In 1991, the Florida legislature signed into law "The Healthy Start Program." 32 new coalitions were developed based on regional or local maternal-child needs and community assets. The Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida included Sarasota. In 1998, Sarasota County's separated to become its own 501(c)3 to meet the particular needs of our county.
We have four programs:
Healthy Start Direct Services - a case management model with education, one-on-one assistance and support to ensure at-risk pregnant women and families access prenatal care and other services. The program is risk-based, not income-based. Specialized services are also available: childbirth education, breastfeeding education and support, tobacco cessation and education; parenting education and support, interconception health education; nutritional counseling, and psychosocial counseling. We have 11 subcontracts to deliver these services.
MomCare Program - for pregnant women receiving pregnancy Medicaid insurance, to assure that prenatal care is started early and continued. In Sarasota County, almost half of all pregnant women are at lower income levels making them eligible for pregnancy Medicaid health insurance. Advisors make sure clients know about and have access to local resources. When interviews indicate a possible high-risk situation, referrals are made to Healthy Start.
Save My Life Program - Adverse health outcomes among pregnant women, infants, and new mothers who are African-American greatly exceed that of those who are white. Research continues to fail being able to identify exactly why. Save My Life offers culturally-relevant classes and support to African-American women to improve their health and the health of their infants through pre/interconception health education, childbirth education, breastfeeding education and support, and prevention of Sudden Infant Death.
Fetal and Infant Mortality Review: review of totally de-identified fetal and infant death cases by professionals to ascertain risk factors or systems issues which may have contributed to death. Annual findings are prioritized and action is included in the Coalition's Service Delivery Plan.
The Executive Board draws its directors from a wide range of agencies, businesses, service providers, and the community. In a similar way, members of our Coalition also represent a cross section of those involved in or are passionate about maternal-infant health, and lend their expertise and advice to our Coalition.