I am writing to share both encouraging news and an urgent need.

Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition (OHSC) recently received approval for $13,000 in support from the Children’s Services Council to help continue MOM Mobile prenatal care. This funding is meaningful and deeply appreciated. Based on current projections, it will help extend services through January 12, 2027.

That support gives us more time to care for mothers already enrolled in MOM Mobile while we continue working to secure additional funding. Right now, 29 mothers are receiving care through the MOM Mobile. Twenty of those mothers have estimated due dates before January 12, so this extension is expected to support the remainder of their prenatal care. However, several mothers have due dates after January 12, including mothers due in February, March, April, and May. One additional mother’s due date remains unconfirmed.

Without additional funding, up to nine mothers may need to transition to another prenatal care provider before their pregnancies are complete.

At this time, we are no longer accepting new MOM Mobile clients so we can focus on the mothers already enrolled and minimize disruption as much as possible.

This is why community support matters.

Please help us close the funding gap of $30,400 to provide services to these mothers through May. A gift today helps OHSC respond to the real needs families face when prenatal care is limited, transportation is a barrier, and local support is essential. Your gift helps us continue care coordination, referral support, client communication, and direct support for mothers navigating pregnancy in Okeechobee County.

Please consider making a gift today by clicking on the “Donate” button to help keep prenatal care within reach for Okeechobee mothers:

https://givebutter.com/okeehealthystart  

If you would like your donation to count as an early Giving Tuesday gift, please be sure to note that when you click the “add note/comment” box.

Thank you for standing with Okeechobee mothers, babies, and families.

Andrea Medellin
Executive Director
Okeechobee Healthy Start Coalition