Phil Bredesen on Families & Children Democratic TN Governor

Increase fetal & infant survival rates among babies

"The Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination, local officials and partnering organizations are putting in place the best and most successful programs from across the country to give babies the very best chance of reaching their first birthday," said Bredesen. "While we've seen some preliminary indications that the number of infant deaths is on the decline, we must continue to do everything we can to improve the health outcomes for this vulnerable population."

In 2006, Governor Bredesen joined more than 200 stakeholders to develop and outline a strategy to address infant mortality in Tennessee. Since the strategy's implementation, more than $15 million has been invested statewide.

Claire's Law: hearing loss screenings for every newborn

"With Claire's Law, we are greatly improving early hearing detection and intervention in Tennessee," Bredesen said. "With these new measures in place for early detection, we will be able to better help children with hearing loss and to promote their healthy development."