Category: Latest News

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”

Although most babies who die before their first birthday perish soon after delivery, many of the infant deaths that occur later in the first year are the most preventable.  The largest contributor to post-neonatal mortality – deaths between 28 – 364 days – are sleep-related, including SIDS and unintentional deaths caused by unsafe sleep practices, … Continue reading “September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Why Babies Die & What We Can Do About It – Part 2”

Pre-term birth – babies born too soon and too small – is the leading cause of infant mortality in Florida and nationwide. It is the primary reason babies die in the first month of life. Deaths during this time – the neonatal period – account for more than two-thirds of all infant mortality. Babies born … Continue reading “September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Why Babies Die & What We Can Do About It – Part 1”

Healthy Start Coalitions will join with community partners around the state in September to raise awareness about infant mortality and strategies to improve the health and well-being of babies in the first year of life. Celebrate Day 366 is the theme of the nationwide observance, underscoring the importance of giving every baby a chance to start … Continue reading “September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Give Babies a Healthy Start!”

National Breastfeeding Month wraps up this week with an important focus on health disparities and breastfeeding’s potential contribution to closing the gap in both maternal and infant outcomes. Despite overall increases in breastfeeding rates for black and white infants over the last decade, racial disparities persist. Between 2011-2015 in Florida, 84% of white mothers initiated … Continue reading “Black Breastfeeding Week Focuses on Disparities”

Most (82.6 percent) babies born in Florida started out breastfeeding – but many stop earlier than recommended, according to the 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Breastfeeding recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. While more than half (54 percent) … Continue reading “CDC 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card: Most FL Babies Start Breastfeeding but Duration Lags”