B'more for Healthy Babies :: Upcoming Events

Archived News

Family League Program Promotes Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies
January 19, 2012

Free weight-loss programs for Baltimore mothers
January 11, 2012

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announces expansion to the Maryland Family Planning Program
November 21, 2011
The expanded program includes a wide variety of family planning/birth control services and now covers teens, women who have never had children, and women with older children. The program is officially open to applications January 1, 2012.
Press Release (PDF) PDF
Teens Rack Card (PDF) PDF
Women Rack Card (PDF) PDF

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues new safe sleep guidelines
October 12, 2011
Download article (PDF) PDF

Baltimore Officials Work To Lower City Infant Mortality Rate
October 8, 2011
Breaking Baltimore's high infant mortality rate. The city has a new campaign designed to clear the air for babies and pregnant women. Click here to read the full story.

Just Hold Off campaign
October 5, 2011
At an event on October 5, 2011, B'more for Healthy Babies officially launched the second phase of its campaign to improve the health of Baltimore's babies by encouraging smoke-free environments for babies and pregnant women. The campaign, "Just Hold Off," asks Baltimore residents to hold off on smoking their cigarettes if there is a pregnant woman or baby nearby. Click here to read the full story.

The event also reaffirmed Baltimore City's commitment to and support of safe sleep environments. For event pictures, visit B'more for Healthy Babies' Facebook page.
Press Release (PDF) PDF

B'more for Healthy Babies Awarded $2.2 Million in Grants
September 29, 2011
B'more for Healthy Babies was recently awarded $2.2 million in federal and state grants. We received $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund B'more Fit, an initiative working to reduce the risks that obese women face during pregnancy and delivery. B'more Fit utilizes the Weight Watchers model to help obese women of reproductive age overcome weight loss barriers. We also received a grant through the State of Maryland for over $700,000 to strengthen home-visiting programs.
Press Release (PDF) PDF

Day of the Girl
September 22, 2011
B'more for Healthy Babies community partners in Upton/Druid Heights marked the National Day of the Girl with 4th and 5th Grade students at F.L. Templeton Prepatory Academy. This day of celebration aimed at making girls' worlds bigger and better kicked off with a breakfast and affirmation activities. The day raised awareness of the girls' gifts, skills, talents, and abilities. At the end of the day, the students were given positive affirmations written by their family, mentors, teachers, and counselors along with a carnation to take home with them.
View Photo (JPG)

Maryland's infant mortality rate drops to lowest level on record
August 23, 2011
After moving aggressively in recent years to make a dent in Maryland's stubbornly high infant mortality rate, city and state officials plan to announce Wednesday a significant drop, to the lowest level on record.

Data from the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show a drop to 6.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2010. That's a 7 percent drop from the year before, a 16 percent drop from two years before and the lowest rate since recording began in the 1940s... Click to read more
Press Release (PDF) PDF
Maryland Vital Statistics (PDF) PDF

FDA: Consumer crib rule does not pertain to hospital cribs
June 28, 2011
Changes to consumer crib standards that prohibit drop-side rail designs do not affect pediatric cribs used in hospitals for patient care, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA is clarifying the issue after receiving inquiries from hospitals on how the new consumer crib standards, announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission last December, affect hospital cribs. The FDA, which regulates hospital cribs, has determined that cribs with movable and latchable side and end rails are necessary for patient care in hospital settings. In addition, the FDA review found that hospital cribs are made of more durable materials than consumer cribs and are used, maintained and monitored by professional staff who can address potential hazards before they cause harm. Hospitals with questions about pediatric cribs should contact FDA's Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at DSMICA@FDA.HHS.GOV or (800) 638-2041.

NIH statement on the new crib safety standards
June 27, 2011
On June 28th, new mandatory safety standards for infant cribs will take effect, helping to ensure a safe sleep environment for infants in the United States... Click to read more

Baby Basics is featured in USA Today!
'Baby Basics' the 'What to Expect' for at-risk moms
USA Today website

Health Department Receives 2011 Maryland Initiative Grant From The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
May 16, 2011
The Baltimore City Health Department is one of 13 local organizations serving low-income, low-literacy Maryland residents to receive a grant from the 2011 Maryland Family Literacy Initiative, part of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Press Release (PDF) PDF

iHeART Baltimore Creative Arts Competition Winner
April 18, 2011
Tranya Tisdale, a 9th grader at Baltimore City College High School, has won the B'more for Healthy Babies iHeART Baltimore Creative Arts Competition with her poster depicting safe sleep for infants.
News Release (PDF) PDF
View Tranya's Artwork Here

New Mandatory Standard for Cribs
March 4, 2011
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has set a new mandatory standard for cribs, effective June 28, 2011. Compliance with this rule for child care facilities, family child care homes, hotels and other places of public accommodation is required by December 28, 2012. For more information, go to the CPSC website

Baltimore teams with Weight Watchers to tackle obesity
February 12, 2011

Mothers-to-Be Are Getting the Message
February 7, 2011

SSW's Promise Heights Program Spreads Holiday Cheer In West Baltimore
December 22, 2010

Baltimore City Medical Society Newsletter Article on Infant Mortality in Baltimore PDF
December 20, 2010
(see page 4)

New Standards for Baby Cribs Aid in Preventing Infant Deaths
December 15, 2010

WMAR News Health Alert: news coverage of Candlelight Vigil and Infant Mortality Month
October 25, 2010

Proclamation by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Designating October as "Infant Mortality Awareness Month" in Baltimore
October 25, 2010

Video of Mayor's remarks posted to our YouTube Channel
September 27, 2010

Safe Sleep Can Prevent SIDS
September 9, 2010

Baltimore Promotes Safe Sleep To Prevent Infant Deaths
August 16, 2010

Midday with Dan Rodricks podcast
August 10, 2010

Baltimore Has High Infant Mortality Rate
August 9, 2010