Established in 1991, MomsFirst was created as part of the Healthy Start–Healthy Family initiative to reduce infant mortality and promote healthy pregnancies in the City of Cleveland.

MomsFirst partners with community-based agencies to serve local families by addressing both direct and underlying risk factors that contribute to disparities in infant mortality and poor birth outcomes.

Today, MomsFirst continues to support expectant mothers, fathers, and babies in Cleveland by promoting infant health, empowering parents, and strengthening overall family well-being.

Every baby deserves a healthy start

Case Management

When you enroll in the MomsFirst program, a Community Health Worker (CHW) will visit your home to understand your family’s needs, connect you with services, and offer ongoing support.

Community Health Workers provide guidance on topics like prenatal care, safe sleep, breastfeeding, family planning, postpartum depression, and more while connecting families to valuable resources.

We also offer specialized case management for teens, individuals who are incarcerated, those in rehabilitation facilities, or those experiencing homelessness.

Group Education

Our group education sessions offer a supportive space to learn about key health topics that can lead to healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for parents and babies. These are all designed to help you feel more prepared and confident. These sessions also provide an opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers in your community, share experiences, ask questions and build a network of support.

Click here to view upcoming sessions.

Community Consortium

MomsFirst and Lexington Bell partnered to create Cleveland Infant Vitality Community Consortium (CIVCC), a collaborative effort bringing together mothers, fathers, healthcare professionals, community members, and local organizations to reduce infant mortality in Cleveland.

CIVCC is dedicated to reducing preventable infant deaths, improving maternal health outcomes, and strengthening communities. The consortium meets monthly to address disparities in perinatal health and work toward lasting change.

Interested in joining or becoming a partner?

Email us at MomsFirst@ClevelandOhio.gov

  • "I love MomsFirst! My CHW is very informative and supportive. I would recommend MomsFirst to anyone pregnant."

  • "I am truly thankful for MomsFirst services. I have never been supported to this capacity by any other program."

  • "I love my MomsFirst provider. She was just like a mom to me."

  • "MomsFirst supported me by helping me understand my health information."

  • "When I needed someone to talk to, MomsFirst was there."