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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Maternal and Child Health

Maternal Child Health Programs

St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council – Our Children – Our Community – Our Future – Opens in a new window
Sisters Empowering Sisters Doula Program is funded by Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. The Children’s Services Council is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in St. Lucie County.

Services Provided:

Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA):

Services offered by TOPWA are geared toward women of childbearing ages in an effort to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies. Any pregnant substance-using, HIV-infected or woman at risk of acquiring HIV are eligible to receive TOPWA services. In addition to accessing prenatal care, pregnant women enrolled in TOPWA can receive HIV testing, pregnancy testing, enrollment in ADAP or Medicaid, family planning services and receive HIV prevention and education. Eligible clients are provided assistance enrolling into OB care, WIC, Healthy Start, Medicaid, and any other prenatal care service.

HUG-Me:

Help Understand and Guide Me, is a program that offers an RN to provide clinical case management for HIV positive pregnant women and their exposed babies for St Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County & Okeechobee County. This free service helps to prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby in a very client friendly manner.

Sisters Empowering Sisters Doula Program – Creating a Positive Birth Experience

A doula provides women continuous labor support during her labor & delivery.  Trained women from the Fort Pierce area are taking referrals if you meet the following criteria:

1. Pregnant now.
2. You live in the 34950 or 34947 zip codes with priority on those with Medicaid or uninsured.

A doula will provide you professional doula support during your pregnancy, labor & birth experience and post-partum period. The goal is for high risk women to have improved birth outcomes and lower infant mortality rates. You will enter into a trusting relationship, learn more about the birth experience, be supported & empowered through your birth experience, get breastfeeding support and post-partum follow up – ALL FREE!  

Free breastfeeding support services are offered by a lactation consultant for those mothers living in zip codes 34950 and 34947.  She will visit with moms & babies in their homes for up to 6 months supporting them in their breastfeeding journey.

For more information contact Sonya Gabriel at 772-462-3955.

Sisters Empowering Sisters Doula Program is funded by Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. The Children’s Services Council is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in St. Lucie County.

One Fit Mama (OFM):

OFM is a new free program where an RN works with pregnant women with high BMI's at risk for diabetes.  The goal is to reduce the complications of chronic disease and high BMI's during pregnancy. Referrals are being accepted for women who live in zip codes 34950 and 34947, although, consideration will be given to other qualifying women living in St Lucie County.

Teen Choices:

A free program offering education to non-pregnant teens, ages 13-18 in St Lucie County regarding teen pregnancy prevention, STD/HIV prevention, self-esteem building and healthy relationships. The REAL Essentials curriculum and Teen Choices curriculum are available to groups of teens between the ages of 13-18.  Services are available for both males and females. 

DOSE (Direct On Scene Education):

In collaboration with the Fire District of St Lucie County, the purpose of the program is to inform the community about safe sleep for infants. First responders will provide infant safe sleep/safety information include sleep environment checks. FDOH will assist with pack & plays based on referrals from fire rescue.

Infant Mortality:

FDOH-SLC heads the Infant Mortality workgroup of St Lucie County, implementing a workplan approved by the Roundtable of St Lucie County. The goal is to reduce the number of babies dying before their first birthday and improve birth outcomes.

Breastfeeding:

FDOH-SLC leads the Breastfeeding Workgroup of St Lucie County, implementing a workplan approved through Healthy St Lucie. The goal is to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates so more babies can thrive through infancy and childhood.

Brochures:

One Fit Mama
Sisters Empowering Sisters - Breastfeeding Program
Sisters Empowering Sisters - Doula Program

For more information, contact:
Program Supervisor
(772) 462-3955
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.