2021 Celebrate Babies Week
The Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMHiTN), invites you to join us
October 18-22 in the celebration of our youngest citizens and those who care for them.
AIMHiTN, in partnership with the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health,
commits one week each year to “Celebrate Babies Week,” a celebration of infants, young children, and
the families and professionals who care for them across Tennessee and around the world.
Any parent knows that the first few years of a child’s life are marked by incredible growth, but
it’s the growth that’s not seen that makes the biggest impact. The Harvard Center on the Developing
Child estimates that in a child’s first year of life the brain will form around 1 million neural connections
every second. For the nearly 409,000 children in Tennessee under the age of five, strong, nurturing
relationships with the caring adults in their lives are critical in shaping these neural connections and
forming the foundation for all future growth and development.
Throughout the week of October 18-22, babies, their families, and those that support them all
over Tennessee will be celebrated with intentional community outreach, networking, and education. As
of October 14th, thirteen Mayors across Tennessee have joined in the celebration by proclaiming the
week of October 18-22 Celebrate Babies Week. Those making official proclamations include City of
Jackson, Madison County Tennessee, Carroll County, Sumner County, City of Sevierville, Sevier
County, Knox County, City of Knoxville, Johnson City, Tullahoma, Putnam County, City of Memphis,
and Henry County. On Wednesday, October 20, the public is invited to attend an online event focused
on the “Foundations of Infant Mental Health” led by Dr. Diana Morelen, assistant professor of
Psychology at East Tennessee State University. This free event will explore the foundations of infant
mental health work, early brain development and early relational health, and reflective practice.
AIMHiTN will also be holding a giving campaign to raise funds for Tennessee’s babies who
begin their lives with health challenges. Donations made to AIMHiTN through the middle of
November will help provide blankets to babies in NICUs across the state.
Scientific research has shown that our brains develop at a rapid pace in the earliest years of life.
Positive relationships with adults during this critical time have a profound impact on brain
development, providing the support and stability necessary for long-term health and well-being.
The Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee (AIMHiTN) concentrates on prenatal care to the
child’s sixth birthday by delivering education, training, and resources to assist caregivers, educators,
healthcare providers and other professionals in their everyday interactions with infants, young children,
and their families. By focusing on early relational health, AIMHiTN contributes to healthy
communities and a productive workforce for generations to come.
For more information about AIMHiTN, visit: https://www.aimhitn.org/.
To register for free for “Foundations of Infant Mental Health” visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foundations-of-infant-mental-health-tickets-178932129817
To help bring smiles to Tennessee NICU families, visit Donations (aimhitn.org) You can leave a
message in the comment box in PayPal letting us know what child you are donating in honor of and/or
what NICU you would like your donation to go to.