Seeks input from public to reduce disparities 

Brooksville, FL- The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County will host the next meeting of the Florida Healthy Babies initiative on May 16, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m, 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill. This initiative is a state-wide effort to address high rates of infant mortality at the county-level.

In Hernando County the infant mortality rate for 2013-2015 is 7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births; for the state of Florida, this rate is 6.1. Thirty two infant deaths occurred between 2013 and 2015 in Hernando County.

“We are working with health care providers, community partners, and community members to reduce infant mortality,” Nursing Director Virginia Crandall, shared. “Together, our goal is to create a community where everyone experiences the conditions that result in the best health possible.”

The department has several meetings scheduled to review the data and has developed a work plan to address the maternal and infant health factors influencing infant mortality. These meetings are free and open to the public.

To RSVP or for more information please contact Candi Cook, 352-540-6303 ext. 82153.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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