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The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati has received the Mama Certified designation, spotlighting its efforts to advance maternal health equity for Black families within Hamilton County. This certification, in partnership with Cradle Cincinnati, The Health Collaborative, Queens Village, and local Black mothers, focuses on Maternal, Infant, and Community Care aimed at enhancing community partnerships and addressing social determinants affecting maternal and infant health.
"Black moms are 2.5 times more likely to die during childbirth and nearly three times more likely to experience infant loss in Ohio than any other race, regardless of education and socioeconomic factors," the certification details.
Dr. Leanne Olshavsky, Director of Women’s Health at The Christ Hospital Health Network, emphasized the team's commitment: "Our team has worked diligently to improve mortality rates for Black parents when it comes to childbirth in Hamilton County. The Mama Certified distinction underscores our dedication to providing the best outcomes for all new mothers and their children. This certification program further encourages and advocates for increased hospital efforts to ensure that Black moms and their babies receive quality care and exceptional outcomes."
The certification evaluates hospitals in four categories: Infant Care, Maternal Care, Staff Care, and Community Care. Significant initiatives include a four-star designation from Ohio First Steps for Healthy Breastfeeding, safety protocols for managing childbirth complications, and social work services to address health determinants.
Meredith C. Smith, Cradle Cincinnati Executive Director, stated, “Giving birth is one of the most special rites of passage in our collective human experience, and access to the best care possible during this time is a human right. We are grateful to our Mama Certified member hospitals for the steps they have taken to improve the birthing experience for Black families. Their continued dedication to this work is a promise to Black mothers: we are listening, and we are committed to creating change.”
The Christ Hospital Health Network has also established the Queens Village Hospital Advisory Board, bringing together hospital leaders and local Black women to develop strategies for maternal and infant care improvements. Detailed reports on health data and improvement plans are available to the public online. More information on the network's maternal health initiatives can be accessed through its website.
Founded 135 years ago, The Christ Hospital Health Network includes an acute care hospital, a remote hospital location, multiple outpatient centers, and medical offices in the region. It is acclaimed by U.S. News & World Report as Cincinnati's top hospital and is listed in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals for 2025.
