Dear Community Partners,
 
As we begin a new fiscal year, the Children’s Board is expanding its support for children and families across our community. We are renewing agreements with more than 100 funded programs and investing in new partnerships that address emerging needs.


Together, these efforts help ensure children are healthy and safe, developmentally on track, ready to learn and succeed, and supported by strong families.


Our child-safety campaign continues to address two leading causes of preventable child death: unsafe sleep and drowning. In September, I joined Lisa Colen of the Healthy Start Coalition on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend to highlight the ABCs of Safe Sleep and practical ways parents and caregivers can create safe sleep environments for infants.


Dexter Lewis and I joined Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, and community members at Tampa City Hall to discuss autism and drowning prevention. Participants shared resources and identified opportunities to strengthen prevention efforts. We appreciate the leadership of our elected officials, the commitment of community partners and advocates, and especially the powerful perspectives of families directly affected by these issues.


Our commitment to prevention also extends to an emerging public health concern. Amid elevated dengue activity in Hillsborough County, we are partnering with the Department of Health to share mosquito-prevention resources. Please review the recommendations in the attached flyer, use them at home, and share them with the families and communities you serve.


Much work remains to keep children healthy and safe, but our shared commitment and coordinated action can make a lasting difference.
 
Rebecca