The disparity in infant mortality between white infants and black infants in Ohio is among the worst in the nation. This trend cannot continue. The goal of the Stark County THRIVE Project is to determine those factors that lead to infant mortality in our community and reduce the overall infant mortality rate as well as the disparity in birth outcomes relative to white and black infants.

CCPH will no longer report on a disparity/inequitable rate ratio but will continue to monitor and increase outreach and engagement in the community.

To decrease the disparity rate between black and white infant mortality rates, Canton City Public Health will:

• Participate in outreach activities in targeted zip codes
• Identify “champions” who have received services from CHWs/HUB who can engage other pregnant women with focus on Black/African American women.
• Expand engagement with obstetricians for referrals.
• Daily monitoring of caseloads
• Monthly meetings between HUB Coordinator, CHWs, and CCA Supervisors
• Feedback from client
• Fatherhood Coalition partners will create awareness of programs for fathers.
• Referrals will be managed through Fatherhood Coordinator and CHW.
• Case studies conducted by Kent State University evaluators
• Attend community meetings/activities planned during non-business hours. (churches in hot spots, neighborhood associations, minister's wives, civic organizations, and business owners.  
• Educate and inform community members about data, interventions and services. 
• Increase community participation at the quarterly THRIVE advisory team meeting by two representatives. 
• Document feedback /recommendations from the community members in monthly reports. 
• Provide information about THRIVE to Family Court Judges and CASA representatives.