Erlanger Health System has earned four state awards for their work to improve the safety and health of infants; the Tennessee Department of Health BEST award for their effort to decrease infant mortality, a Milestone Award by Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care for their progress in the Safe Sleep project, a Gold Quality Award for TIPQC Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy project, and a Silver Quality Award for TIPQC Opioid Exposed Newborn project.
Officials said, "In 2019, approximately 7 out of every 1,000 infants in Tennessee did not make it to their first birthday. In an effort to save lives Erlanger has partnered with the Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee Hospital Association to reduce infant mortality by promoting breastfeeding, early elective delivery elimination and safe sleep to meet the criteria for the BEST award.
The BEST award stands for Breastfeeding, Early elective delivery reduction and Safe sleep for Tennessee babies. Increasing breastfeeding, reducing early elective delivery, and increasing adherence to safe sleep practices can reduce infant deaths. This is why Erlanger strived to meet the following criteria set by TDH around these topics to receive the BEST award.
"Erlanger also achieve a milestone award for their work in the Safe Sleep project with TIPQC. The most recent data in Tennessee on sleep related deaths in 2019 showed 103 infants dying due to sleep related deaths. This data shows why it is important for every baby to reach their first birthday by following the simple ABCs of Safe Sleep –Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib. Erlanger achieved this award through several processes including continuing education for staff around infant sleep safety and implementing care measures to improve processes and patient education about safe sleep practices."
“We are proud of the hard work this team has dedicated to improve the health and safety of infants in our region,” said Dr. Andrea Goins, medical director of Newborn Nurseries at Erlanger Health System. “Children are our passion, and we strive to continuously make improvements to their quality of life, health and safety.”
This is the second year in a row that Erlanger has received a project award for their work in the TIPQC OEN project. Erlanger has been awarded a Silver Banner Award by TIPQC for their accomplishments in the two-year Opioid Exposed Newborn Project and a Gold Quality Award for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy project. This award is based on participation, monthly data collection, and noted improvements in implementing best practices of care. Hospital teams volunteer to work on projects to improve the care and outcomes for mothers and babies across the state.
For more information about Children’s Hospital at Erlanger visit childrensaterlanger.org.