Episode 69 (Epilogue): Healthy Start

On tonight’s episode, Laura and Carmela discussed the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota, the accomplishments they have made in our area, and the goals that they have for the future. The Healthy Start Coalition works to help women before, during, and after pregnancy by providing resources, services, and support.

Our first guest was Ciera Coleman, the Marketing and Grants Coordinator for the Healthy Start Coalition. Ciera talked to us about the ways in which Healthy Start works to screen all pregnant women for potential health issues, both with child and mother, and works to prevent poor birth outcomes and improve developmental outcomes through services such as care coordination and professional specialized services. She also explained that they utilize research to understand the specific challenges and needs in the area, and develop a five year service plan for Sarasota. This plan addressed issues mental and physical health care needs, social services, and racial disparities in birth outcomes. Ciera and Laura also discussed the need for more funding for Healthy Start, in particular because there has been an increased need for direct services, such as psychosocial counseling, smoking cessation, and parenting courses, in our own area.

Our next guest, David Brain, is a professor of sociology at New College of Florida and a member of the Board of Directors of Healthy Start. David discussed the importance of the Healthy Start Coalition in providing support and preventative care, and how it positively affects both individuals and our entire community. David also discussed his band Passerine, and their gig at the upcoming Evening for Healthy Start on January 31^st.

We then brought Lisa White into the Conversation. Lisa is a licensed clinical social worker who works for the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, who is also an Honorary member of the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. Lisa talked to us about the upcoming Evening for Healthy Start, and what guests can expect at the event, including food, drink, activities, and live music. Tune in to hear some of the amazing sponsor (including lots of GREAT food sponsors) who are helping to throw this great event. She asked us to remember that all proceeds from the event go directly to Healthy Start of Sarasota!

Information on an Evening for Healthy Start:

Thursday, January 31^st at Sarasota Architectural Salvage from 6-9 p.m.

Purchase tickets online today at: http://www.sarasotasalvage.com/calendar.php

Food and Beverage Sponsors:

Caragiulo'sCarr’s Corner CafeCookie CottageGold Coast Eagle DistributingLocal Coffee and TeaThe Lollicake QueenMozzarella FellaNancy’s Bar B-QNellies Deli Market and Catering
Paradise Pops
Patellini's Pizza
Sarasota Cupcake CompanyShamrock PubVin Cella SarasotaWhole Foods Market Sarasota

Event Sponsors:

The Schaeffer FamilyThe Cranor FamilyBowman Originals
Vin Cella Sarasota
The HuB / SarasotaDay.com
Birthways Family MidwiferyFreeman Orthodontics
Mary Dunn, Great Florida Insurance of OspreyMcFadden Creative
Mommy MagazineNew and Now PhotographyPeter Acker Photography
Shuttershock Photobooth
Tebrugge Legal
Cathy Matthews Homebirth

Special Thanks to our 2013 Event Committee!

Event Chairs:
Laura Gilkey
Lisa WhiteColleen Augsburger
Ciera Coleman
Gana Gilkey
Karen Leonetti
Dan Leonetti
Dale Lewis
Diane Marcus
Angela Miller
Lynne T. Murphy
Ryan Hartford Stanley
Jesse White