COLUMBUS- Newly-appointed Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus (OBMHC) co-chairs State Reps. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) and Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) announced the caucus will host a monthly virtual discussion series regarding issues of Black maternal health. The first event will take place Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 1-2 p.m. via Zoom and is open to the public. The OBMHC will partner with Queens Village to discuss Racism as a Public Health Crisis, as well as legislative achievements from 2021. Queens Village is a supportive community initiative of Cradle Cincinnati by Black women, for Black women. Queens Village works to confront the disproportionately high rate of infant mortality experienced by Black mothers through changing racial disparities in birth outcomes and the conditions that drive maternal and infant health inequity
Thanks to the OBMHC, in the 2022-23 state budget, funds were allocated to extend Medicaid coverage to one year postpartum, up from just 60 days after giving birth, and to expand the initial eligibility for childcare from 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FDL) to 142% of FPL, and 300% of FPL for continued eligibility, until June 2023.
“I am excited to move the caucus forward and to build on the work we’ve done in the past. I look forward to working to reduce health challenges facing Black mothers and their children to ensure all Ohioans can thrive,” said co-chair Rep. Hicks-Hudson.
In 2022, the OMBHC will continue their work to reduce maternal mortality in Ohio by introducing legislation that would provide equitable health and social services, as well as address systemic challenges experienced by women of color.
“If we wish to improve the overall health of Ohioans, we must address the grave Black maternal health crisis that plagues our State. We have to do this together. Mothers of all races are invaluable, beloved members of our society who deserve to be protected and properly cared for,” said Rep. Ingram.
WHO: Ohio Black Maternal Health Caucus
Dr. Meredith Shockley Smith , Queens Village Cincinnati
WHAT: OBMHC Virtual Discussion Series: Racism as a Public Health Crisis
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 24 1-2 p.m.
WHERE: RSVP for the Zoom Webinar HERE.
It will also be livestreamed on the Ohio House Dems Facebook page.
