Baltimore City launches Be More for Healthy Babies Initiative to improve maternal health

The Baltimore City Council's Public Health & Environment Committee convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss the Be More for Healthy Babies (BHB) initiative, a long-term strategy aimed at improving maternal and child health in the city. The initiative, led by the Baltimore City Health Department, Family League, and HCAN, involves over 150 community partners and focuses on providing comprehensive support to pregnant individuals and families with young children.

During the meeting, the director of administration for the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health highlighted the initiative's structure, which includes a community advisory board and a core implementation team. These components ensure accountability and collaboration among various stakeholders. The centralized intake unit, a critical part of the BHB strategy, connects individuals to essential resources and services, significantly improving outcomes for mothers and infants. Data presented indicated that pregnant individuals receiving care coordination are 80% more likely to have infants who reach their first birthday.

The meeting also addressed the importance of home visiting programs, such as the Nurse Family Partnership, which supports first-time mothers through home visits from trained nurses. Additionally, the establishment of a local maternal mortality review team in 2021 was discussed, marking a significant step in addressing maternal mortality in Baltimore. This team reviews cases of maternal mortality to identify contributing factors and recommend systemic changes to prevent future occurrences.

The committee also explored family planning and reproductive health services aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies and improving overall pregnancy outcomes. Services offered include pregnancy testing, STI screenings, and mental health support, catering to individuals aged 11 to 50.

Overall, the discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing maternal and child health through collaborative efforts and targeted initiatives, with a focus on accountability and community involvement. The next steps involve continued outreach and the implementation of recommendations from the maternal mortality review team to further improve health outcomes for Baltimore's families.