Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition

What Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition does

The Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community health organization founded in 1991 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. It delivers free maternal and infant health services to pregnant women, new mothers, fathers, families, and at-risk populations across five Northeast Florida counties (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns). Its core mission is reducing infant mortality and addressing racial disparities in birth outcomes, with demonstrated results including a 72% lower infant mortality rate in its Magnolia Project service area and a 53% improvement in infant survival rates since 2014.

The organization operates a portfolio of 13+ programs organized around maternal health, fatherhood, substance use recovery, and community health equity. Core programs include Connect (coordinated intake and referral), Healthy Start (foundational services since 1991), the Magnolia Project (federally-funded care in specific Duval County ZIP codes), Nurse-Family Partnership (nurse home visits), the Doula Program (launched January 2024), Fatherhood Programs (P.R.I.D.E., Team Dad, 24/7 Dad, Boot Camp for New Dads, Fathering 15), the Azalea Rose Project (substance use recovery), Seeking Safety (nurse home visits for affected mothers), the Hey Mama Mobile Pantry (mobile essentials distribution), National Health Corps (AmeriCorps), Make a Difference! Leadership Academy, Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (since 1995), and the Maternal & Child Health Policy & Research Center (launched 2022 with HRSA). Technology infrastructure is minimal and non-proprietary: JotForm for intake forms, Stripe for donation processing, and Microsoft Teams for virtual programming.

NEFHSC generates no fee revenue — all services are provided at no cost to families. The organization is funded primarily through federal grants (notably HRSA's five-year multimillion-dollar MCHPRC initiative), state agency funding (Florida Department of Health, Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration), local government allocations (City of Jacksonville Opioid Settlement Grants), foundation grants (Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award of $525,000 in 2026, Jim Moran Foundation), and individual/corporate donations. The organization deploys approximately $10M annually, with 90% directed to client services. It serves 1,000+ families annually and operates with 11-50 employees. The board is chaired by Carol Neil (RN, PhD, Florida State College at Jacksonville) with leadership comprising CEO Faye Johnson, COO Erin Addington, and CFO Cynthia Ball Nixon.

Name

Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition

Legal name

Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition

Website

https://nefhealthystart.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition is a Jacksonville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 that delivers free maternal and infant health services — including prenatal care, home visiting, fatherhood programs, doula support, and substance use recovery — to pregnant women, families, and at-risk populations across five Northeast Florida counties, funded primarily by federal and state grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maternal and Infant Health Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maternal, Child & Family Health Program Funding (HLAJALAG), Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Administration (BPAIAJAJ), Community Health, Prevention & Health Education (BPAGACAC), Health Education & Parent Coaching (Sleep, Safety, Illness Management) (EDACAMAN)

Keywords

• Maternal health services
• Infant mortality prevention
• Home visiting programs
• Prenatal care support
• Fatherhood support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Funding: Primary funding from federal grants (HRSA), state funding (Florida Department of Health, Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration), and local government allocations. The organization receives approximately $10M annual investment in Northeast Florida families.
2. City of Jacksonville Opioid Settlement Grants: Specific funding stream from City of Jacksonville Opioid Settlement Grants Program for the Azalea Rose Project supporting women with substance use challenges.
3. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards and Jim Moran Foundation for specific programs.
4. Donations and Sponsorships: Corporate and community sponsorships and individual donations to support programs and ensure no family is turned away due to cost.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition delivers a portfolio of free, voluntary maternal and infant health programs and services to pregnant women, new mothers, fathers, and families with children under age five across five Northeast Florida counties. Its core offerings include coordinated intake and home visiting, nurse-led care, doula support, fatherhood programs, substance use recovery support, mobile food/essentials distribution, fetal and infant mortality review, and policy research, all funded through federal, state, and local government grants plus foundation and community donations.

