Maternal Care
Inweekly has obtained the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Annual Legislative Report, dated October 1, 2026. The report covers fetal and infant deaths for 2025. Full Report: fimr-annual-report-2026
- The report is by region. Region 1 includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. The Case Review Team is the Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition. Last year, State Rep. Michelle Salzman formed the Maternal Health Task Force, which has met at least once each quarter. This report will serve as the baseline for its metrics.
Fetal Mortality
Region 1 had 9,490 births. Fifty-four died, which is up from 41 deaths the previous year. The Fetal Mortality Rate jumped from 4.4 to 5.7—which is still below the state rate of 6.5.
Top Five Leading Causes, 2021-2025
- Complications of Placenta, Cord & Membranes (n=68): 28.0% (State: 26.2%)
- Maternal Conditions That May Be Unrelated to Present Pregnancy (n=43): 17.7% (State: 13.5%)
- Unspecified Cause (n=33): 13.6% (State: 20.0%)
- Congenital Malformations, Deformations & Chromosomal Abnormalities (n=29): 11.9% (State: 9.0%)
- Maternal Complications of Pregnancy (n=25) 10.3% (State: 13.8%)
Region 1 has a higher percentages for Complications of Placenta, Cord & Membranes (Region 1: 28.0%; State 26.2%), Maternal Conditions That May Be Unrelated to Present Pregnancy (Region 1: 17.7%; State 13.5) and Congenital Malformations, Deformations & Chromosomal Abnormalities (Region 1: 11.9%; State 9.0%).
Infant Mortality
Region 1 had 58 infant deaths, down from 65 the previous year.The Infant Mortality Rate dropped from 6.9 to 6.1—which is higher than the state rate of 5.7.
Top Five Leading Causes, 2021-2025
- Congenital Malformations, Deformations & Chromosomal Abnormalities (n=60): 18.6% (State: 20.0%)
- Unintentional Injuries (n=41): 12.7% (State: 8.1%)
- Disorders Related to Short Gestation & LBW (n=36): 11.1% (State: 12.6%)
- Maternal Complications of Pregnancy (n=19): 5.9% (State: 8.9%)
- Bacterial Sepsis of Newborn (n=15): 4.6%
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – not in Region 1’s Top Five; State 3.9%
Region 1 has a higher percentages for Unintentional Deaths (Region 1: 12.7%; State 8.1%) and Bacterial Sepsis of Newborn (Region 1: 4.6%; State ?).
Background: The Florida Department of Health presents this report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as required by section 383.21625, Florida Statutes. Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is a community-level, evidence-based process that reviews fetal and infant deaths, formulates programs, and influences policy that will lead to improving pregnancy and birth outcomes.
- The goal is to assess, monitor, and improve service systems and resources for women, infants, and families.
Bright Beginnings
The Escambia Children’s Trust is set to launch its Bright Beginnings program, early childhood initiative designed to support children from prenatal through age six across Escambia County. The initiative aims to build a developmental foundation by integrating health, early learning, family engagement, and coordinated support systems to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
- The Trust meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Escambia County Commission chambers to vote on the first set of grants for the three-year initiative. The board has budgeted $3.5 million for the program.
See agenda packet. The agenda doesn’t list who has been recommended to receive grants. Maybe it’s all of these applicants:
- Adult & Child Mental Health Care $500,000, Score 90.25
- ARC Gateway–Pearl Nelson Center $499,982.71, Score 94.86
- A Top Notch Christian Academy $380,812.27, Score 80.50
- Escambia County – Department of Neighborhood & Human Services $500,000, Score 80.14
- Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition $124,741.25, Score 95.86
- Extra Mile Club Str8 Up $349,650, Score 84.86
- Inner Armor Hope $500,000, Score 56.42
- Nemours Children Health $242,766.58, Score 88.14
- Ready Kids! $463,000, Score 94.29
- Studer Community Institute $456,613, Score 86.21
- Whiz Kids Academy $200,000, Score 65.29
- Young Achievers Preschool $220,000, Score 75.14