YOUNGSTOWN - On Saturday, families, health workers, and community organizations gathered at Wick Park in Youngstown for the annual Infant Vitality Community Block Party.

The event, hosted by the Greater Youngstown Community Dialogue on Racism (GYCDOR), aims to raise awareness about infant health and connect parents with resources that can save lives.

"It's not a secret that in the Mahoning Valley, infant mortality is disproportionately high, and what we're trying to do here today is just to address that," GYCDOR director Jon Paul Robles said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio has an infant mortality rate of 7.1 deaths for every 1,000 births, which is higher than the national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births.

A 2023 report from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth indicates that Mahoning County is among the top 10 counties in the state with the highest infant death rates.

Several local agencies set up tables to provide information on fatherhood support, prenatal care, nutrition, and access to social services. Parents were able to ask questions, sign up for programs, and walk away with immediate help.

Organizers stated that holding the block party each year helps remind families that infant vitality is a community-wide concern.

"Mahoning Valley has such a high mortality rate, particularly among people of color. So [it is] important that we provide these services, or have access to these services," GYCDOR treasurer, Penny Wells, said. 

The event was made possible through support from the Raymond John Wean Foundation, Mercy Health Foundation, Mercy Health Community Health, the Local Office on Minority Health, the Youngstown City Health Department, RISE Community Collaborative, Mahoning County Public Health, Kappa Alpha Psi, Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, and Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past.

Organizers noted that families can continue turning to these organizations throughout the year for health services, education, and support.