Welcome to the Ohio Infant Mortality Task Force Web site.  The infant mortality rate is an important measure of public health.  Ohio’s rate, after steadily decreasing for years, has not substantially changed for the past decade and does not meet the Healthy People 2010 goal.  The Infant Mortality Task Force was established in early 2009 by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) at the request of Gov. Strickland to (1) take a fresh look at the reasons behind Ohio’s overall infant mortality rate and increasing disparities among different populations; and (2) make both preliminary and long-term recommendations to reduce infant mortality and disparities.  Membership represents a wide range of clinical and public health providers, business, government, associations, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups from across the state that bring knowledge and experience in many aspects of the challenge we face and a shared commitment to make positive changes resulting in better health for Ohio women and infants.

As part of the process, the core group of about 30 task force members, supported by staff from the ODH Bureau of Child and Family Health Services, will solicit input from a large number of stakeholders.

This site provides access to:

• Notices and updates on task force activities
  
  
• Task force and committee meeting schedules, locations and notes
  
  
• Videos of meetings
  
  
• Presentations
  
  
• Documents and data pertinent to infant mortality and disparities

As the work of the task force continues, this Web site will grow.  Please visit from time to time.  If you would like to receive surveys, notices and updates via e-mail, please contact us with your name, title, position, organization and area of expertise.  Thank you for your interest in addressing the challenges of infant mortality and disparities.

September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month

For more information and a toolkit to help you plan awareness-raising events in your community,
visit the Office of Minority Health Web site


Mailing Address:
Infant Mortality Task Force
Bureau of Child and Family Health Services
246 North High Street 6th floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 728-9456
Fax: (614) 564-2442

E-mail: IMTF@odh.ohio.gov