August 10, 2017

WELLCARE AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY PARTNER TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES FOR MOMS AND BABIES

Contact:
Jennifer S. Sexton
Jennifer.Sexton@flhealth.gov
941-624-7200 extension 7279

Port Charlotte, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County is pleased to announce it has received a $6,000 Community Health Investment Program (CHIP) grant from WellCare Health Plans, Inc.  These funds will support the Growing Strong Families program in Charlotte County.

“WellCare’s generous grant is just one example of their leadership in the community and devotion to giving back to Charlotte County,” said Dr. Frank Louis Lepore, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County. “This additional funding will help the Department of Health to serve families in the community over the next year.  Speaking on behalf of our staff, and the lives that the Growing Strong Families program touches, we are extremely grateful.”

The Growing Strong Families program serves pregnant women and families with children up to age five.  The program helps families identify and achieve their health goals.  The program shines by using Bachelor’s-prepared nurses who go into the home to work one-on-one with families.  Home visits are tailored to fit each family’s individual needs.  Focus areas for the program are:  prenatal and postpartum health, breastfeeding support, healthy relationships, addiction management, safety and child development. 

“WellCare supports Growing Strong Families for its whole-body, whole-family approach to health,” said Sandy Hoy, WellCare's Community Advocate.  “We want all of our families to remain healthy and have access to all of the resources they need.” 

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.

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

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.