Lorain County Public Health is requesting proposals from community organizations to start, lead and sustain the Queens Village Initiative in Lorain County, according to a news release.

Queens Village is a community-led model focused on improving health outcomes and strengthening social support for Black and African American mothers and infants.

Lorain County’s Black infant mortality rate recently was higher than average, sparking the need for further assistance in the county.

Infant mortality is defined as the death of an infant before their first birthday.

The state’s goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate to 4.4 or fewer per 1,000 live births.

In 2023, Lorain County’s infant mortality rate was 6.1 per 1,000 live births, which is slightly lower than Ohio’s, which was 7.1 per 1,000 live births.

Lorain County’s Black infant mortality rate for the same time period, however, was 14.5 per 1,000 live births.

“This rate is a measure of the risk of infant death and is also used more broadly as a barometer of community health status, poverty and socioeconomic levels, access to healthcare services, and the overall well-being of children and families,” the release stated.

According to the studies conducted locally in 2025, mothers reported needing guidance, postpartum support, and time for self-care, according to the release.

“These qualitative and quantitative findings support establishing a Queens Village chapter in Lorain County to provide culturally responsive, community-led programs that strengthen social and physical supports, connect families to resources and address disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes,” the release stated.

The health department can grant up to $20,000 to a local organization to launch and lead a local chapter, aligning with maternal and child health strategies in the 2026-28 Lorain County Community Health Improvement Plan.

Currently, there are eight Queens Village chapters in Ohio.

“We are shifting not only racial disparities in birth outcomes but also the conditions that drive inequity in maternal and infant health,” said Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith, founder of Queens Village. “We provide a safe space for Black mothers to support and be supported by their peers, connect, relieve stress, process trauma, and build a better world together for ourselves and our children.

“With our members, we are collaborating and creating an organization with purpose.”

Lorain County Public Health is seeking a community partner to start, lead and sustain the Queens Village Initiative in Lorain County.

Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 27.

Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered.

For more information about Queens Village, visit BlackWomenForTheWin.com.