Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade

This year, our fundraising supports a specific initiative which provides Free Car Seats, Portable Cribs and Safety Education to families participating in our home visitation program.   Many families in Miami-Dade County are in need of car seats, portable cribs, and most importantly, the safety education that is vital for the proper use of these items. Without these life-saving items and services, many babies’ lives are at risk. In 2022 alone, 28% of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) were due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. (1) Data also shows that “Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading killers of children, contributing to these sad statistics is the fact that nearly a third of children ride in the wrong restraints for their age and size and four out of five child safety seats are used incorrectly.” (2)  

Fortunately, THERE IS HOPE; these accidental deaths can be prevented! The Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade offers free car seats, free portable cribs, and free safety education to families in need. Unfortunately, we cannot yet provide these life-saving items to all those looking for assistance.  We need your help to reach families who otherwise wouldn’t have access to purchase portable cribs and car seats. This is where YOU have the opportunity to participate! 

We are asking our friends, families and networks to join us in fundraising for this wonderful cause. There are two ways you can contribute:

1. You can donate to HSCMD on Give Miami Day, Thursday, November 21st! 
2. Your second option is to spread the word! We encourage you to like and share on social media. 

Would you consider donating $25 or more to help us reach families who are in dire need of providing safe sleep and safer transportation for their babies? This year, your donation goes even further since each unique donation will be matched by a $25 donation, up to the first $1,000!   Donations can be made anytime between Sunday, November 17th and ‘Give Miami Day’ on Thursday, November 21st. Every donation counts! THANK YOU for your support! 

REFERENCES:

1. “SUID by Cause of Death, 2022.” Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, 17 Sept. 2024, www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/data-research/data/suids-deaths-by-cause.html.
2. "Car Seat Safety." Put Safety First Before You Hit the Road, 25 June 2021, www.nicklauschildrens.org/patient-resources/health-and-safety-information/car-seat-safety.