Metro Public Health Department marks one year of countywide Nashville Strong Babies services

The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) is celebrating one year since the countywide expansion of the Nashville Strong Babies program. The Nashville Strong Babies program began in 2019 to reduce the infant mortality rate in seven specific zip codes where that figure was measured to be highest. In July of 2024, MPHD announced that anyone who resides in Davidson County could receive the services of Nashville Strong Babies, which includes care coordination, doula support and breastfeeding education. Over the program's six years of operation, more than 2,000 families have been served, enrolling in the program and receiving some form of service from the Nashville Strong Babies program. 516 of those families were served in the past twelve months, the time period of the program's countywide service area.

"The mission to protect, improve and sustain the health of all people in our community requires that the health journey starts early in life and covers every stage of live. It requires that we are intentional in building strong babies so we can have strong adults," said Dr. Sanmi Areola, Metro Public Health Department Director of Health. "Programs like Nashville Strong Babies show a lot of benefits to those who participate, so expanding it to all Nashvillians means those benefits can touch even more lives."

Of the 2,083 families who participated in the Nashville Strong Babies program over the past six years, the Metro Public Health Department reports zero maternal deaths. This is notable, as the program was initially introduced in locations where these specific events occurred more frequently than in other parts of Nashville.

"A healthy baby requires a healthy mom and a strong family, and a big part of Nashville Strong Babies is ensuring families get the resources they need to stay healthy for themselves and their baby," said D'Yuanna Allen-Robb, Assistant Director of Population Health Bureau at the Metro Public Health Department. "By prioritizing the health of babies and families in our community, the future of Nashville can remain bright and promising."

The first year of Nashville Strong Babies' countywide expansion saw many promising results. 92 percent of babies born in the Nashville Strong Babies program were born at a healthy weight, and 91% were born at full term. 100% of doula-supported families in the program initiated breastfeeding with their new baby. Through the past year, zero infant deaths and zero maternal deaths were experienced among NSB families.

"Nashville Strong Babies helps the lives of our children get off to a great start with all-encompassing support for them and their mothers," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell. "Every mother and child deserves the best care we can give them. This program has proven it's delivering strong babies, healthy moms, and proven results."

Nashville Strong Babies will be hosting several upcoming enrollment fairs for those interested in getting involved in the program. The first enrollment fair will be held on August 29 and 30 at the Lentz Public Health Center. Future enrollment fairs will be publicized through the Metro Public Health Department's social media pages. Families can also enroll in Nashville Strong Babies by visiting NashvilleStrongBabies.gov or by calling the Central Referral Line at 615-340-5616.