According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a society” (2022). The group’s priority areas include breastfeeding, eliminating the Black-White infant mortality gap, and reducing the overall infant mortality rate.

Ardelle Bush, Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties

Crystal Harrison, Homelessness and Housing Alliance

Goal 1: To reduce the infant mortality rate.

• Objective 1: By December 31, 2025, reduce the Black-White infant mortality gap from a rate of 9.6 per 1,000 live births to 8.8 per 1,000 live births.

  • Strategy 1: To promote best practices in prenatal, infant, and maternal care in Okaloosa County.

  • Strategy 2: To create a plan for mass distribution of Recipe for a Healthy Baby educational materials.

  • Strategy 3: To re-engage community partners and increase participation in Healthy Moms & Babies OCHIP Group post-COVID.

  • Strategy 4: To educate the community about maternal advocacy.

  • Strategy 5: To promote comprehensive breastfeeding policies through the Healthy Okaloosa Worksites program and Florida Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award.

• Objective 2: By December 31, 2025, reduce the overall infant mortality rate from 5.1 per 1,000 live births to 4.2 per 1,000 live births.*

• Objective 3: By December 31, 2025, reduce the Black-White preterm birth gap from 4.4 per 1,000 live births to 2.4 per 1,000 live births.*

• Objective 4: By December 31, 2025, reduce the Black-White low birth weight gap from 3.8 per 1,000 live births to 3.5 per 1,000 live births.*

*Each objective will utilize the same strategies as Objective 1.