Columbus forum rethinks funding strategies to improve infant and maternal outcomes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A Wednesday forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club and moderated by NBC4 Anchor Jennifer Bullock examined rethinking funding to help save the lives of mothers and babies in central Ohio.

A panel of advocates for better infant and maternal outcomes discussed traditional methods of philanthropy, versus moving toward greater independence for funding recipients.

Executive director of CelebrateOne Danielle Tong, a panelist, said the experiences of affected families could transform how human services are funded in Columbus.

“Infant mortality is a canary in a coal mine for the overall community health,” said Tong. “So, it helps us understand how our neighbors are doing. If you want to know how your neighbors are doing, all you have to do is look at our babies. And we know that all of our babies are not doing well.”

This forum and past topics are available on the Columbus Metropolitan Club’s YouTube channel .

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