COLUMBUS, Ohio — Advocates and lawmakers gathered at the Ohio Statehouse Tuesday, the last day of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, for the third annual Infant Vitality Advocacy Day. The event highlighted efforts to reduce Ohio’s infant mortality rate and support mothers and families across the state.

Ohio’s infant mortality rate currently stands at 7.16 deaths per 1,000 live births — the fifth highest rate in the nation. Black infants are nearly twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared with White infants in Ohio.

To illuminate the way to more first birthdays for Ohio babies, more than 100 advocates from 11 counties participated in Tuesday's event. Advocates met directly with lawmakers to discuss policies supporting maternal mental health and economic stabilit

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