Healthier beginnings for every family

For more than three decades, the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition has been the driving force behind healthier beginnings for families across our region. We’re more than an organization — we’re a community-driven movement focused on three essential goals: saving babies, strengthening families and building communities.

About us

We support families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond across Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Through data-driven programs and community partnerships, we ensure every family has the resources they need for healthy outcomes.

What we stand for

Collaboration

Work together within our organization and with community partners to achieve our shared goals.

Innovation

Embrace new ideas and creative approaches to better serve families.

Compassion

Provide excellent, non-judgmental services to all families, regardless of their circumstances.

Integrity

Remain ethical, trustworthy and true to our mission in everything we do.

Respect

Treat everyone with dignity and  open-mindedness.

Commitment

Stay dedicated to the communities and families we serve.

33+ Years

of continuous community service

$10M

annual investment in Northeast Florida families

5 Counties

served across Northeast Florida

90%

of funding goes directly  to client services

Meet our team

The people behind our mission — united in our commitment to maternal and infant health.

Faye Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Erin Addington

Chief Operating Officer

Cathy Dupont

Director of the Leadership Academy

Sandra Gates

Project Manager, Azalea Rose Project

Beverly Butler

Program Director, Connect

Barry Dukes II

Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E. & T.E.A.M. Dad

Rodnae Johnson

Healthy Start

Marsha Davis

Project Director, Magnolia Project

Kennedy Dawson

National Health Corps Florida

Shelby Salter

Doula Coordinator, Doula Program

Abigail Cranston

Nurse Supervisor, Seeking Safety

Meet our board members

Our board consists of volunteer community leaders who oversee the organization’s operations and ensure accountability.

Carol Neil, RN, PhD

chair

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Stephanie Thomas-Klodzinsk

vice chair

Regions Bank

Linda Forde, CPA

TREASURER

The Forde Firm

Chelsa Fore, DNP

SECRETARY

Jacksonville University

Danielle Carter, MD

Duval County Medical Society

Pauline Drake, Esq.

Judge

Barry Farmer

Community Advocate

Mark Hudak, MD

UF Health Pediatrics

Kenneth Nixon, MD

Family Physician

Judge R. Anthony Salem

Fourth Judicial Circuit Court

Jessica Winberry

Safe Kids Northeast Florida

Stay connected with our community

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Reports & transparency

Access our key organizational documents, including our strategic plan, financial reports, and governance policies that guide our work.