Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands & Polk Counties, Inc.

08/22/2025

🌸✨ We’re so excited to share this again! ✨🌸

Applications are officially open for our next Healthy Start G.R.O.W. Doula Training happening December 5–7. This is an incredible opportunity to become a trained doula, support families in our community, and be part of a movement that uplifts moms, babies, and families through compassionate care. 💜

If you or someone you know feels called to this work, now is the time to apply! 📩 Applications are due by September 1st.

👉 Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/eFsyMQ8XHjKGg3Wa9
👉 Share this with a friend who would make an amazing doula!

Together, we’re growing strong families and a strong community. 🌱💕

Hey !

🌸 Become a Healthy Start GROW Doula! 🌸

Do you have a passion for supporting moms, babies, and families during one of the most important times in their lives? 💕 We are now accepting applications for our Doula Scholarship Program to serve moms and families living in Hardee, Highlands, & Polk Counties.
We desperately need doulas that live in Hardee and Highlands Counties, as there are pregnant women there that need our support!
Through this scholarship, you’ll receive comprehensive doula training using the G.R.O.W. Doula Model — a proven, hands-on approach that equips you to provide compassionate, informed, and empowering care to pregnant moms and families. 🙌

Apply at the link below:

💻 Application link: https://forms.gle/qCDRkT5QbwZCSuSR9
📌 Deadline: September 1, 2025

For more information on the Healthy Start Doula Program, visit our webpage at https://www.healthystarthhp.org/healthy-start-doula-program/ .

Thank you to Sunshine Health for your generous donation of sponsorship!

08/21/2025

Hey

Momma's we would love hear your voice! Please take a few minutes to complete our survey.

Hey

🌷Are you currently pregnant or have a baby under the age of three?

📣Healthy Start wants to hear from YOU!
Your voice matters, and we invite you to complete our Consumer Survey.

📝By sharing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you’re helping us better understand how to support families in our community—now and in the future.

🌷Please also share with family and friends who are currently pregnant or have little ones under three.

👉 Take a few minutes to make a difference:
English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G5G69Q5
Encuesta para Consumidores https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMNFRGL
Sondaj Konsomatè (Consumer Survey): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMZJ9FZ

08/20/2025

Hey
Dads - We still need to hear your voice! Your experiences matter. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below.

Hey

Are you a new dad, expecting dad, or have a baby under the age of three? 👶🧡 Or know a new or expecting dad?

Healthy Start wants to hear from YOU! Your voice matters, and we invite you to complete our Paternal Survey.
By sharing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you’re helping us better understand how to support fathers and families in our community.
Please also share with other dads you know who are expecting or have little ones under three.

👉 Take a few minutes to make a difference:
English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G5ZHHR7
Encuesta paterna: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMNFRGL
Sondaj patènèl: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TMSYW53

08/19/2025

🌸🦩 Our Finance Managers, Wanda and Mar, had an amazing time at the GFWC Junior Woman's Club of Lakeland’s Flamingo Bingo this past Sunday, August 17!

Not only was it a fun and lively event, but it was also a wonderful opportunity to connect, network, and build new relationships within the community.

We’re grateful for the chance to be part of such a fantastic event and appreciate the Junior Women’s League for hosting!

08/18/2025

Don’t miss the fun, information and giveaways this weekend!

08/15/2025

Hey !

🌸 Become a Healthy Start GROW Doula! 🌸

Do you have a passion for supporting moms, babies, and families during one of the most important times in their lives? 💕 We are now accepting applications for our Doula Scholarship Program to serve moms and families living in Hardee, Highlands, & Polk Counties.
We desperately need doulas that live in Hardee and Highlands Counties, as there are pregnant women there that need our support!
Through this scholarship, you’ll receive comprehensive doula training using the G.R.O.W. Doula Model — a proven, hands-on approach that equips you to provide compassionate, informed, and empowering care to pregnant moms and families. 🙌

Apply at the link below:

💻 Application link: https://forms.gle/qCDRkT5QbwZCSuSR9
📌 Deadline: September 1, 2025

For more information on the Healthy Start Doula Program, visit our webpage at https://www.healthystarthhp.org/healthy-start-doula-program/ .

