In 2017, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) reported on their scientific research that exposed how Ohio’s high infant mortality rate is directly impacted by housing affordability, racial segregation and housing quality. 

Fast-forward to 2020 and we have the preliminary findings of the Healthy Begins At Home demonstration where many partners (Celebrate One, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, Homeless Families Foundation, CareSource, Nationwide Children’s, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Children’s Healthwatch, HPIO, Step One, Barbara Poppe, and University of Delaware) prioritized healthy housing for pregnant women. The study is still underway, but trends provide information about how affordable, healthy housing can reduce infant mortality. Key recommendations include reversing health disparities and making sure pregnant women with the lowest incomes have access to safe and quality rental units.