Product overview

Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition operates a multi-program service portfolio organized as a single unified organization offering distinct programs and services for maternal and infant health. The core programs include Connect (coordinated intake and referral), Healthy Start (foundational free voluntary program since 1991), The Magnolia Project (federally-funded care in specific Duval ZIP codes), Nurse-Family Partnership (nurse home visits), Fatherhood Programs (P.R.I.D.E., Team Dad, 24/7 Dad, Boot Camp for New Dads, Fathering 15), Doula Program (birth support training and services), Azalea Rose Project (substance use recovery), Seeking Safety (nurse home visits for mothers affected by substance use), Hey Mama Mobile Pantry (mobile food/essentials distribution), National Health Corps (AmeriCorps volunteer placement), Make a Difference! Leadership Academy (grassroots leadership training), Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (mortality analysis and prevention), and MCHPRC (policy and research). These are supplemented by four direct services covering pregnancy and postpartum support, parenting and childhood development, community referrals and resources, and preconception health and wellness. Services are offered across Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties at no cost to families, funded through federal grants, state funding, and community partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Connect Coordinated intake and referral service that serves as the single point of entry for all Healthy Start home visiting programs, care coordination, education, and support services across Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties. Provides universal prenatal and infant screening and connects families to the appropriate Healthy Start programs.
• Healthy Start Foundational voluntary program operating since 1991 offering free services to pregnant women, new moms, and families through the baby's first three years. Covers pregnancy and childbirth support, health and wellness, newborn and infant care, care coordination, parenting and development guidance, and home visits, delivered through community partners including Florida Department of Health, UF Health Jacksonville, Children's Home Society of Florida, and Inspire to Rise.
• The Magnolia Project Federally-funded community-based family care program serving women ages 15–44 and their partners in five specific Duval County ZIP codes (32208, 32209, 32210, 32211, 32277). Provides comprehensive women's health, prenatal support, father engagement, community resources, family support, case management, home visits, and doula services to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality.
• Nurse-Family Partnership Evidence-based home visiting program delivering free nurse-led care from specially trained UF Health Jacksonville nurses to first-time mothers in Baker and Duval counties. Services run from pregnancy through the child's second birthday, providing pregnancy support, child development guidance, baby care education, safety and injury prevention, and connections to support networks.
• Azalea Rose Project Peer mentorship and recovery support program for preconception, prenatal, and parenting women affected by substance use or in recovery. Provides one-on-one peer support, treatment referrals, group classes, pregnancy and parenting support, and comprehensive care coordination in a single welcoming location in Springfield, Jacksonville.
• Seeking Safety Free one-year support program for mothers in Duval County providing specially trained nurse home visits for women who have faced challenges with substance use during pregnancy or early motherhood. Covers pregnancy and birth support, community resource connections, parenting education, baby supplies, personal health and wellness, and group learning opportunities.
• Fatherhood Programs (P.R.I.D.E., Team Dad, 24/7 Dad, Boot Camp for New Dads, Fathering 15) Suite of free fatherhood programs including P.R.I.D.E. (Parental Responsibility Inspiring Dads Everywhere) for Duval County with case management, Team Dad (Teaching, Empowering, Advocating and Mentoring) for Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties, 24/7 Dad (8–10 session course for fathers of children ages 3+), Boot Camp for New Dads (2-hour community program for fathers with children up to 18 months), and Fathering 15 (self-paced online course with 15 fathering topics).
• Hey, Mama Mobile Pantry Mobile food and essentials distribution program traveling throughout Duval County, delivering baby essentials (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, bottles), self-care and health items (hygiene products, pregnancy tests, postpartum depression screenings), and community connections (housing, rental support, well-baby care) directly to families at no cost.
• Doula Program Program launched in January 2024 that expands the community's network of specialized birth support professionals through comprehensive doula training. Includes postpartum doula certification (after-birth support, breastfeeding guidance, family adjustment) and GROW doula training, plus mental wellness education on toxic stress. Doulas provide emotional support, comfort measures, education, postpartum guidance, advocacy, and partner involvement throughout the birth journey.
• Make a Difference! Leadership Academy Grassroots leadership training initiative for Duval County residents ages 18–44, focused on addressing root causes of health disparities and promoting healthier Black birth outcomes. Provides 10–12 weeks of comprehensive training covering leadership styles, public speaking, community organizing, health equity education, action plan creation, and peer networking, with the goal of developing community leaders to create lasting change.
• National Health Corps Florida AmeriCorps program placing paid volunteers in healthcare and public health settings across the First Coast region. Operated under NEFHSC administration for 20 years (21 years total serving the region), with a 46-week service commitment. Provides health care support, volunteer development, public health education, resource connection, and community partnerships.
• Fetal & Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program operating since 1995, with support from the Florida Department of Health, that brings together families, medical professionals, and community organizations to understand and reduce infant mortality across Northeast Florida. Conducts monthly case reviews, comprehensive analysis of medical records, family support and grief resources, community recommendations, strategic implementation, and data-driven advocacy.
• Maternal & Child Health Policy & Research Center (MCHPRC) Policy research center launched in 2022 as one of only four Healthy Start organizations nationwide selected for a five-year, multimillion-dollar HRSA initiative. Focuses on six priority areas: reducing infant mortality, expanding family planning access, leadership development, strengthening physician-patient communication, promoting adolescent health services, and increasing prenatal care access. Collaborates with the MICAH committee and community partners.
• Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Service providing maternal healthcare from first prenatal visit through the postpartum period, pregnancy support and birth preparation, breastfeeding support and resources (including hospital lactation support, La Leche League, WIC, National Breastfeeding Helpline), healthy living guidance (nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, stress management), and mental health and safety screenings with referrals.
• Parenting & Childhood Development Service covering parenting support with growth and behavior guidance, infant safety (car seats, safe sleep with ABCs of Safe Sleep education), developmental support to ensure children hit milestones, and Plan of Safe Care referrals connecting families to free support services through Florida Department of Children and Families.
• Community Referrals & Resources Service helping families tap into local resources including food programs, housing support, and financial assistance; providing transportation assistance to doctor or clinic appointments; health guidance between pregnancies; and teen pregnancy prevention resources and education.
• Preconception Health & Wellness Service starting as early as age 14 supporting teens and young women with wellness care, healthy habits (stress management, healthy relationships, lifestyle choices), care coordination to navigate health services, nutrition support (healthy eating, meal planning), family planning education and support, and preconception care guidance for those considering future pregnancy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 72% lower infant mortality rate in Magnolia Project service area since 2014
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Florida Department of HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program since 1995, and ongoing collaboration for maternal and infant health services
• Florida Agency for Healthcare AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership for Healthy Start services and Medicaid-funded maternal health programs
• UF Health JacksonvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing specially trained nurses for the Nurse-Family Partnership program delivering free home visits to first-time mothers
• Florida Department of Children and FamiliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Plan of Safe Care referral system connecting families to support services for health, recovery, and infant development
• Baptist HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partnership for maternal and infant health services in the Jacksonville area
• Wolfson Children's HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for infant safety resources and safe sleep education including Ready, Set, Sleep program
• Women Infants Children (WIC) ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for breastfeeding support including counseling, educational materials, peer support, and pumping supplies through local WIC offices
• Grow DoulacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining partner for the Doula Program helping expand the community's network of specialized birth support professionals
• Sunshine HealthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealth plan partner supporting doula program services in the community
• AmeriCorps National Health CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner21-year partnership to recruit, train, and place AmeriCorps volunteers in healthcare and public health settings across the First Coast region
• Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in the Maternal & Child Health Policy & Research Center collaborative network
• Feeding Northeast FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the MCHPRC collaborative network addressing food security and nutrition for families
• Delores Barr Weaver Policy CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicy advocacy partner in the MCHPRC collaborative network
• American Heart AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth advocacy partner in the MCHPRC collaborative network
• Blue Zones ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity wellness partner in the MCHPRC collaborative network
• Gateway Community ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for weekly parenting classes at Seeking Safety program location
• Children's Home Society of FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for Healthy Start services delivery
• Inspire to RiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for Healthy Start services delivery

