Metro Health program helping babies live healthy lives receives $5.5 million

A program helping babies live long, healthy lives in Nashville is expanding.

For five years, Nashville Strong Babies has helped parents get access to things that can make parenting a little easier. Things like diapers, car seats, books, transportation support, and even just advice.

We discuss how all of this going to work in the player above.

With $5.5 million from the federal government, Nashville Strong Babies will now be available to any Nashville parent of a new baby. The tiered case management services for pregnant, post-partum, and parenting families were originally just for those in the following seven zip code areas:

• 37207
• 37208
• 37210
• 37216
• 37115
• 37218
• 37221

"I mean you can't just say this area or that area is struggling," said Indigo Harris, a mother. "Like I know women all throughout that look like me, you and everybody. I'm so happy they're able to expand."

A year ago, I met mom and culinary creator Indigo Harris for the first time. At the Nashville Strong Babies announcement, she shared the podium with the mayor.

"I really did battle postpartum depression so so bad. I didn't know how I was going to get past the first month of motherhood," Harris said.

There are no income requirements and any family who is expecting a child, recently delivered, or parenting a child up to 18 months of age is eligible for support services.

More than 1,300 families have been supported by Nashville Strong Babies since 2019.

Metro has tracked the success of this program and says it has contributed to a 5% reduction in deaths of African American infants.

Maternal mortality is unacceptably high across the country, so we looked at pregnancy-related deaths, which Nashville Strong Babies is also trying to curb.

Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png

Ben: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/df/c4/19fa7c504480938f39a431e3b276/ben-recommends-header.png

Amy: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b6/1408516a4a91b97639b178fc1ba9/amy-recommends-header.png

Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

“Here’s a great story that proves everyone has something to give, regardless of age OR personal challenges. Our Austin Pollack introduces us to Ms Sylvia Mooney. At age 80, she’s not sitting still. Instead, she using her skills to craft compassion for others… one stitch at a time. Her crochet creations go to non-profits to help our homeless neighbors. You’ll be surprised to learn she does it all, while facing a serious health issue. Bravo Sylvia!”

-Rhori Johnston