Since the implementation of B'more for Healthy Babies in 2009, Baltimore City has experienced a 38 percent decline in the infant mortality rate 

BALTIMORE, MD (October 13, 2016)– Health officials, city representatives, and families from across Baltimore City joined together today to celebrate seven years of success in reducing infant mortality rates at an event honoring the B'more for Healthy Babies (BHB) initiative.

In 2009, Baltimore City had the fourth highest infant mortality rate in the nation. B'more for Healthy Babies was founded to ensure that all Baltimore babies are born at a healthy weight, full-term and ready to thrive in healthy families.

Since the program’s inception, Baltimore’s infant mortality rate has dropped by 38 percent, while the rate for African American infants has reduced by nearly 50 percent during same time period.

“Today, we see that Baltimore has made great strides as a city toward our vision that all Baltimore babies are born ready to thrive in healthy families,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “Although fewer infants are dying in Baltimore, far too many still do not live to see their first birthday. We have more to do so that every child born in Baltimore has the best future possible.”

BHB works to decrease the three leading causes of infant death: premature birth, low birth weight birth, and unsafe sleep. The initiative utilizes a collective impact approach to improve an often-fragmented health care system to reach all of Baltimore’s families with quality maternal and infant health services and support.

In 2010, BHB launched the “Sleep Safe” campaign to encourage parents to put their babies to sleep following the ABCs of safe sleep: “Alone. On their Back. In a Crib. Don’t smoke. No Exceptions.”

BHB is led by the Baltimore City Health Department and the Family League of Baltimore and implemented with more than 100 partner agencies from the corporate, nonprofit, academic, donor, and government sectors. The initiative has a strong community outreach and mobilization program that operates in Upton/Druid Heights, Park Heights, Patterson Park, and other neighborhoods.

BHB works to decrease the two three leading causes of infant death: premature birth, low birth weight birth, and unsafe sleep. The initiative utilizes a collective impact approach to improve an often-fragmented health care system to reach all of Baltimore’s families with quality maternal and infant health services and support.

“The continued successes of the B’more for Healthy Babies demonstrates that Baltimore families are invested in improving their families’ health,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “By bringing together diverse organizations we can continue to tackle the all-too-high infant mortality rate in Baltimore. Together we can ensure that Baltimore’s babies are born healthy and grow up healthy, ready for school and success.”

For more information on the B’more for Healthy Babies campaign, visit http://www.healthybabiesbaltimore.com.