“We send them home on a hope and prayer.”
- Sarasota Memorial Hospital Nurse
At Sarasota Memorial Hospital, more than 56% of babies are born into low income or poverty stricken families. Many of these babies start their lives at an immense disadvantage.
Families often lack stable housing, food, healthcare, and other resources key to babies’ foundational physical, emotional and intellectual development. First 1,000 Days Suncoast partners are working together to create a continuum of care that will meet the comprehensive needs of our families.
Why 1,000 Days
From the third trimester of pregnancy through babies’ second birthday, human brains undergo a period of rapid growth. During the first 1,000 days of life, children are hardwired in ways that have lifelong consequences. Fortunately children are resilient if they have the supports to help them thrive. Babies who have healthcare, good nutrition, stable homes, loving relationships and early childhood education start life with a strong foundation for success.
The Research That Backs This Up
Our work is guided by industry-leading science and inspired by the courage of the families we serve.
Center on the Developing Child - Harvard University
The Impact of Early Adversity on Children’s Development