Peer Learning Hub
Resources for Public Health Organizations and Partners
This hub connects public health organizations and their partners with resources to strengthen PN-3 systems. Explore BHB's strategies, results, and actionable recommendations to support collaboration, improve outcomes, and accelerate systems change.
Our Approach
B’more for Healthy Babies (BHB) is a collective, long-term effort to support the health and well-being of Baltimore City’s young children and their families. The Baltimore City Health Department leads the initiative, with support from Family League of Baltimore and HealthCare Access Maryland. BHB brings together communities, organizations, and resources so that every baby might have the best start possible. ​And it’s working. Since BHB’s launch in 2009 and through 2022 (most recent data available), the Baltimore City infant mortality rate (IMR) rate has decreased by 39% and the Black-white disparity in infant mortality has decreased by 48%.
Fact Sheets
Click to download the PDF resources
Background
Sound Public Health Design and Strategy
Infant and maternal mortality rates are internationally used indicators of how society supports its smallest and most vulnerable populations. Uniting around infant and maternal mortality metrics can appeal to a diverse network of partners willing to work together to help families and communities thrive. Upon review of local data, best practice literature, and insights of community residents, leaders can prioritize issues critical to reducing infant mortality.
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Population level change requires cross-sector collaboration where each partner agrees upon a shared vision to improve infant and maternal health outcomes, and recognizes their unique role and contribution to improving those outcomes. They present the shared vision as a theory of change, a logic model, and a well-funded and staffed strategic plan. Leaders share goals to generate the public will necessary to address the problem and improve the lives of many, not just a few.
Essential Elements and Building Blocks
For over fifteen years, BHB has engaged in constant feedback loops to better serve Baltimore City’s most vulnerable families. At its core, BHB is grounded in strong relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to the well-being of young families. BHB pairs core values such as empathy and emotional connection, what we call Heart Work, with intentional systems-building, creating a foundation where care, accountability, and collaboration can thrive together.
BHB’s building blocks framework reflects this holistic approach. Each component—whether it involves family engagement, service delivery, or policy change—is deeply interconnected and relies on the collective efforts of families, community organizations, public agencies, and civic leaders. No single person or group can drive change alone; progress comes from alignment and shared responsibility across sectors. It requires the collective work and dedication of families, community-based organizations, public agencies, academic institutions, and civic leaders.
Evolving to Meet Communities Where They Are
Building healthier communities is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each city or county brings its own unique strengths, challenges, and landscape of resources—and gaps that need to be addressed. BHB’s approach recognizes that effective change requires flexibility and learning from one another.
The Peer Learning Hub offers insight into the how and why behind BHB’s strategies, as well as what has worked. It is designed to support public health organizations and partners in adapting these lessons to their own communities, helping to improve birth outcomes and strengthen early childhood systems everywhere.
By fostering collaboration and shared understanding, BHB encourages leaders to develop a shared vision with a clear plan, enabling broad and lasting impact for families and communities at every stage of their journey.