bi3 awards $2.27M in grants to improve health resources across the region

The grant-making organization bi3 has awarded $2.27 million to organization focused on improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities across the region.

Greater Cincinnati

In a statement, bi3 recognized a need to invest in “programs, partnerships and policy advocacy to tackle complex issues.” In Hamilton County, that includes working to address maternal and infant health.

$750,000 to Groundwork Ohio: This three-year grant will help the Groundwork Ohio’s Center for Maternal and Young Child Health advance best practices in prenatal-to-5 (years old) health policy. The Center will conduct research and policy analysis, provide advocacy training for stakeholders and families, and build a statewide coalition to push for policy changes that improve health outcomes for moms and young children. This funding builds on bi3’s 2021 grant of $1.2 million, which launched the center and played a key role in expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage in Ohio. 

$200,000 to Cradle Cincinnati: This award will enable Cradle Cincinnati to continue serving nearly 1,000 mothers through community health workers, ensuring the continuation of services that have helped lower infant mortality rates in Hamilton County.

Butler County

Following a 2023 Butler County assessment with TriHealth, bi3 invited organizations to submit proposals to address increasing access to health services and resources as well as specific health needs. In respeGrant awards went to:

$500,000 to Primary Health Solutions: The three-year grant will fuel the expansion of integrated maternal health services for underserved pregnant women with high-risk, complicated pregnancies throughout Butler County. It will include ultrasounds, diabetic management, mental health services and additional support during a mother’s first year postpartum and baby’s first year of life. Ultimately, Primary Health Solutions, which is exploring a partnership with TriHealth, aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

$400,000 to Uzima Rejuvenation Station in conjunction with NyNi, Inc.: The three-year grant will support Black Midwives: Champions for Maternal Health Initiative. The program provides culturally competent childbirth education and breastfeeding support, as well as education and resources to address the social determinants of health. It’ll serve a significant portion of Black expectant parents and babies in Butler County, improving infant mortality rates and health outcomes.

$272,000 to Christ Tabernacle Ministries of Excellence: bi3 awarded a two-year grant to launch Next Gen Mental Health Check. This program will provide mental health resources through education, peer support groups and events while connecting people to available care and resources. Efforts aim to increase access to culturally competent mental health services and establish community support networks.

$150,000 to IV-CHARIS: The one-year grant will support the development of a pilot program to improve mental health access and services for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) families and children in Fairfield and West Chester. The program provides a combination of mental health assessments, music-infused art therapy and support from community health workers to help families access additional healthcare resources.