Welcome to the Okaloosa and Walton Counties Community Health Improvement Partnerships (CHIP)
Working Together for a Healthier Community
About Us
Healthy Start is proud to be an active member of the Community Health Improvement Partnerships (CHIP) in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Our partnerships serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, idea exchange, event planning, and networking among community stakeholders. Within CHIP, we actively engage in both the Healthy Moms & Babies Group and the Healthy Families Group.
Our Mission
Our primary mission is to actively involve community members from Okaloosa and Walton counties in health improvement initiatives through open, two-way communication. We aim to reduce the infant mortality rate, enhance mental health and substance use services, improve healthcare access, support maternal and child health, promote injury prevention and safety, address social determinants of health, and manage chronic diseases.
Key Initiatives and Projects
Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) The Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is proud to be part of the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) team for District 1, collaborating with The National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. Through in-depth case reviews, we address factors leading to infant and fetal deaths by auditing medical and social records and interviewing families for vital insights. Our Case Review Team analyzes these cases and works towards systemic-level changes, emphasizing our collective responsibility to ensure every baby’s survival and well-being. Check out FIMR here.
Recipe for a Healthy Baby
The “Recipe for a Healthy Baby” is a crucial guide developed as part of Florida Healthy Babies, ensuring every baby has an equal opportunity for a happy and healthy life. This initiative focuses on four key areas:
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Ensuring Safe Sleep for Your Baby
Never Shaking a Baby
Quitting Harmful Habits for Your Baby
Hear Her Campaign: Every year, many women in the U.S. face life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The Hear Her campaign, supported by the CDC Foundation and funded by Merck’s Merck for Mothers Program, aims to educate individuals on urgent maternal warning signs. This initiative offers resources targeting pregnant individuals, new parents, supporters, and healthcare professionals, empowering them to voice concerns and communicate effectively.
Count the Kicks: Movement is a crucial indicator of a baby’s health during the third trimester of pregnancy. The Count the Kicks pregnancy app is a valuable tool for expectant parents to monitor their baby’s movements, helping them understand what is considered normal for their child. It is recommended that parents start counting movements daily as they enter the third trimester to ensure their baby’s well-being.
The initiative aims to promote kick counting as a routine practice among expectant parents by increasing awareness and accessibility. The Coalition is actively working to distribute educational materials about the Count the Kicks program to OB/GYN offices, reaching out to both healthcare providers and parents to emphasize the importance of monitoring fetal movement during this critical time.
Visit Count the Kicks for more information.
Breastfeeding Support: Lactation Lounges Healthy Start is dedicated to enhancing the health of families in our community. To support breastfeeding mothers, we provide Mamava Breastfeeding Pods, known as “Lactation Lounges.” These private spaces are available in key locations, including the Northwest Florida State College Campus, Crestview Public Library, and WIC office in Fort Walton Beach. Equipped with all necessary amenities, our lounges provide a comfortable environment for mothers to feed their babies or express milk.
Join Us
Together, we are committed to fostering a healthier community in Okaloosa and Walton counties. If you’re interested in learning more about our initiatives or wish to get involved, please contact us or follow us on our social media platforms. Thank you for visiting our page and for your commitment to improving community health!
