The Mission of Bootheel Babies & Families is to support, educate, and empower families and community partners to improve maternal and child outcomes, enabling families to thrive. We’re committed to reducing infant deaths by addressing three key causes of infant mortality:
Explore three key factors
driving the Infant Mortality Rate in Missouri’s Bootheel:
Healthcare
Access to healthcare plays a vital role in infant mortality in the Bootheel. Discover how, and what steps are needed for a better future.Safe Sleep
75% of infant deaths in the Bootheel are related to unsafe sleep habits. Learn how you can help prevent future deaths.Substance Misuse
Substance abuse and misuse both affect the health and wellbeing of families in the Bootheel. Here’s what you can do to help.Our Staff
Sara Pierce, Project Director
Daniel Johnson, Office & Data Coordinator
Our Board
President: Barb Gleason, MSN, Project Director, Bootheel Perinatal Network
Vice President: Morgan Nesselrodt, Perinatal Quality Collaborative Specialist for the Bootheel Region, Missouri Hospital Association
Treasurer: Lester Gillespie, Executive Director, Fresh Start Self Improvement Center
Secretary: Rebecca Burger, BSN, System Care Coordinator, Bootheel Perinatal Network
Scarlett Loomas: Development Administrator, Delta Area Economic Opportunity Council
Amy Bradshaw: BSN, RN for Maternal and Child Health Program, Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services