City staff review $5.6 million in task‑force-funded health programs, report reductions in infant mortality and food‑insecurity wait lists

Dr. Joshi, presenting to the Jacksonville City Council Neighborhoods Committee on Aug. 4, 2025, summarized outcomes from eight health initiatives funded with $5,600,000 approved by the council on Dec. 12, 2023.

The presentation said the initiatives target infant mortality, mental‑health access, elderly food insecurity, primary and preventive care access, and community health worker (CHW) training. "This program's goal is to help us continue to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health outcomes," Dr. Joshi said, describing the infant‑mortality program managed through a competitively awarded contract to Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition.

Why it matters: the city-funded work supports multiple partners in direct outreach and clinical diversion, city officials said. Committee members and staff framed the programs as part of a broader effort to reduce avoidable emergency care, connect residents to services, and build local CHW capacity.

Key program results presented

- Infant mortality/home visitation: Dr. Joshi said the Healthy Start contract hired two to three CHWs and reached roughly 635 women and families over the past year (about 300 pregnant and 72 postpartum), exceeding a target of 200 pregnant women. The speaker reported 100% of program participants received education on preconception health and safe sleep; roughly 80% of identified at‑risk women were referred to home‑visitation programs.

- Crisis…