NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — State officials began sending "Welcome Baby" packets Tuesday to Tennessee families with a newborn in the home.
Officials say the packets will be sent within a few weeks of each child’s birth. The packet will contain information about child development, parenting and programs offered by the Tennessee Department of Health. The tall, white envelopes will also contain a letter of congratulations from first lady Crissy Haslam.
Jude White is Executive Director of the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. She says that in some Tennessee counties families with newborns might even qualify for in-home medical checkups.
“The Department of Health can reach out to those families and offer some additional support and even a home visit. It’s a way to check in on the baby, but really mostly to be a support for that family as they transition and start this new journey of parenthood.”
White says the program was initiated by Governor Haslam in January 2012. It's the latest of many measures the state has taken to decrease the state's above-average infant mortality rate.
For more information visit the website kidcentraltn.com.