Sowing the Seeds for Strong Communities at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference Session “Sowing the Seeds for Strong Communities” attendees learned  how comprehensive, holistic, and collaborative approaches to supporting children and families can yield overwhelming results for the long term well-being of counties and their communities.

Gabriel W. Auteri, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), presented on the Baltimore City B’More for Healthy Babies initiative which has reduced infant mortality rates in the city to record lows. The initiative is a collaborative effort of more than 100 agencies working to improve the health of the mother and father before pregnancy; providing medical and social support during pregnancy; and education and services following the birth of the baby. 

Moderator Senator Addie Eckardt introduces the panelists seating intimately among the attendees.
Moderator Senator Addie Eckardt introduces the panelists seating intimately among the attendees.

Duane Yoder, President of Garrett County Community Action Committee, and Rodney Glotfelty, Health Officer for Garrett County jointly present on the county’s 2-Generation (2-G) program. Through collaborative efforts this national initiative was tweaked to help Garrett County pioneer a plan to help families break free of economic dependence and reach economic security. The initiative focuses on stabilizing persons in crisis; helping families and individuals create a pathway plan to assets; and removing barriers and creating opportunities to generate greater economic independence and security.

Interesting Facts and Figures:

  • From 2009- 2014 Baltimore City has seen a 36% drop in teen birth rates and a 38% drop in infant mortality.
  • 61% of parents participating in the Garrett County Health Department Home Visiting component achieved their family stability goal. 

The session was moderated by Senator Addie Eckardt and held on Thursday, December 8.

The MACo Winter Conference was held December 7-9, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, Maryland. This year’s conference theme was “An Ounce of Prevention”.