East Tennessee State University and Ballad Health announced a new partnership that aims to create a foundation for the success of all children and their families across the Appalachian Highlands called Buccaneer Building Blocks.
Treasured milestones like a baby’s first steps, a sweet smile, or first words are among the moments families forever cherish as their children quickly grow. ETSU and Ballad Health are helping families mark some of those developmental milestones while providing key resources about early childhood education, lifelong learning, and college access planning.
Beginning this month, families of all newborn babies delivered at Ballad Health facilities in Tennessee and Virginia will receive an information packet with early college planning resources and an ETSU onesie highlighting Buccaneer pride to welcome the next generation to the ETSU family.
“The Buccaneer Building Blocks program allows me to feel the same excitement of a new beginning, similar to my role as a women’s health nurse practitioner holding newborn babies after delivery – each one with a future full of bright possibilities and opportunities,” said ETSU’s first lady, Donna Noland.
Families across the region have already begun showcasing their Buccaneer Pride and sharing pictures of their babies wearing the “Cutest Buc” onesies. Everyone across the region is encouraged, if they are comfortable doing so, to share pictures on social media of their newest family members wearing the onesies and use the #CutestBuc hashtag so that ETSU can reshare the photos and help celebrate your joy!
Access to resources about early childhood education, developmental milestones and proactive tips for families to invest in their children’s future through college access planning is located on the Buccaneer Building Blocks website. In addition, information outlining 529 College Savings programs and monthly college savings prizes to help jumpstart the planning process is also available.
“This new beginning is not only filled with hope but also resources committed to providing lifelong support for children and families across the Appalachian Highlands,” said Noland.