More Than 75 Community Members Join Martin County Healthy Start’s Inaugural Bridge Walk for Babies on July 12

Stuart, Fla. – More than 75 community members gathered at Jock Leighton Park on Saturday, July 12, to take part in Martin County Healthy Start Coalition’s first-ever Bridge Walk for Babies, a new event designed to spotlight the importance of maternal and infant health across Martin County.

 

Families, advocates, and local supporters stepped up – literally and figuratively – to rally around efforts that ensure moms, babies, and families have access to the care they need. The family-friendly walk was launched in response to the recent closure of Martin County’s only labor and delivery unit, which has left expectant families facing increased barriers to care.

 

“I’m a second-generation Martin County resident, and I hope we have a place for future generations to give birth in their own community. The lack of local maternity care is deeply concerning,” said Jessica Tharp, Board President of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition. “Events like the Bridge Walk for Babies are not just symbolic; they are a call to action. Our community deserves access to safe, reliable maternal health services, and I’m proud to stand alongside those working to make that a reality.”

 

Participants enjoyed a morning of unity and purpose, with breakfast and coffee available from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County food truck and photo-worthy moments along the scenic walk route.

 

The Bridge Walk for Babies is part of Martin County Healthy Start’s broader efforts to improve access to prenatal and maternal care through initiatives such as the MOM Mobile, a mobile prenatal unit that brings services directly into neighborhoods, and the proposed Treasure Coast Maternity Center, a future facility dedicated to serving families on the Treasure Coast.

 

“Every baby in Martin County deserves the chance to be born healthy,” said Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and the Treasure Coast Maternity Center. “We’re committed to building a future where no family has to leave the county to receive quality maternity care. This is about doing what’s right for our community.”

 

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.

 

About Martin County Healthy Start

Martin County Healthy Start is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby is born healthy. It provides educational and health services to pregnant women, new mothers and their families at no cost, particularly expectant mothers who are at risk for late or no prenatal care.

 

Part of a statewide coalition, Healthy Start connects pregnant women and young mothers with essential services including prenatal care, home visitations by a nurse or social worker, breastfeeding support, parenting education, car seat and sleeping safety, a free diaper pantry, and access to other community partner agencies through the Betty Moore Prenatal Outreach Center. The David Cardno Fatherhood Initiative, also part of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, helps fathers to become more involved in parenting and offers legal assistance to fathers who are separated from their children.

 

The programs of Martin County Healthy Start Coalition are voluntary and available to all Florida residents at no cost.

 

For more information about Martin County Healthy Start Coalition and its ongoing programs, visit www.mchealthystart.org, call 772-463-2888 or follow the organization on Facebook.