(INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION) Joinsmovement to Reduce Ohio Infant Mortality

(INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION) Joinsmovement to Reduce Ohio Infant Mortality

Reporter Contact: (PARTNER ORGANIZATIONCONTACT NAME + PHONE)

(INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION) JoinsMovement to Reduce Ohio Infant Mortality

CITY (DAY, DATE) – In Ohio,too many babies are dyingevery day– with African American babies dying at nearly three times the rate of white babies. Nearly 1,000 babies die every year in the state before age one.

This is why (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION NAME) is partnering with Ohio’s “Our Babies Count” public awareness movementto support healthy pregnancies.Ohio medical experts recommendearly and regular care when a woman is expectingas the best way to prevent babies from being born too soon – the number one cause of baby deaths in the state.

“Additionally, (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION NAME) is doing (ADD MORE INFORMATIONABOUT PARTNER ORGANIZATIONEFFORTS) to help reduce baby deathshere in (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION CITY/ NEIGHBORHOOD),” said (INSERT NAME, TITLE).

Our Babies Count was launched by Ohio’s five Medicaid managed care plans (Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Molina Healthcare, Paramount Advantage, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), the Ohio Department of Medicaid, Black Doctors Ohio and the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to support local organizationslike (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION NAME) that are working across the state to help savebabies. Working collaboratively, this partnership seeks to help women understand their health insurance company offersspecial mom-to-be programs, assistance in findingdoctors and midwives and resources for basic living needs like rides to the doctors and paying for bills and food.

Pregnant women, especially in at-risk areas, can enroll in presumptive eligibility which provides temporary Medicaid coverage at a doctor’s office or hospital. The women must then complete a full Medicaid application to keep their Medicaid coverage. This can help ensure all Ohio expectant mothers get the care needed for healthy delivery.

Our Babies Count and (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION NAME)are workingtoeducate Ohioans about the state’s health challengeand about ways everyday peoplecan help solve it.

Moms-to-be

  • Go to the doctor (or midwife) early and often to stay on top of unknown health problems
  • Quit smoking– it passes bad chemicals to your unborn baby and newborn infant
  • Talk to your doctor about waiting 18 months between pregnancies
  • Contact your health insurance company for all-around help
  • Visit OurBabiesCount.org to learn more

All Ohioans

  • Drive a pregnant woman to her doctoror midwife
  • Watch her children so she can go to her appointment stress-free
  • Volunteer with local programs working to reduce baby deaths
  • Offer career workshops and job training for moms- and dads-to-be
  • Like and follow “Our Babies Count” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
  • Use #ourbabiescount to share personal experiences and encouragement
  • Visit OurBabiesCount.org to learn more

For more information on Our Babies Count, visit OurBabiesCount.org or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #ourbabiescount.

For more information on (INSERT PARTNER ORGANIZATION, MISSION, WEBSITE,CONTACT INFORMATION ETC.)

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