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Updated Information about B'more for Healthy Babies (11/21/2011)

What is B'more for Healthy Babies?

Baltimore babies die at a rate that is among the worst in America. In 2009, over 120 infants did not live to see their first birthday. Many more babies were born pre-term and underweight - key factors in infant mortality. African-American babies in Baltimore City are especially at risk. They die at a rate that is twice the national average: 14 deaths per 1000 live births versus 7 deaths per 1000 live births nationally.

In response to this public health crisis, leaders from the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors came together to launch an innovative and far-reaching initiative to prevent infant deaths and promote better family health - B'more for Healthy Babies.

What is the vision of B'more for Healthy Babies?

B'more for Healthy Babies believes that every baby in Baltimore deserves the best start possible. Our hope is that all of Baltimore's babies are born at a healthy weight, full term, and ready to thrive in healthy families.

Who is involved in B'more for Healthy Babies?

B'more for Healthy Babies is built on the realization that reducing infant deaths will happen only if people throughout the community play a part - whether it's the leaders of the key city agencies, physicians, nurses and social workers; community groups and teachers; or fathers, grandmothers, caregivers and pregnant women themselves. Since 2009, B'more for Healthy Babies has mobilized families, communities, health providers, and policymakers to prevent infant deaths and promote better family health. Whether a parent or family member, a doctor or social worker, a community leader or business ownerÖyou can do something to make Baltimore's babies healthier. Remember, every baby counts on you!

What will B'more for Healthy Babies Do?

For the first time, Baltimore has created a strategic initiative that brings together the right agencies and people to improve an often-fragmented health care system and reach families that are hardest to serve. We believe that collaboration and cooperation among institutions is vital to our goal of reducing infant mortality and improving the health of Baltimore families. The initiative has three phases:

Healthy and Safe Parenting
Beginning in mid-2010, a citywide communications plan and related activities will focus on making sure babies sleep safely, a key step in reducing infant deaths. A media outreach campaign, education in the hospital, and community outreach will reinforce the messages.

Healthy Pregnancy
Beginning in 2011, this phase will stress the importance of prenatal care, smoking cessation and other practices necessary to improve family health. Community-based groups will identify pregnant women and get them into prenatal care. Home visiting programs will be strengthened. New education and outreach activities will be launched.

Healthy Baltimore
This phase will focus on the importance of good health on a person's ability to lead life to the fullest and have healthy babies. B'more Fit for You and Your Baby Too is the cornerstone of the third phase. This nutrition and fitness program gives Moms the support they need to eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Family League have convened a diverse team of partners implement the program in three program sites and create enabling environments through community and policy action.
Click here to learn more about our partners and the coalition
Click here for a press release about the grant supporting the program (PDF)

What are the B'more for Healthy Babies Communities?

Nonprofit groups in two communities - Patterson Park North & East and Upton/Druid Heights - will receive funding and training to increase community involvement and collaboration at all levels of the service-delivery system. The goal is that communities know their role in improving access to and providing direct services as an essential way to improve birth outcomes.

What is the B'more for Healthy Babies Communication Campaign?

A sophisticated communication campaign will be delivered across the city to share messages about infant safety and family health, expanding the reach of our work beyond the three communities to all residents of Baltimore City.

Who is implementing B'more for Healthy Babies?

This initiative is sponsored by the Office of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the Baltimore City Health Department, the Family League of Baltimore and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

Agencies who are taking part include:

• Baltimore HealthCare Access
• Baltimore Mental Health Services
• Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems
• The Baltimore City Department of Social Services
• Baltimore City Public Schools
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Several managed care organizations and
• The eight birthing hospitals throughout Baltimore City

Our key community partners include:

• Baltimore Medical System (Patterson Park North and East)
• University of Maryland Medical System Foundation (Upton/Druid Heights)

Each of these community partners are working closely with a range of community-based groups.

How can I get Involved with B'more for Healthy Babies?

We invite everyone interested in the health of babies in Baltimore City to get involved. For more information or to become involved please contact:

Rebecca Dineen Baltimore City Health Department (410) 396-1834 Rebecca.dineen@baltimorecity.gov

Gena O'Keefe The Family League of Baltimore (410) 662-5500 Ext. 201 gokeefe@flbcinc.org