I want to begin by thanking everyone for the amazing turnout at Friday’s maternal care brainstorming meeting. I truly appreciate your flexibility and willingness to come together on short notice to share resources and ideas on how we can best serve our community during this critical time.

Everyone's input, both in person and virtually, was invaluable. Your collaboration and insightful contributions made the discussion incredibly productive and inspiring. For those who were unable to attend, I’ve attached the PowerPoint presentation and a summary of the meeting that includes all of the suggested solutions to fill the gap we are experiencing in our rural community for your review.

I’ve also included a short survey that I am asking each of you to complete by Wednesday, November 26, even if you did not attend the meeting last Friday.  This is to help gauge interest and establish our much needed task force and next steps that are immensely needed: https://forms.gle/eWoxvB6q8V6TQ3HC8

We have also set our first four recurring meeting dates for the task force, which will take place on the second Monday of every month at the Healthy Start office (114 SW 5th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL). There will be a virtual option.

Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• December 8, 2025 from 1 pm - 2 pm 

• January 12, 2026 from 1 pm - 2 pm

• February 9, 2026 from 1 pm - 2 pm

• March 9, 2026 from 1 pm - 2 pm

Thank you again for your time, energy, and commitment to improving prenatal care in Okeechobee. I look forward to reviewing your survey results and working alongside you as we continue this important initiative.