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OHA Highlights Success of Breastfeeding Initiative in New Whitepaper

August 22, 2025

OHA has published a new whitepaper in accordance with National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, highlighting the success of the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program. Launched in 2015 with the Ohio Department of Health, the program recognizes maternity centers that implement breastfeeding-supportive practices based on the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” from the World Health Organization and Baby-Friendly USA.

Hospitals earn up to five stars for progress, and nearly all maternity hospitals in Ohio have participated. Since its start, First Steps has distributed thousands of resources and offered free trainings to hundreds of staff statewide. The new whitepaper underscores how these efforts have advanced breastfeeding support and fostered collaboration across Ohio’s hospitals.

Read the full whitepaper here and find more information on OHA’s breastfeeding initiative on our website here.

Most Recent

August 22, 2025

OHA Celebrates 110th Anniversary

Aug. 25 marks the 110th anniversary of OHA's founding at the Hotel Breakers in Sandusky. About 60 leaders of Ohio hospitals gathered in 1915 to form the nation’s first state hospital association. OHA formed, in part, to address state legislation regarding hospitals and public health. Over a century later, OHA exists to collaborate with member hospitals and health systems to promote a sustainable health care system so Ohioans have access to high-quality hospital care in their communities. Learn more about the history of Ohio's hospital community here in the book and video produced for our centennial.
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August 22, 2025

Last Chance: Apply for AHA Rural Hospital Innovation Award by Aug. 29

Rural hospitals still have time to apply for the 2026 AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award, but the deadline is fast approaching. Applications close at 12:40 p.m. Aug. 29. The award recognizes rural hospitals that are leading the way in innovative, sustainable and community-centered care. Programs and services that address unique health care challenges at the local level are encouraged to apply. Honorees will be celebrated at the AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, Feb. 8-11, 2026, in San Antonio. Learn more and apply here.
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August 22, 2025

ODH Seeks Input on Hospital Infectious Disease Testing Needs

The Ohio Department of Health Laboratory, or ODHL, provides a range of testing that includes bacteriology, virology, infectious disease, environmental, radiochemistry and newborn screening. ODHL is seeking input from clinical laboratory directors — including hospital clinical laboratories — on infectious disease testing and what additional testing services ODHL could provide that would benefit clinical laboratories and health care in Ohio. Hospital clinical laboratory directors are encouraged to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete the survey here by Friday, Sept. 5.
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August 22, 2025

Apply for the 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award by Oct. 14

The AHA is now accepting applications through Oct. 14 for the 2026 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award. This award recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate outstanding collaboration with community partners to improve health outcomes and community well-being. Eligible programs must be at least two years old, show clear evidence of impact and sustainability, and be replicable in other communities. Up to five winners will be honored at the AHA Healthier Together Conference, May 12-14, 2026, in Dallas. Learn more and apply here.
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