Join me in championing our future moms in high-risk neighborhoods through the Moms2B Program.

Although my giving page is no longer active, you can still donate. If you would like to provide any additional support, please make a gift here.

I am Devi Dheekshita Nelakurti, a senior pursuing a major in Biomedical Science along with minors in Computer Informational Science and Film Studies. My aspiration is to become a neonatologist or a physician specializing in the care of premature or ill babies. This passion for working with infants took root early, but it was during my freshman year that I became acutely aware of Ohio's alarming infant mortality rate (IMR), particularly in the vicinity of my campus. Notably, Franklin County demonstrates a stark disparity in IMR, with rates for black infants being twice as high as their white counterparts. This inequity is fueled by a complex array of barriers including transportation, health literacy, financial constraints and the current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as historical oppression, institutional racism and wealth inequality among different racial groups.

Determined to address this deeply rooted disparity, I joined SmileChild, a student-founded non-profit organization. Our mission is to enhance moms' access to education, resources and healthcare through a dynamic mobile application and community outreach events. Our collaborating organization that helped us tremendously is Moms2B which is a community education program. Through attending education events that they host in underserved city areas, I heard first-hand from moms about their stories and witnessed how Moms2B builds trust with underserved mothers. They provide meals, newborn gift baskets and transportation to help address moms' barriers while creating a safe space for moms to learn and grow. I hope you will join me in supporting their amazing initiatives and give back to the organization that helped me grow as a leader and further solidify my passion in medicine.

With your support, I believe we can make a tangible impact on infant mortality rates, promote healthier outcomes and foster the overall well-being of underserved communities in Ohio. For any inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact me at nelakurti.1@osu.edu.