There are moments that remind you just how powerful collaboration can be and this was one of them. I was truly honored (and surprised) to accept recognition on behalf of the Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County at the Early Childhood Council luncheon. This recognition belongs to our dedicated team, partners and the families we are privileged to serve each day.Our impact is strongest when we work together.

Thank you for being part of this work and for continuing to show up for our community in such meaningful ways.

With gratitude,

Executive Director,

Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers from Bausch + Lomb who were paired with us for United Way Suncoast's Week of Caring to assemble hurricane preparedness kits for families in our Healthy Families Hillsborough program.

Your time, care and teamwork are helping ensure local families feel supported, prepared and resilient!

TeleStart is expanding to better support mom every step of the way. Explore our newest offerings designed to keep moms and babies healthy, informed and connected.

Safe Beginnings Trainings

TeleStart participants can join our one-hour virtual classes to learn essential tips for a healthy pregnancy and safe start for both mom and baby. Each session includes guidance from a nurse and time to answer questions moms may have.

NEW! Nurse Office Hours

Mom's got questions? We’ve got answers. Participants can now connect with our TeleStart nurses during weekly office hours:

• Nurse Maryann (Bilingual): Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00 PM
• Nurse Bethany: Fridays, 12:00–1:00 PM

TeleStart provides reassurance, resources, or real-time support when it matters most.

I would especially like to recognize my peer support outreach worker and home visitor, Jennifer McLeish. Jennifer is truly amazing. She came for our first visit at the perfect time, when I genuinely needed assistance and wasn’t sure where to turn. From the moment she arrived, she wasted no time in helping me. She provided valuable information and resources that helped me receive much-needed baby clothes and essential baby items, educational guidance on how to care for my baby, and assistance with my utilities when I had fallen behind and needed help navigating available support.

Jennifer showed genuine care, compassion, and dedication in everything she did. It is clear that she truly cares about the families she works with and is passionate about what she does. I am extremely grateful for her support and kindness during a time when it meant the most to me. I hope Healthy Start continues to grow and has more workers like Jennifer who can continue to help families in need. Programs like this truly change lives, and I am thankful beyond words for the support I have received.

With heartfelt appreciation,

GK

In case you missed it, the Coalition is making waves in the community!

Watch highlights from recent media coverage featuring Paola Galarza, Child Fatality Prevention Specialist, in Spanish, sharing safe sleep education at the Children’s Board Family Resource Center Baby Shower.

Plus, hear from Danielle Lewald, Adolescent Health Program Manager, and Mahir Rahman, research intern, as they discuss Mapping Motherhood, a powerful exhibit exploring the real stories and resilience of young mothers in our community.

Two Languages. Two Stories. One mission. Healthy starts!

Push play.

Don’t forget to register for our upcoming Community Meeting Tuesday, May 5, 10:00 AM at Stetson Tampa Law Center. This engaging morning will bring together community partners, healthcare experts, and advocates to share insights, stories, and updates supporting moms and babies across Hillsborough County.

A special thank you to Rivero, Gordimer & Co. for generously sponsoring breakfast and helping us create a welcoming space for connection and collaboration.

WE'RE SOCIAL!