Marion County health officials are inviting new parents and soon-to-be parents to attend the “World’s Greatest Baby Shower” in Ocala on Friday, January 26.
The annual event, which is hosted by the Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), Healthy Start of Marion County, and Safe Kids of Marion County, will be held at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center located at 1821 NW 21st Street in Ocala.
Those interested in attending may choose one of the following two-hour sessions on the day of the event: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (session one) or 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (session two).
There is no cost to attend the event, and no per-registration is necessary.
The “World’s Greatest Baby Shower” is intended for parents who are expecting a child or who have children 12 months old or younger. Each family will receive a goodie bag filled with educational information and details regarding community resources, according to DOH-Marion.
During the event, participating families will also have a chance to win prizes such as cribs, umbrella strollers, baby bathtubs, toys, clothing, car seats, playmats, and more.
Several community partners have come together to make the event possible, including the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County; Heart of Florida Health Center; Loving Arms Birth & Wellness Center; Healthy Families of Lake, Sumter, and Marion; and Humana Health Horizons.
In addition to hosting the “World’s Greatest Baby Shower,” DOH-Marion offers a program, Healthy Start, to pregnant women and women with children up to 3 years old and their families. This program is free to qualified families and provides education about childbirth, breastfeeding, parenting, and other topics.
Healthy Start also offers resource information, case management, and care coordination services to improve birth outcomes and decrease infant mortality. The program’s staff members provide individualized care by visiting families in their homes or virtually.
For more information about the Healthy Start program, visit the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s website or call 352-644-2717.