Brave Enough to Evolve Strategies: Lessons in Systems Change from Cradle Kalamazoo

Presented by Cheryl A. Dickson, MD, MPH, Nia Evans, MPH, Diamond Lee, MSW, and Gina Airey, MBA

May 1, 2024, 11 am - 12 pm PT, Online

Why are our Black babies dying? Since the earliest conversations about inequities in deaths among babies in Kalamazoo, Michigan, systemic racism was known as the root cause. When creating Cradle Kalamazoo, we developed a bold vision of zero racial disparities in infant mortality and a reduction of infant mortality to 3 per 1,000 live births by 2030. At each step over the last decade, we analyzed data (from community voice to clinical outcomes to social networks) to inform more community-centered, evidence-based, and systemic action. After results plateaued, which is not uncommon for mature initiatives, we invested in strategic planning in 2022 to allow the space for deeper exploration. As a result, we have shifted Cradle’s focus from more programs/services for individuals/families, such as safe sleep practices, to more explicit strategies to disrupt racist systems, such as advocacy for families to meet basic needs, especially safe housing.