Rep. Lauren McNally Announces $188,525 Award to Local Community Development Organization

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced an award of $188,525 to the Village of Healing operating in Mahoning County coming from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). 

“Our state really needs to step up when it comes to maternal and infant care,” said Rep. McNally. “I’m thankful the Village of Healing is receiving these dollars, but I would love to see us doing more throughout the state in this space.”

The award granted from ODH and DCY is a part of a $5 million grant that seeks to give local and faith-based organizations the means to create and expand services for maternal care and health and to support new families. Village of Healing is a local community development organization that seeks to focus on health and empowerment and will receive the funds to use in Mahoning County. Additionally, Baby’s 1st Network has been awarded $349,999 and will be operating statewide. Funds will be used to improve prenatal care and up to 12 months of postpartum care for new families within the community. 

Village of Healing is one of 19 local and/or faith-based organizations receiving awards from ODH and DCY. The United States and the State of Ohio have set a goal of reducing the infant mortality rate and grant funds have been awarded to pursue this goal.