Happy Love Month, Healthy Starters!

We have had a busy, busy February so far! Our Father-Daughter dance was truly a magical evening. We loved the opportunity to host this event in partnership with the YMCA of the Treasure Coast.

Another recent event was the Impact 100 Martin Grant Showcase! Healthy Start has received grants from Impact 100 in recent years that have contributed to our Diaper Van and MOM Mobile. We enjoyed a day in the sun while discussing our mission with Impact 100 and community members at Indian Riverside Park.

February is a time to celebrate Black History. Here at Healthy Start, we are reflecting on the amazing black women who made significant contributions to women's and maternal health. Continue reading for an important look at the impact Black women have had in the field.

In need of Saturday plans? Our Strong Like a Mother group will meet on February 24 - with a special invite to partners! Find the registration link at the end of this email. And before you go, make sure you check out our upcoming diaper schedule.

Sincerely,

Sam Suffich and your friends at MC Healthy Start

The Father-Daughter Dance: A Night to Remember

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition Fatherhood Initiative had the opportunity to host its first annual father-daughter dance in partnership with and at the YMCA of The Treasure Coast. We are truly grateful that members of the community took part in this wonderful event!

We also want to give a huge shout-out to SevinPhotography and Photo Booth for capturing the dazzling evening through photos and the photo booth! All the evening's photos can be found here.

On Saturday, February 3rd Martin County Healthy Start Coalition joined over 20 other nonprofit agencies for the Impact100 Martin Showcase in Indian Riverside Park. We were the recipients of Impact 100 COVID-relief funding for our Diaper Van, which travels to underserved neighborhoods in Martin County to distribute diapers to families in need. Through our diaper van and Prenatal Outreach Center, we have been able to give out over 188,000 diapers in the last year.

Most recently, we also received funding for our MOM Mobile: Maternity on the Move, which is bringing high-quality prenatal care directly to the community for those with barriers to transportation and access to healthcare. Look for the MOM Mobile to be rolling out this summer!

At the event, we were able to incorporate prenatal education through an interactive game, give tours of our Diaper Van, and share updates on MOM Mobile with Impact 100 and individuals from the community. We are so grateful for the support and funding provided by the visionary women of Impact 100. Thank you!

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to reflect on the profound impact of Black culture on maternal health, heritage, and contributions to our world. This month is not only a time to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of the past, but also a moment to recognize the ongoing resiliency, creativity, and innovation within the Black community. Here are some Black icons who have made significant contributions to maternal care and women's health.

- Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: She was the first African American woman to become a physician in the United States. Dr. Crumpler's work during the 19th century focused on maternal and pediatric care, providing essential medical services to underserved communities.

- Dr. Dorothy Brown: As an obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Brown was a trailblazer in advocating for women's health and reproductive rights. She also served as the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress as a representative from Tennessee.

- Shafia Monroe: Shafia Monroe is a renowned midwife and the founder of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC). Monroe has been a leading advocate for improving maternal health outcomes for Black women and communities through culturally competent midwifery care.

- Jennie Joseph: Jennie Joseph, a British-trained midwife based in the United States, has dedicated her career to improving maternal and infant health outcomes. She founded "The Birth Place," incorporating the holistic "JJ Way®" model of maternity care, which emphasizes individualized, culturally competent, and accessible services. Joseph's work has successfully reduced disparities, increased maternal satisfaction, and advocated for equitable access to quality care. She is also an educator and advocate, recognized for her pioneering contributions to maternal and infant health.

- Dr. Joia Crear-Perry: As the founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, Dr. Crear-Perry has been instrumental in addressing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Her advocacy work focuses on eliminating systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black birthing individuals.



- Margaret Charles Smith: Margaret Charles Smith was a midwife from Alabama known for her dedicated service to her community. She delivered babies and provided healthcare services, often for little to no pay. Smith's commitment to maternal and infant health, particularly among African American women, made her a beloved and respected figure. Her legacy highlights the crucial role of midwives in providing accessible and culturally competent care, especially in underserved areas.

Join us next Saturday, February 24th at 11AM for the mom AND partners group! For questions, please contact Anastasia Anderson at aanderson@mchealthystart.org or call 772-678-8360.

Please be sure to register here so we can save you a seat and a snack! Remember, partners are welcomed and encouraged!