Broward Healthy Start Coalition and MomCare Program in Conjunction With Community Partners Host 1st Annual Countywide Baby Shower (August 1, 2008)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 28 /PRNewswire/ — Broward Healthy Start Coalition, the MomCare Program and Community Partners will host their inaugural countywide baby shower for expectant and new parents, Friday August 1, 2008 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL located on the corner of Sunrise Blvd & State Road 7.

Parents are encouraged to attend and receive education and information about family health, prenatal health and infant child care. This is a “Shower to Empower”. Eligible participants will receive car seats, baby bags and lots of other giveaways in addition to free lunch and activities for the kids.

Broward Healthy Start Coalition is one of eight Healthy Start Agencies, statewide, that was selected to participate in the Black Infant Health Practice Initiative to study the high incident of black infant deaths in the state of Florida. In April, Healthy Mother’s, Healthy Babies, hosted a countywide Call-to Action meeting at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center to enlighten community partners and other stakeholders about the startling statistics involving black fetal and infant deaths and assist with educating the community about prevention, and services that are available for expecting and new mothers. As a part of the Black Infant Health Practice Initiative, Broward Healthy Start Coalition has introduced the Care Campaign, to educate the Broward County community about the importance of being a healthy mother, which will result in a healthy baby.

The inaugural “Shower to Empower” is the beginning of the community education program that will include community workshops, and other programs that will educate the community about Interconceptional Care, prenatal Care, Dental Care, and Fatherhood initiatives to improve the lives of black families, and lower the black fetal and infant mortality rates in Broward County.

The “Shower to Empower” is being presented in part by Broward Healthy Start Coalition, Inc., Florida Department of Health, MomCare, Black Infant Health Practice Initiative, Staywell, Children Services Council of Broward County, Healthy Families Broward, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Memorial Healthcare System, Broward County Parks & Recreation, JK Harris Publications, Inc., HealthEase

For information about the Countywide Baby Shower, or to get involved with the Black Infant Health Practice Initiative, contact Annette Gardiner at the Broward Healthy Start Coalition office at (954) 563-7583.

Broward Healthy Start Coalition Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that services are available to promote and protect the health and well-being of pregnant women and children from birth to three years of age. We strive to accomplish our mission through strong community partnerships with private and public sectors, maternal and child health providers, and consumers of services. Our goal is to reduce infant mortality and morbidity, to improve pregnancy outcomes, and to enhance the health and health and development of children.

   Contact: The Marome Agency            Anthony Jackson            (954) 765-1995            [email protected]  

Broward Healthy Start Coalition Inc.

CONTACT: Anthony Jackson, The Marome Agency, +1-954-765-1995,[email protected]