Former Ohio state senators Shannon Jones and Charleta B. Tavares have co-authored an article reflecting on their efforts to address Ohio’s persistently high infant mortality rates, particularly among Black infants. Despite the passage of Senate Bill 332 in 2016, which aimed to create a more equitable healthcare system, progress has been disappointingly slow.
As of 2021, Black infants in Ohio continued to die at more than twice the rate of white infants, highlighting the urgent need for further action.
Preventative actions to lower the infant mortality rate
To combat this ongoing crisis, Jones and Tavares propose several strategic approaches. They advocate for strengthening collaboration and accountability by linking Medicaid funding to hospital and provider participation in local health improvement initiatives. The former senators also stress the importance of enhancing consumer and stakeholder engagement, by involving communities directly in policymaking. They suggest that addressing the social determinants of health would help bring the maternal mortality rate down.
Next, Jones and Tavares call for supporting infrastructure and workforce development, primarily through revised Medicaid reimbursement rates and investment in the OB/GYN workforce. They also recommend expanding state leadership in value-based care, suggesting a transition to value-based purchasing to improve maternal health outcomes.
The authors emphasize that improving outcomes for Ohio’s infants requires stronger leadership, increased accountability and a collective commitment to addressing the systemic issues at the root of this crisis. Ultimately, their proposed strategies aim to create a more comprehensive and effective approach to reducing infant mortality rates and ensuring healthier futures for all of Ohio’s children.
Infant mortality and medical malpractice
Healthcare providers help ensure the safety of mothers and infants during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. However, when medical professionals deviate from established standards of care, the consequences can be severe. This might include misdiagnosis of critical conditions, delays in addressing complications like preeclampsia or hemorrhaging or improper use of medical equipment. Inadequate monitoring and failure to follow established medical protocols increases these risks. In emergency situations, a healthcare provider’s lack of response can have dire consequences. Many of these maternal deaths are preventable. These lapses in care are often grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
As Jones and Tavares have demonstrated, the impact of medical negligence extends beyond immediate health concerns. It often results in long-term trauma for families and communities, particularly Ohio’s Black residents.
If you or a loved one have suffered from medical malpractice, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today.
Talk to an Ohio medical malpractice attorney today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your medical malpractice claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 944-4373 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
