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CelebrateOne outlines 2025 priorities to reduce infant mortality, seeks $2.5 million in city support
Summary
CelebrateOne, a collective impact initiative focused on infant mortality in Franklin County, presented a $2,496,350 proposed budget and described priorities including home visiting expansion, supporting doulas and addressing safe sleep and housing needs that affect prematurity and infant deaths.
CelebrateOne presented its 2025 budget request of $2,496,350 and outlined program priorities intended to reduce infant mortality and close racial disparities in birth outcomes across Franklin County.
Director Tong (CelebrateOne) told the committee CelebrateOne’s strategy centers on four priority areas: reducing racial disparity, reducing prematurity and sleep‑related deaths, improving maternal and infant health, and improving social and economic conditions. Tong said the infant mortality rate stands at 7.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in the community and noted a persistent Black‑white disparity of about 3.3 (three Black infant deaths for every one non‑Black infant death per 1,000 births).
Program highlights and budget mix: CelebrateOne described operating 23 staff (11 general fund, 12 grant funded) and funding that is about 70% grants and 30% city general fund. The organization reported 2024 accomplishments including connections with 1,574 families, housing assistance to 58 families, $3.5 million in grants to community organizations, distribution of pregnancy tests and diapers, and thousands of referrals for social supports. For 2025 CelebrateOne plans to expand home visiting, support doulas seeking Medicaid reimbursement, improve access to prenatal care (noting declines in first‑trimester prenatal visits), and refresh the infant‑mortality data dashboard.
Council engagement: Council members praised CelebrateOne’s community events (baby showers) and asked about connections to infrastructure (sidewalks, transportation) that affect families’ ability to reach services. Tong said CelebrateOne is working with municipal partners to address sidewalks, transit and linkage to other city programs that affect family access to care.
No formal votes were taken.
