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Women Making History in Osceola County – Patty McWhirter
Executive Director at Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County, Inc.
“Know that everyone possesses the capacity to change things. Have confidence in your abilities, don’t be afraid to dream of a better way, and know you have the power to make change happen.” – Patty McWhirter
This March, Patty McWhirter will be celebrating her 20th year of service at the Healthy Start Coalition of Osceola County. Healthy Start assists pregnant women and infants in getting the screening services they need, to identify risk of a poor birth outcome or developmental delay, and provide needed services. They tailor the program to meet our county’s needs, and they do it well; last year, Osceola County had its lowest infant mortality rate.
McWhirter’s previous work in social services, inspired her in her current role. “I saw the need for overcoming barriers and helping women to make healthy and safe choices for themselves and their families.” She continues to make strides for our county, and even after retirement in a few years, she plans on doing a lot of consulting and volunteer work. She sure has left a stamp, now, as well. In 2001, she served on a team that collaborated with state agencies to bring in funding from a federal waiver for Healthy Start Coalitions (which she served as president), and in 2014 she served as president of the Healthy Start MomCare Network board of directors, and signed a statewide contract for these continued waiver services, with the State of Florida.
The 4-11
Quote: “Health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease.” – The World Health Organization
Business Tool: Social Media, Printed Media
Place to eat: Restaurants with a water view
Pastime: Drawing and poetry
Biggest Fear: Being out of the loop
Local Spot: St. Cloud Lakefront
What would you tell your younger self? Envision and plan your for your life…make it happen. Don’t be held back by naysayers.
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