From outreach to expansion

Greetings!

It’s been a busy and inspiring quarter for Healthy Start! We’ve expanded programming, shared our work nationally, and connected with families across Hillsborough County. Catch up on the highlights and see how your support keeps families thriving.

Marisa Mowat, MPH

Executive Director

Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County

Our HealthySteps team proudly represented Hillsborough County at the Zero to Three Conference in Baltimore, Maryland (October 6–9), where they presented Implementing Safe Baby Education into Your HealthySteps Program: Preventing Infant Death.

Their work highlights how local innovation can help save lives by integrating safe sleep practices and infant safety education directly into pediatric care.

Hear from our HealthySteps Ambassador, Rilee Wagner, about how the program supports families in our community from the very start.

On Saturday, September 27th, families from the Healthy Families Hillsborough program came together for a joyful and memorable picnic at Lesley "Les" Miller Jr. All People's Community Park & Life Center.

Not even a little rain could stop the fun! Families gathered under gray skies and bright spirits, embracing the weather with smiles, proving that a few raindrops couldn’t dampen the day.

Parents enjoyed the opportunity to connect, share stories, and build stronger bonds with one another, creating a true sense of community and support. It was especially wonderful to see so many dads joining in the fun, playing with their little ones and engaging with other families throughout the day.

We're proud to announce the new location and expansion of the PEDI (Promoting Early Development Intervention) Clinic.Thanks to this exciting growth, the clinic has the space to quadruple its capacity to serve families offering even more comprehensive care to expectant mothers struggling with substance use disorder and parents of infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).

This milestone was made possible through a continued collaboration between the Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, USF Health, Mary Lee’s House and the Children's Network of Hillsborough through funding from the Board of County Commissioners. The expanded PEDI Clinic now includes a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine, allowing the team to deliver a truly integrated model of care that addresses both physical, mental and behavioral health needs.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the PEDI Clinic into their own dedicated space within Mary Lee's House,” said Jennifer Kuhn, Executive Director of Mary Lee’s House. “With the expanded space and resources, the team is even better equipped to serve children and families with the compassionate, high-quality care they’re known for. We’re proud to have them on-site and to support the vital work they do every day for our community.”

With the support of Mary Lee’s House, the PEDI Clinic now occupies a space of its own on the first floor, creating a warm, welcoming environment designed specifically for families in recovery and early development care.

In recognition of National Safe Sleep Awareness Month, we partnered with the Tampa Police Department and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, to host a special Safe at Sleep with TPD event on October 15.

The event brought together 40 families to learn not only about the ABCs of Safe Sleep, but also about choosing a safe caregiver and the dangers of distracted parenting. Each family received a free Pack ‘n Play and safe sleep kit, ensuring that every baby in attendance now has a safe space to sleep.

A special thank you goes to Lieutenant Sustek and Detective Oriz with the Tampa Police Department for serving as co-trainers. Their dedication to prevention and community engagement made the event both impactful and memorable. Lastly, thank you to 83 Degrees Media for their coverage of this amazing event.