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Miami-Dade County Healthy Start Coalition: Florida Healthy Start coalition serving a large urban county with similar program lines (prenatal screening, home visiting, fatherhood, doula support). Directly comparable regional peer in the same statewide network.
• Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County: Another Florida Healthy Start coalition providing near-identical prenatal/home-visiting, fatherhood, and community maternal-infant health services — the closest direct comparable given shared Florida Healthy Start template, mission, and funding model.
• Broward Healthy Start Coalition: Florida Healthy Start coalition with an overlapping service portfolio and funding mix, including FIMR and Healthy Start program delivery — a like-for-like regional peer.
• Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County: Another Florida-based Healthy Start coalition operating maternal-infant home visiting and community education programs under the same Florida Department of Health framework, providing close mission and operating-model comparability.
• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Florida: Florida statewide organization addressing maternal and infant health through education, advocacy, and direct service — directly comparable in target population, geography, and service mix (breastfeeding, prenatal support, referrals).

Broad incumbents

• March of Dimes: National nonprofit focused on maternal and infant health with broader advocacy, research, and program footprint. Comparable on mission scope (infant mortality, preterm birth) but operates at far larger national scale across multiple states.
• Nurse-Family Partnership (national office): National organization behind the Nurse-Family Partnership model, which NEFHSC delivers locally through UF Health Jacksonville nurses. Operates at larger national scale but shares the same evidence-based home-visiting model and target population of first-time mothers.

Emerging players

• Every Mother Counts: Maternal-health nonprofit focused on equitable access to maternity care, including investments in doulas and community-based models. Mission-aligned with NEFHSC's equity and doula-program direction, though operating at a national grantmaking scale.
• Cradle Cincinnati: Regional collective-impact initiative focused on reducing infant mortality in Hamilton County, Ohio. Comparable mission and collective-impact/partnership model, with similar focus on addressing racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Others

• CityMatCH: National membership organization supporting urban maternal-child health initiatives through training, data, and policy. Comparable in addressing racial disparities in birth outcomes and using data-driven quality improvement, but acts as an enabling/network member rather than direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nefhealthystart
• Facebookfacebook.com/NEFHealthyStart
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/northeast-florida-healthy-start-coalition

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition