Black Midwife Champions Program

We want to personally take a moment to shine a light on Jena Bradley from bi3 and the incredible work she does in support of the Black Midwives Champions Program.

Jena has been a true champion for this work, helping create opportunities, build connections, and support efforts that center Black mothers, babies, and families.

We are grateful for her partnership, her commitment to the community, and her belief in the importance of investing in solutions that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Thank you, Jena, for showing up, pouring into this work, and helping us move the mission forward. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you Queen!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Congratulations to our 2026 Champions for Change! 🎉

Nominated by their peers, our Champions for Change Awards honor leaders in Hamilton County who go above and beyond to support moms and babies.

Meet the 2026 Champions:

✨Champion for Knowledge, Dr. Kayleigh Gregory, Miami University

✨Community Activist Champions: Paul and Amy McMillian, S.I.M.P.Y.'s Playhouse and Learning Center

✨Champion for Healthy Families: Beth Straubel, Pathways- Harrison / Every Child Succeeds

✨Safe Sleep Champion: Katie Wunder, Pathways- Harrison / Every Child Succeeds

✨Champion for Better Care: Dr. Janelle McClain, Breastfeeding Outreach for Our Beautiful Sisters - B***S

✨Champion for Equity: Jena' Bradley, bi3

✨Champion for Equity: Maggie Hare, Every Child Succeeds

On September 15, this year’s winners were recognized during a Hamilton County Commissioners meeting.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible community leaders and all that they do!

🔗 Learn more about our 2026 Champions for Change at https://www.cradlecincinnati.org/blog/meet-our-2026-champions-for-change-winners

Know someone in Butler County who could benefit from the Black Midwife Champions Program? Please share this with them and use the link below to sign up.

Sign up here:
https://bit.ly/BlackMidwives513

There’s STILL TIME to make it out to the Butler County Community Baby Shower!

Come see me and my little helper!

We’ve got LOTS of amazing vendors, awesome prizes, valuable resources, and so much support for expecting and new families!

GET HERE! We’re waiting for you!

Mamas, this one is for YOU. 💚🌱

Take a little time to pour back into yourself with A Moment for Mom: Succulent Planters, hosted by our partners at Project Milk Mission.

Come relax, create your own succulent planter, and spend some time connecting with other moms in the community.

September 18 | 11 AM to 1 PM
Berns Garden Center in Middletown

Spots are limited, so scan the QR code on the flyer to register. And if transportation is a barrier, ride assistance is available!

Because sometimes self care can be as simple as creating something beautiful and spending time in community. 💚

Well deserved Queen!! 🖤🖤🖤
So happy we were able to celebrate with her!

On Monday, Mayor Elizabeth Slamka issued a proclamation declaring August 31, 2026, as Jackie Phillips Carter Day in Middletown.

After 28 years of dedicated service to the City of Middletown, Health Commissioner Jackie Phillips Carter retired. As part of Monday's presentation, Mayor Slamka also presented Jackie with the Key to the City.

In her proclamation, Mayor Slamka wrote, "For 28 years, Jackie Carter has exemplified the highest ideals of public service through her compassion, leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and tireless dedication to creating healthier opportunities for all."

🖤🖤🖤🖤

September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month.
Respecting people’s dignity and inherent worth means ensuring that every mother, everywhere, has a full and fair opportunity for a safe pregnancy and birth, and that every baby has the opportunity to reach their first birthday and thrive.

Lasting improvements in maternal and infant health come from collectively designing a strong system of support before, during and after pregnancy. During Infant Mortality Awareness Month, bi3 renews our commitment to working alongside communities to create a system that is respectful, responsive and reliable for every mother and baby throughout Greater Cincinnati.