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.<\/p>\n
Queens Village is a community-led model focused on improving health outcomes and strengthening social support for Black and African American mothers and infants.<\/p>\n
Lorain County\u2019s Black infant mortality rate recently was higher than average, sparking the need for further assistance in the county.<\/p>\n
Infant mortality is defined as the death of an infant before their first birthday.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate to 4.4 or fewer per 1,000 live births.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Lorain County\u2019s infant mortality rate was 6.1 per 1,000 live births, which is slightly lower than Ohio\u2019s, which was 7.1 per 1,000 live births.<\/p>\n
Lorain County\u2019s Black infant mortality rate for the same time period, however, was 14.5 per 1,000 live births.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d the release stated.<\/p>\n
According to the studies conducted locally in 2025, mothers reported needing guidance, postpartum support, and time for self-care, according to the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese 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,\u201d the release stated.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Currently, there are eight Queens Village chapters in Ohio.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are shifting not only racial disparities in birth outcomes but also the conditions that drive inequity in maternal and infant health,\u201d said Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith, founder of Queens Village. \u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our members, we are collaborating and creating an organization with purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lorain County Public Health is seeking a community partner to start, lead and sustain the Queens Village Initiative in Lorain County.<\/p>\n
Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 27.<\/p>\n
Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered.<\/p>\n