Press Release

DOH-Monroe Healthy Start Program Manager Jessica Lariz Receives Statewide Honor

November 2, 2026 2 min read

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The gold award honors local agencies that demonstrate exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support practices beyond the core peer counseling model.
Monica King, President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, presents the 2026 Laura Pan award to Jessica Lariz, Healthy Start Program Manager for DOH-Monroe, at the FL Healthy Start Conference in Orlando, FL. (Photo Credit: Angela Meredith, Communication and Marketing Director, Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions).
For media inquiries: Jennifer Lefelar • Jennifer.Lefelar@FLHealth.gov • 305-434-5413

Monroe County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) is proud to announce that Healthy Start Program Manager Jessica Lariz received the 2026 Laura Pan Scholarship Award on October 15 in Orlando during the Florida Healthy Start Annual Conference.

Presented by the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, the award is given each year to one outstanding Healthy Start professional in Florida for exceptional service to mothers, babies, and families.

Lariz has dedicated more than 24 years to maternal and child health in the Florida Keys, supporting thousands of pregnant women, infants, and families and helping connect them with important health and community services.

Monroe County was also recognized during the ceremony for having the lowest fetal and infant mortality rate in the state of Florida. This achievement was mentioned twice during the program and reflects the strong work being done locally by Healthy Start, DOH-Monroe, health care providers, and community partners.

“Jessica’s recognition is very well deserved,” said Dr. Mark Roby, DNP, MBA, RN, administrator and health officer for DOH-Monroe. “Her years of service, knowledge, and commitment to families have made a lasting impact in Monroe County.”

Lariz was also inducted into Healthy Start’s “Angels of Fame” for her contributions to maternal and child health in Florida.

Monica King, President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, presents the 2026 Laura Pan award to Jessica Lariz, Healthy Start Program Manager for DOH-Monroe, at the FL Healthy Start Conference in Orlando, FL. (Photo Credit: Angela Meredith, Communication and Marketing Director, Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions).
Monica King, President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions, presents the 2026 Laura Pan award to Jessica Lariz, Healthy Start Program Manager for DOH-Monroe, at the FL Healthy Start Conference in Orlando, FL. (Photo Credit: Angela Meredith, Communication and Marketing Director, Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions).
Jessica Lariz, Healthy Start Program Manager for DOH-Monroe, receives the 2026 Laura Pan Scholarship Award during the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions at the FL Healthy Start Conference in Orlando, FL on October 15. (Photo Credit: Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition)
Jessica Lariz, Healthy Start Program Manager for DOH-Monroe, receives the 2026 Laura Pan Scholarship Award during the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions at the FL Healthy Start Conference in Orlando, FL on October 15. (Photo Credit: Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition)