DOH-St. Lucie Maternal and Child Health programs work diligently to ensure pregnant mothers are getting the services they need, providing education and linkages to ensure families have a safe and healthy pregnancy, and birth, and that their baby thrives in its initial year of life. We partner with many medical and social service organizations so that we can ensure your family has every opportunity to receive services.
In 2024–2025, the Maternal Child Health team connected directly with more than 1,600 St. Lucie County residents and helped drive significant progress in infant health. The county’s overall infant mortality rate dropped to 3.3 per 1,000 live births, and the Black infant mortality rate declined to 4.1 — both reaching their lowest levels in 20 years. Breastfeeding initiation also hit a record high of 91.4 percent. (2024 reporting year data).
Programs Offered
Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA)
The TOPWA program does outreach to find pregnant women who are not linked to our system of prenatal care services. The goal is to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies. Pregnant women who are living with HIV/AIDS, women at risk of HIV infection and those pregnant women with a substance misuse disorder and/or mental health disorder are eligible to receive TOPWA services. In addition, HIV testing, STD testing, and pregnancy testing are provided. Linkage to multiple prenatal community resources is also available – which can include WIC, Healthy Start, and Medicaid. So, if you are pregnant and don’t know where to turn, call us.
One Fit Mama
This free program provides a registered nurse to support pregnant women with a high BMI that are at risk for diabetes. The goals are to reduce the complications of chronic disease during pregnancy and to reduce birth complications.
Referrals are being accepted for pregnant women who live in zip codes 34950 and 34947, although, consideration will be given to others living in St Lucie County.
Sisters Empowering Sisters Doula and Breastfeeding Program
Creating a Positive Birth Experience
Learn more about the birth experience, be supported and empowered. Receive prenatal support, labor support, postpartum support, and breastfeeding support – all at no cost because of funding from the Children’s Services Council.
If you meet the following criteria:
For more information, contact
Sonya Gabriel at 772-462-3955.
- Currently pregnant
- You live in zip codes 34947, 34950, 34952, 34953, or 34983
- Priority is given to those on Medicaid or uninsured
Then you are eligible for this program!
The goal is for women to have improved birth outcomes and lower infant mortality rates. In addition, free breastfeeding support services are offered for those living in the same five zip codes. This service is provided by a lactation consultant in the client’s home for up to 6 months – supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey.
HUG-Me
Help Understand and Guide Me (HUG-ME) is a program that provides registered nurses to deliver clinical case management for HIV positive pregnant women and their exposed babies for St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. This free service helps to prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby with a client-friendly approach.
DOSE (Direct On Scene Education)
In collaboration with the Fire District of St. Lucie County, the purpose of the program is to inform families about safe sleep practices for infants. First responders will provide infant safe sleep/safety information including sleep environment checks.