The Center for Community Solutions

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Case Western Reserve University, in collaboration with MetroHealth and University Hospitals, are implementing an extension to their Nourishing Beginnings program called Nourishing Tomorrow, to use nutrition to improve overall health during pregnancy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edGdSSGN | Natasha Takyi-Micah, MPH

One of the major priorities of Governor DeWine’s budget is bolstering the 988 Lifeline. Suicides have decreased 1% from 2022 to 2023 in Ohio; since July 2022, 988 has fielded 456,008 total contacts across calls, text, and chat. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eujG6EPD | Kyle T.

??? Register for our FREE upcoming webinar, open to ALL: Threats to Medicaid: https://lnkd.in/gHm6ZNDU A series of federal proposals—ranging from block grants and work requirements to rollbacks of Medicaid expansion and changes to drug pricing—pose serious questions about the stability of Medicaid. Join Medicaid Policy Fellow Brandy Davis on March 21 at 10:30 to explore these threats to Medicaid.

The as-introduced budget expands, beyond fentanyl testing strips, the items that may be lawfully possessed and used to test for the presence of drugs and to prevent drug poisoning, without being considered in violation of the prohibition against drug paraphernalia. Read the full testimony: https://lnkd.in/e53gfcNX | Dylan Armstrong

Medicaid expansion covers about 770,000 Ohioans including about 362,000 in rural Ohio counties. So-called “trigger” language in HB 96 would mean an immediate end to the Medicaid expansion in Ohio if the federal government adjusts its share of the costs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eA5dMQWD | Tara Britton

The fundamental idea behind trigger laws is to legally require states to act, most often termination of Medicaid expansion coverage if they’re suddenly on the hook for more of the costs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8FykTWn | Brandy K. D.

The budget bill is in the House Finance committee, with public testimony March 11, 12, and 13. The remainder of the House process should conclude in the first half of April. After the House votes on their agreed upon version of the budget, it will go to the Senate; that schedule has been released. Read more Kyle T.: https://lnkd.in/eX3nusTT

Too often, Ohioans must choose between accepting higher pay with the risk of losing benefits or needed access to programs. The Child Tax Credit offsets some of the potential loss of other public benefits, enabling families to utilize more of their earnings rather than having to pay them in income taxes. Read the testimony: https://lnkd.in/dkad6fwG | Kyle T. & Emily Campbell

Did you know that Black women make up about 15% of the U.S. female population and 7.8% of the total U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census? How do Black women experience discrimination? Do they feel safe in their communities? Why are these daily experiences important to measure? Our very own President & CEO, Jazmin Long, MSSA,MNO, is joining the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., THIS Monday, March 10th to explore the challenges of Black women in our city and county. We will receive research updates from Enlightened Solutions' Project Noir and The Center for Community Solutions. We will spotlight multiple organizations doing amazing work within our community to address equity issues and to eradicate the vestiges of an unjust society. Register now at:?https://tinyurl.com/SOBW25

The recent legislative approval for continuous child health coverage offers an innovative approach to reducing administrative costs and improving children’s health. Once enrolled in Medicaid, the child will stay covered until their fourth birthday, regardless of changes in family income or household circumstances. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eS24WPpf | Brandy K. D.