The Coalition membership approved $3.7 million in funding for Healthy Start programs serving Northeast Florida at its June meeting. Funds will be used to support care coordination and related services for at-risk pregnant women and families of newborns identified through screening by prenatal providers and hospitals. The Coalition also approved performance measures for each program. Proposed agency budgets were reviewed in detail and presented to the group for final action by the Contracts and QI Committee.

In 2012, more than 10,000 pregnant women and 5,800 infants received services through Healthy Start to improve birth outcomes and promote healthy child development. The Coalition is charged with allocating state general revenue and Medicaid funding to local agencies. Funding included by the Legislature in the state budget is distributed by the Florida Department of Health to each of 30 Healthy Start Coalitions based on service volume and need.

The approved agency budgets for 2013-14 represent level funding compared to the previous year, however additional funding — up to $439,000 — will be allocated at the August Board of Directors meeting for Healthy Start providers and projects.