Author: Acceleration

VERO BEACH — Rachel and Ron Toperzer, like most first-time parents, have cycled through a checklist in preparation for their daughter.  The Vero Beach couple planned a baby shower, took a handful of childbirth classes and stocked up on wipes before baby Remington arrives next month.  But, like so many others in the face of the uncertain novel coronavirus pandemic, the Toperzers … Continue reading “Pregnant amid a pandemic: Expecting mothers are adapting plans with help of local coalition”

Florida continues to struggle with key child health measures – including low birthweight babies – according to the 2019 KIDS COUNT Data Book released this week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The state ranked 37th in key indicators of child health and well-being in the latest data book, compared to 34th last year.  While … Continue reading “2019 Kids Count: FL Lags in LBW, Child Health”

Congratulations to Florida’s six federal Healthy Start projects for receiving funding to continue their work to eliminate perinatal health disparities! The sites were among the 100 communities nationwide that received five-year grants to implement comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy, and reducing racial and ethnic disparities in rates of … Continue reading “Sites Awarded Federal Healthy Start Funding”

The accomplishments and impact of Florida’s Healthy Start program were highlighted at the annual FAHSC Legislative Reception held recently in Tallahassee.  Program participant Helena Girouard shared her experience as a young pregnant mother struggling with addiction and credited support from the program for transforming her life and baby’s future.  Girouard, who received services through the … Continue reading “Healthy Start Showcases Accomplishments at Legislative Reception”

Whole Child Leon is grateful for all of the donations and support received in its drive to aid families in the Panhandle impacted by Hurricane Michael.  The organization has suspended its collection efforts and is focusing on distribution activities. Thank you for your overwhelming response! The Healthy Start Coalition of Bay, Franklin, Gulf is still accepting direct … Continue reading “Hurricane Relief Update”

The history and impact of Florida’s Healthy Start program was highlighted at an event this weekend honoring the late Governor and First Lady, Lawton and Rhea Chiles.  Former administration officials, staff, family members, friends and advocates gathered at the Chiles Jubilee, held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Chiles’ death. Cheryl Wright-Mayhew opened a panel … Continue reading “Chiles Jubilee Highlights Impact of Florida Healthy Start”

More than 10% of babies in 2017 were born too soon in Florida, earning the state a “C” on the Premature Birth Report Card, released today by the March of Dimes. The overall U.S. preterm birth rate rose to 9.93% of births in 2017 from 9.85% in 2016, according to data from the National Center … Continue reading “Florida Earns “C” on 2018 Premature Birth Report Card”

Recovery efforts are continuing slowly in Panama City and surrounding areas of the Florida Panhandle impacted by Hurricane Michael.  Please share updated information below about items needed by local Healthy Start, FL MIECHV, Healthy Families and other home visiting programs and consider making a donation to help with their recovery. The Healthy Start Coalition of … Continue reading “Hurricane Relief Update: Our Programs Still Need Help”

Hurricane Michael had a devastating impact on Panama City and surrounding communities in the Panhandle. To aid in recovery and support both the staff and the families served by home visiting programs in these areas, we are providing the following suggestions for donations. Please share this information widely and consider making a donation to our … Continue reading “Hurricane Michael Recovery: How You Can Help”

Disparities drive infant mortality in Florida and the rest of the nation. In 2017, babies born to black and other nonwhite mothers in the state were more than twice as likely to die before their first birthdays. Until this gap is closed, Florida will continue to experience high infant death rates – many from preventable … Continue reading “September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Closing the Gap”