H.B. 670 Summary

• Director of Health shall establish and administer a two-year pilot program within one month of the bill's effective date to reduce infant mortality in high-risk communities located in the five counties with the highest infant mortality rates.

• Ohio State University Extension Program shall assist with program administration by recruiting and training community volunteers to provide culturally sensitive services and seeking assistance from other University staff as needed.

• Director shall develop an evaluation process and submit a written report to the Governor and General Assembly within two months after the program concludes summarizing findings and recommendations.

• Director shall adopt rules specifying the community selection process (allowing identification by zip code or portions of contiguous zip codes) and determining volunteer stipend amounts and payment procedures if stipends are provided.

• $1,000,000 is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2015 to implement and operate the pilot program, with any unexpended funds reappropriated to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2016.