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In its mission to provide services to at-risk infants and pregnant women, the Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition is charged with the responsibility to increase health care access, improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and enhance child development. In December 1996, the Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition was recognized as a Non-Profit Corporation by the State of Florida. The Coalition is a grassroots organization composed of current and past participants, healthcare and social services providers, teachers, civic groups and concerned citizens whose goal is to see that all pregnant women receive medical care as soon as possible and that infants and young children receive the health care services they need. Coalition members give input and help develop community plans and local policies to ensure Charlotte County's babies and moms-to-be receive the care needed for a Healthy Start in life. The Charlotte County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc. was recognized by the Florida Department of Health and approved to receive Healthy Start funding in 2000. The Coalition is authorized by the Department of Health under Section 383.216, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 64F-2 and 64F-3, F.A.C. to perform an assessment of prenatal and child health care needs, establish service area outcome objectives, and develop a service delivery plan. Prior to 2001, Healthy Start services were provided through or contracted by the Charlotte County Health Department.  Charlotte County Healthy Start works via contract and informally with many local organizations serving similar populations. The Coalition contracts with the following providers: Children's Home Society for care coordination, tobacco education and cessation support and data entry services; Charlotte County Health Department for Improved Pregnancy Outcome Clinic services; Charlotte Behavioral Health Care for psychosocial counseling; CBHC/Healthy Families Charlotte for in-home and group parenting education; Cathy James, R.N. for childbirth education; Children's Home Society for interconceptional care counseling; Peace River Regional Medical Center for childbirth education and prenatal care for women who are ineligible for Medicaid, uninsured and without other resources to pay for prenatal care. Informally through Coalition membership, referrals and outreach, the Coalition collaborates with the WIC Program, Department of Children and Families, Healthy Families of Charlotte County, the Early Learning Coalition of Florida's Heartland, Pregnancy Crisis Careline, Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center, the Academy at the Charlotte Technical Center, Charlotte County Public Schools Children and Families First Program, Charlotte County Fire and EMS, 2-1-1, Charlotte Community Foundation and United Way of Charlotte County.The Board of Directors actively participates in the management and direction of Coalition operations via regularly scheduled meetings and through committees. The Data Committee is integral in the identification of needs and available services. The Program and Membership Committee and the Nominating Committee assist in outreach activities, fundraising and membership expansion. Members of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Committee participate in performance reviews of contracted service providers. The Finance Committee oversees budgeting and allocation of funding. To help you we can:
You may qualify for MOMCare, a Medicaid-funded program designed to provide benefits only during pregnancy. This health insurance may be available even if you or other family members are working.
Care Coordination, contracted through the Children's Home Society, also provides childcare information, emotional support, encouragement and referrals that may benefit the whole family.
Prenatal care for those unable to otherwise afford care during pregnancy is provided through a contract with: Peace River Women's Center Through Parenting Education, moms and dads receive information about raising a child, managing child heath problems and understanding children. Topics include:
Classes are provided free of charge to Healthy Start participants.
Parenting education contract through: To start your application process, visit your local Charlotte County Health Department Office for a
Charlotte County Health Department Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions: www.healthystartflorida.com
Charlotte County Health Department/WIC Program: www.charlottechd.com/WIC/WIC_Stuff.html
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