 Champion for Healthy Families. Families in the community tout her as "the culture for healthy moms and babies," according to Hamilton County, reflecting her profound impact as a doula, midwife, and support group facilitator. Program Director Ania Nelson from Keeping Teen Moms in School, known for uplifting young mothers academically, received the Community Activist Champion award. Nelson's program has continued to enable a brighter future for teen moms and their children, breaking cycles of disadvantage through education.
O’Landrea Joi Barnes, a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, was honored as the 2025 Champion of Knowledge. She merges academic research with community activism to cast light upon the systemic issues causing Black maternal mortality. Sarah Huber from Hamilton County Public Health has been designated the Safe Sleep Champion for her pivotal role in infant safe sleep initiatives, including bringing to light the risks associated with nursing pillows during an audit of infant deaths.
The 2025 Champion for Better Care award was bestowed upon Amanda Laskowski, the force behind Cincy Postpartum. She's adeptly managed to bring together a robust network of support for postpartum mothers, as well as a champion for maternal health on a larger scale. Lastly, the Champion for Equity was awarded to Dr. Natashia Conner of The BLACK Collaborative Inc., who has not only championed birth and breastfeeding equity but also created critical support networks for Black mothers.
These honorees are a testament, not to an isolated struggle, but to the collective might that people can wield when it comes rightly together for a cause. As they receive their accolades this month, let's not overlook the pervasive issue of infant mortality that remains a challenge requiring the attention and action of everyone in the community.
