Family Wellness Community Health Navigator Program
Helping our babies reach their first birthday
Our Community Health Navigators work with women who are pregnant or have a baby under the age of one. We also aim to reach and engage those individuals who are statistically the most at-risk for low birth weight and infant mortality.
Did you know?
- In Ohio, African American infants are more than 2.5 times more likely to die in their first year of life compared to white infants.
- Prematurity is the leading cause of low birth weight and infant mortality.
- Mothers who are not able to receive proper nutrition, support, and prenatal care are more susceptible to pregnancy complications and preterm birth.
What do the Community Health Navigators do?
- Increase education and awareness of low birth weight and infant mortality and their impact in the African American community.
- Work to establish and build trusting relationships with individuals and families through general support and encouragement.
- Work to reduce stressors related to racial disparities in the African American community.
- Provide prenatal, parenting, and health information and education.
- Connect individuals and families with quality community resources, services, programs, and baby items such as diapers and car seats.
- Network in the community to build partnering relationships.
The Family Wellness Community Health Navigator Program is made possible through a partnership with:
Why is low birth weight a concern? It increases the risk of health complications. The baby’s tiny body is not as strong, and he or she may have a harder time eating, gaining weight, and fighting infection.
INFANT MORTALITY is defined as the death of a live-born baby before his or her first birthday.
Quick facts about infant mortality:
- Low birth weight babies (less than 5.5 pounds) are at higher risk.
- Less stress during pregnancy reduces the chances of low birth weight and infant mortality.
- Early prenatal care helps prevent low birth weight and infant mortality.
- Breastfeeding in the first six months to one year gives babies an extra healthy start.
- The ABCs of safe sleep help keep babies safe in their first year…
- A – Place babies Alone
- B – on their Backs
- C – in their Cribs.
Eckerle Administration Center
922 West Riverview Avenue
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-7217 or (800) 300-2937
General email: cssmv@cssmv.org