COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP): Ohio is getting about $12.6 million from the federal government to support young children and their families through a home visiting program.
 
The program serves women during pregnancy and helps parents of young children develop skills to raise them healthy and ready to learn. 
 
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced the awards Thursday. She says in a statement that home visits by a nurse, social worker or early childhood educator during pregnancy or the early years in life can benefit children and their families.
 
Many of the families served by the program have incomes at or below federal poverty level. It's available in counties with high rates of infant mortality, poverty and teen births. States can tailor their home visiting programs to address certain communities.