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Lawmakers press for childbirth‑education pilot and $3.8M for Tennessee 2‑1‑1 system
Summary
Chairman Martin proposed a statewide pilot offering interactive online childbirth education citing a UPenn study that reduced ED visits by 50%, and requested $3.8 million to strengthen Tennessee's 2‑1‑1 information and referral system to improve access to services, especially in rural areas.
Chairman Martin told the committee he supports a statewide pilot of live, interactive childbirth‑education classes and said evidence shows online services can reduce emergency‑department visits and improve outcomes. Citing a University of Pennsylvania study, he said ED visits were "down 50 percent" and breastfeeding increased over 60 percent in programs that used similar services.
Martin also requested $3,800,000 for the statewide 2‑1‑1 system to strengthen the information and referral network that connects residents to food assistance, housing, mental‑health care, childcare and disaster response. He argued that a stronger 2‑1‑1 will improve rural residents' access to services and provide policymakers with better real‑time data on needs.
Because the hearing was informational, no committee vote occurred. If advanced through the budget process, the proposals would require program designs, measurable outcomes and coordination with public‑health agencies and United Way partners that operate 2‑1‑1 services.
