B’more for Healthy Babies reflects Baltimore’s commitment to families, to healthy beginnings, and to the belief that every baby deserves the chance to grow and thrive.
This initiative has helped bring together residents, providers, community organizations, and City partners around a shared goal: improving outcomes for babies, families, and communities across Baltimore. We are proud of the progress that has been made, and we remain committed to the work ahead.
Together, we can continue building a city where every family is supported and every baby has a strong and healthy start.”
Dr. Michelle Taylor
Baltimore City Health Commissioner
Our Beginnings
In 2009, Baltimore City had one of the worst rates of infant mortality in the country: 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Black babies were five times more likely to die than white babies.
In response to this public health crisis, leaders from government, nonprofit, academic, and corporate sectors came together to launch B’more for Healthy Babies. Using the social-ecological framework, the initiative works to strengthen policy, systems, healthcare services, and community support for women and families throughout the life course and address the social, economic, and racial inequities that affect health.
How Far We've Come
Guided by the 2009 Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes, the initiative has invested heavily in quality improvement measures for the city’s public system of pregnancy, preconception, and early childhood services. In 2013, BHB began focusing on ensuring that all programs and services are anti-racist and trauma-informed.
By 2015, Baltimore City had achieved the lowest infant mortality rate in the City’s history. And by 2023, BHB had made significant progress on other key indicators:
Infant Mortality
35%
Infant Mortality
Black-White Disparity
37%
Teen Births
61%
Teen Birth
Black-White Disparity
71%
Sleep-related infant deaths
67%*
*Sleep-related infant deaths data through 2024