Thank you to Sunshine Health for your generous donation of sponsorship!

08/09/2025

🎉 Spotlight Alert! 🎉
We are honored that our Teen Pregnancy Prevention & Awareness (TPPA) program has been selected as Wyman’s TOP® Profile Spotlight of the Month! 🌟

Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®) is an evidence-based youth development program that empowers teens with the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Through education, resources, and community partnerships, under the leadership of our TPPA Coordinator, Elease Davis, TPPA empowers teens to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and create brighter futures. 💡💬

Thank you to Wyman Center TOP for recognizing the impact our team is making every day.

📢 Learn more about our program and how you can get involved: Visit our website at https://www.healthystarthhp.org/teen-pregnancy/

08/06/2025

Big shoutout to our amazing Doula Coordinator, Amy Beascoechea, and two of our dedicated doulas- Stephanie Lewis and Christina Duarte, who’s pregnant herself, for taking part in an interview with WUSF Climate Change and Environment reporter Jessica Meszaros!

Interested in how the heat was impacting pregnant women in our area and how doulas educate their clients on staying safe, Ms. Meszaros reached out to Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions and they reached out to us.

Our Healthy Start Doulas shared important tips on how pregnant moms can stay safe in this Florida heat, including:
💧 How to stay hydrated
🚩 Warning signs of dehydration
🌡️ Why heat safety matters even more during pregnancy

And, we heard a candid perspective from a pregnant mom on how the heat has affected her.

We’re so proud of our team for using their voices to educate and empower! Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone who is, or just trying to survive summer — this is a must-hear! 🎧
Once we get the airing schedule, we will share.

08/05/2025

🌟 Join Us for a Lunch & Learn! 🌟
This Thursday, August 7th, you're invited to a special Lunch and Learn session with Dr. Jais Meera Emmanuel Valley and Dr. Loira Gonzalez as they share valuable insights on:

👶 Well-Child Visits - What Every Parent Should Know
🤰 Why Early Prenatal Care matters: Giving Your Baby the Best Start

Bring your lunch and your questions – this is a great opportunity to learn from local experts!

📅 Date: Thursday, August 7th
🕛 Time: 12pm-1:30pm
🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CMqTXrOXSweZW9hmFHxuLA

Don’t miss out—knowledge is powerful when it comes to caring for moms and babies! 💙

08/01/2025

🌟 Our August Healthy Start Newsletter is here! 🌟
From upcoming events to community highlights and ways to get involved—don’t miss what’s happening this month. 💙
Check it out and stay connected with all things Healthy Start!
https://conta.cc/4omhp5u

Email from August 2025   August is National Breastfeeding Month, which includes World Breastfeeding Week and Black Breastfeeding Week, so we'll be sharing tips and information about breastfeeding all

07/30/2025

Hey - Moms/Dads

🧡 We Want to Hear From You! 🧡
Are you pregnant, recently had a baby, or a new/expecting dad? Healthy Start is hosting virtual focus groups to hear from parents just like you!

We want to learn more about your experiences — the care you’ve received, the challenges you’ve faced, and the resources you wish were available. Your voice will help shape the future of services for families in our community.

💬 If selected to participate, you’ll receive a $50 Visa gift card as a thank-you for your time!

📅 Focus groups will be held via Zoom.
📥 Space is limited — sign up today!

🔗Maternal Focus Group: https://forms.gle/EuASHQwdnUJgRBX99
🔗Paternal Focus Group: https://forms.gle/EhiwYHv3QCQFe9y87

07/29/2025

☀️Pregnant in the heat?
Your body’s already working hard!
Add a high heat index and it can be too much fast. Stay safe with these tips:

💧 Hydrate all day (96-144oz and add electrolytes if needed)
🧊 Stay cool with fans, cooling towels, and loose clothes
⏰ Avoid peak heat (11am–4pm)
🛑 Listen to your body—if you feel dizzy, tired, or nauseous, rest in a cool spot
🏠 No AC? Head to the library or a store to cool down

Your safety comes first—take it slow and protect you + baby. 💕