By Rachel Scofield

Two Westside Columbus organizations—A Step in the Right Direction and Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC)—are among 21 nonprofits across Ohio selected to receive a share of nearly $20 million in state funding to help improve infant health and support new parents.

The funding comes from the Ohio Parenting and Pregnancy Program, announced Aug. 8 by Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente. The grants will be distributed over the next two years and are aimed at connecting expectant parents and caregivers with education, support and trusted local services.

Ohio’s infant mortality rate recently reached its lowest point in two decades—6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. DeWine called the improvement “a sign that our investments in supporting families—before, during, and after pregnancy—are working,” but emphasized the need to continue progress.

Through a competitive process, DCY selected nonprofits to provide prenatal education, parenting classes, case management, referrals, and material assistance. Each grantee tailors its programs to the needs of its own community.

A Step in the Right Direction

Based in the Hilltop, A Step in the Right Direction, focuses on health equity, family engagement, and workforce development. Its Outreach Program offers food, hygiene items, and connections to viable resources.

Its Hygiene Program provides free hygiene and cleaning products once per month for households in ZIP codes 43222, 43223, 43204 and 43228.

Hygiene Store Dates:

Aug. 16, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

Sept. 7, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Glenwood United Methodist Church

Sept. 20, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library

(You can attend once a month.)

The organization also hosts community events and giveaways, including the annual Westside Community Summer Bash—held each June at Westgate Park—and a Back-to-School Bash scheduled this year for Aug. 24, from noon to 4 p.m., at Westgate Park.

Pregnancy Decision Health Centers

Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC) operates a location at 4111 W. Broad St., Columbus, along with other sites in central Ohio. PDHC offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting education, baby supplies, emotional support, and abortion pill reversal treatments within the first 72 hours of taking the pill. Their services are designed to encourage healthy pregnancies and parenting readiness.

“These grants will support organizations that provide critical services to women and families during and after pregnancy, helping ensure every child has a strong start,” Tressel said.

The Parenting and Pregnancy Program—now in its second decade—remains a cornerstone of Ohio’s strategy to reduce infant mortality, promote parenting skills, and strengthen family stability. The most recent funding increase was approved by the Ohio General Assembly as part of the current state budget.

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6TH ANNUAL

BACK TO

SCHOOL

BASH

Sunday, August 24, 2025

12:00pm – 4:00pm

Westgate Indoor Shelter House

455 S. Westgate Ave

School Supplies Giveaway begins at 1:00pm

We’re giving away FREE backpacks filled with school supplies to every child!*

Join us for a fun-filled day with face painting, bounce houses, a live DJ, and

more! Plus, don’t miss our financial info sessions about budgeting, credit, and

how to avoid fraud and scams.

*Child must be present to receive a bookbag.

SUPPORT THIS EVENT,

HOST A TABLE, OR DONATE

Learn more by reaching out to

info@intherightdirection.org

or scan the QR code to visit our Facebook.

Our mission is to help inspire, grow and

strengthen underserved communities in

the Central Ohio area.

A Step in the Right Direction

srd__organization

Thank you to our sponsors: