Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition

The Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition, Inc. was organized in 1991 as part of a statewide network of community-based organizations to reduce Florida’s high infant mortality and improve the lives of pregnant women and their families. The group is governed by a volunteer board which allocates state funding and provides oversight to local agencies that deliver services to pregnant women and families of newborns. The Coalition covers Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. The Coalition is one of 32 that make up the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, an umbrella organization that develops and supports local systems of care to optimize the health of moms, babies and families. Each coalition uses data and research to design a service delivery plan unique to their community. Together, the coalitions unite to have a collective impact toward better outcomes for Florida’s families. Locally, the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition is comprised of more than 40 members representing consumers, physicians, local government, business, health care payors, social services, education, civic organizations, public health, nurses, local medical societies, mental health, hospitals, local health planning agencies and midwifery in the five-county area. A 17-member governing board directs Coalition efforts. Standing committees conduct the organization’s activities. Mission The Healthy Start Coalition leads the community effort to reduce infant death and improve the well-being of children, childbearing women, fathers and their families in Northeast Florida. Vision To be a recognized model and catalyst for community involvement, collaboration and innovative services in order to significantly decrease infant death and have strong, healthy families in Northeast Florida. Organizational Values Collaboration: We will work together within our organization and with community partners to achieve our common goals. Innovation: We will not be afraid to try new ideas through out-of-the-box approaches. Compassion: We will look past stigmas to provide excellent services to all of our clients. Integrity: We will stay true to the HSC mission and vision by remaining ethical and trustworthy. Respect: We will engage co-workers and clients with open admiration. Commitment: We will continue to have a strong commitment to the community and families we serve.

Through several different programs and initiatives, the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition accomplishes its mission of "leading the community effort to reduce infant death and improve the well-being of children, childbearing women, fathers and their families in Northeast Florida" by saving babies, strengthening families and building communities.