Healthy Start Coalition of Santa Rosa County Inc

12/17/2025

To***co use during pregnancy puts both parent and baby at risk — but quitting can make a big difference.

Smoking, va**ng, or using any to***co products exposes a developing baby to harmful chemicals that can lead to premature birth, low birthweight, birth defects, and lifelong health challenges. Even secondhand smoke can be harmful.

The good news? It’s never too late to quit. Stopping to***co use at any point in pregnancy helps improve your baby’s health and your own.

If you need help quitting, free resources and support are available. Talk with your healthcare provider or connect with local programs designed to support families.

12/09/2025

🥗 “Expecting this holiday season? 🎄 Stay safe and stress-free! Highlights from this guide: cook foods thoroughly, steer clear of raw eggs or soft cheeses, and always wash your hands when prepping. Because your little one deserves the best start. 💕
👉 Read more:https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/blog/holiday-food-safety-when-youre-pregnant

12/09/2025

https://www.hmhbpbc.org/workshops
Great resource for mom!

Free classes for new and expecting moms and families in Palm Beach County. Class topics include prenatal yoga, infant CPR and safety, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

11/25/2025

📦🤝 Community Partner Spotlight!

Yesterday, the Junior League of Pensacola proudly delivered diapers and wipes to one of our newest community partners - Healthy Start Coalition of Santa Rosa County Inc!

We’re grateful for the incredible work they do to support local families, and we’re honored to help further their mission through our Diaper Bank program. Together, we’re making a real difference for families in need across our region. ❤️🍼

11/11/2025

The cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will also be open nights Sunday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 10 at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton. Those who would like to stay at the shelter must arrive between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Only service animals (with verification of rabies vaccination) are permitted to stay with guests. No one will be admitted after 8:30 p.m. unless brought in by law enforcement. The shelter closes at 7 a.m. each morning.

Santa Rosa County's cold weather shelter is operated by Ferris Hill Baptist Church, utilizing volunteer resources and donations. It opens each night weather is forecasted to drop below 40 degrees, typically November through March. The shelter is for people who are homeless or cannot maintain heat in their home, can care for themselves, and are not at risk to themselves or others. No one will be admitted to the shelter who is under the influence of drugs/alcohol, or is unable to walk without assistance.

11/07/2025

UF/IFAS is proud to partner with Feeding the Gulf Coast and Waterfront Mission to bring Farm to City to the communities we serve. A food distribution will take place in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties on Tuesday, November 25th, starting at 9:00 AM. Please see the flyer for details. UF IFAS Extension EFNEP

11/04/2025

Santa Rosa County is hosting several Movie in the Park events! Take a look at this FREE event! 🍿

Upcoming Dates:
📅November 4 - 6pm - Bennett Russell Park (Monsters, Inc.)
📅November 18 - 6pm - Bagdad Mill Site Park (The Incredibles)
📅December 16 - 6pm - Navarre Park (Polar Express)

🔗https://www.santarosa.fl.gov/1141/Movie-in-the-Parks

10/31/2025

🎃 Halloween Safety Tips for a Spooky, Fun Night! 👻

Halloween is full of fun and treats—but safety comes first! Here are some tips to keep your little ghouls and goblins safe:

Trick-or-Treat in Groups: Stick with friends or family.

Wear Reflective Costumes: Make sure costumes are bright or add reflective tape so drivers can see you.

Check Candy Before Eating: Inspect treats for allergies or tampering.

Use Face Paint, Not Masks: Masks can block vision—face paint is safer.

Stay on Sidewalks: Avoid walking in the street; use crosswalks.

Carry a Flashlight: Helps you see and be seen.

Plan Your Route: Stick to familiar areas and well-lit streets.

Have a spooky, safe, and fun Halloween! 🕸️🍬

10/23/2025

We See You. We Honor Your Loss.
Pregnancy and infant loss can leave a lasting impact on families. Today, we pause to acknowledge the pain, honor the lives, and stand with those who grieve. Your loss matters, and you are not alone.