Florida must do more to ensure that kids get off to a good start in life | Column

While every parent wants the best for their children, health care barriers often put Florida families at risk before the baby is born. Access to quality prenatal and infant care is not just a health issue, but a foundation for a stronger community, better educational outcomes, and a more resilient workforce. It’s about making sure that getting every mother and baby the healthy start possible is a top priority for Florida lawmakers.

For more than 30 years, Florida’s Healthy Start Coalition has worked to remove obstacles to care. Statewide, the 32 Healthy Start Coalition provides education, home visits and connections with important health resources. These efforts have saved lives, reduced expensive birth complications, and helped families build a solid foundation for their future. Thanks to a healthy start, Hillsboro County’s premature birth rate in 2023 was 10.2%, lower than the statewide average of 10.7%.

However, important issues remain. One in five Florida women (20.8%) have not received proper prenatal care and endanger both their health and their baby’s well-being. This is especially wary in rural areas and underserved communities where access to obstetric care is severely restricted. Without intervention, these disparities contribute to a higher rate of preterm birth and preventable infant deaths.

The good news is that programs like Healthy Start have measurable impacts. Families receiving housing visit services experience 35% less preterm births, with infant mortality rates 42% lower than the state average. The Florida Healthy Start Connect program helped 295,000 Florida families access essential health services, while the Union Doulas program trained over 115 Doulas, significantly improving birth outcomes and reducing C-section rates.

Beyond healthcare, Florida Healthy Start also focuses on family involvement. The Team Papainitiative provides fathers with the knowledge and support they need to play an active role in their child’s development. These programs not only help families in the short term, but also create lasting generational change.

Investing in maternal and infant health is a sensible and cost-effective decision that benefits all Floridians. A healthy birth means fewer medical complications, lower long-term health care costs, and better outcomes as your child grows. Children who get off to the right start in life are more likely to succeed in school, become productive members of the workforce, and contribute actively to the community.

Florida has made great strides in maternal and infant health, but there is no guarantee that this progress will continue. State lawmakers must prioritize funding for Florida’s healthy start and make these key programs available to families who need them the most. Stronger, healthier Florida starts with supporting our most vulnerable mothers and babies.

Florida Healthy Start has expertise, infrastructure and proven results. However, this work cannot be continued on its own. By protecting and expanding funding for maternal and infant health programs, we can ensure that every baby in Florida has an opportunity to thrive from the start.

Marisa Mowatt is the executive director of the Hillsboro County Healthy Start Coalition.