New Public Health Initiative to Provide Baby Supplies, Vaccine Education in Mecklenburg County

Three women at a table sorting through baby supplies and materials.
Volunteers prepare Baby Bundles for distribution through Public Health.

Mecklenburg County Public Health has partnered with Baby Bundles in a new initiative to assist more high-risk pregnant women enrolled in the care management program. Baby Bundles provides products including baby supplies and health education materials.

“We’re excited for this new initiative that will help new families welcome their baby with essential supplies and resources,” said Mecklenburg County Public Health Medical Director Dr. Bonnie Coyle. “Baby Bundles has been a great partner in our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to add information on the importance of vaccines and other health resources to their bundles.”

Each bundle is valued at $350 and includes baby clothing and essentials, diapers, and wipes. The bundles will also include important health information on vaccines in pregnancy and childhood, mental health resources and the importance of the ABCs of infant safe sleep (alone, back, crib).    

This new initiative is supported by a grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials. It will provide more that 200 bundles initially for distribution through Public Health this summer, with a goal of distributing more bundles by the end of the year. 

Mecklenburg County Public Health is one of 14 counties nationwide to receive this grant aimed at increasing pediatric vaccine coverage. The grant also supports collaborations between public health and local early childcare centers to provide vaccine education and information for families on how to receive free or low-cost vaccines through the Immunization Clinic.  

Baby Bundles distributes bundles through 18 community partners. It has a goal of distributing 3,500 bundles in 2025, including in Mecklenburg County and areas in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Other partners include Diaper Bank NC, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Project Linus and Promising Pages.    

For more information on the grant or program, contact the Mecklenburg County Public Health grant coordinators Dr. Lis Pordes, program manager Program Manager of the Prenatal - Three Initiative, at [email protected], or Joy Smith, communicable disease director Communicable Disease Director, at [email protected].