Better health for vulnerable infants is now just a phone call away.

A new infant health hotline, 269-888-KIDS, was launched today by Cradle Kalamazoo, a multi-agency community initiative that includes United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.

“We are excited to launch this phase of the project,” states Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA Kalamazoo, which leads Cradle Kalamazoo’s lead agency. “Based on the needs of the community, we know that pregnant women of color and low-income women are falling through the cracks. 888-KIDS can help close this gap.

“Whether you’re pregnant or you’re the best friend, family member or coworker of someone who is pregnant, you can call 888-KIDS to help them get connected to services and resources,” Lubwama added. “We can support the health of our babies by making sure their families have access to the resources they need.”

Click for a video interview with Grace Lubwama discussing 888-KIDS.

Cradle Kalamazoo consists of community stakeholders and 30 partner organizations. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, Gryphon Place and Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) are partnering together to provide 269-888-KIDS to the community.

When community members call 269-888-KIDS, they will be connected to a Family Support Specialist at Gryphon Place. The Family Support Specialist will help connect community members to resources and Cradle Kalamazoo partners. Cradle Kalamazoo partners have programs that support families both inside and outside the home.

”Partnership drives community change, and that’s why United Way is proud to be part of this collaboration,” said Alyssa Stewart, Director of Strategy & Engagement for United Way. “The new hotline will improve equitable access to services and support, and most importantly, assure better health for more babies and families in Kalamazoo County.”

Discover more about United Way’s work in infant mortality by visiting our Health page. Cradle Kalamazoo’s website is currently under construction, but there are links available to find out more.