FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 11, 2025

DOH-Monroe Promotes Summer Safety Initiatives for Local Families

Contact:

Jennifer Lefelar, Public Information Officer

Jennifer.Lefelar@flhealth.gov

305-434-5413

Monroe County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) launches summer safety initiatives for local families. DOH-Monroe takes proactive steps to promote child safety and support local families through a variety of programs and community partnerships.

“These programs help keep our children safe, healthy, and thriving,” said Dr. Carla Fry, PhD, MSN, RN, administrator and health officer, DOH-Monroe.  “Whether it’s in the water, in the car, or at home, working together with our community partners supports protecting our youngest residents.”

Water Safety

• As water activity increases during the summer months, DOH-Monroe facilitated the donation of life jackets for infants and small children between 30-50 pounds from the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition to the College of the Florida Keys (CFK).
• Additionally, eligible families have been able to take advantage of free swim lessons for children four years old and younger, offered through the Florida Department of Health’s Swim Lesson Voucher Program. Local lessons have been offered at the CFK pool (Stock Island) and Jacob’s Aquatic Center (Key Largo) with certified instructors to help children build vital swimming skills.
• A total of 166 lessons were provided to Monroe County children between February and June of 2025. Applications for free swim vouchers for the August 4 through September 1, 2025 period can be found at com.

More information about water safety can be found at WaterSmartFL.com.

Bike Safety

• DOH-Monroe partners with local law enforcement and city municipalities to make bike safety a priority. The Florida Pedestrian Bicycle Resource Center provides free helmets that the DOH-Monroe, along with multiple trained and certified helmet fitters, properly fit and give to community members at no cost.
• DOH-Monroe attends numerous events each year to provide education about bicycle safety, raise awareness about the impact of safe riding practices (such as wearing a helmet), and mobilize local community members to bring resources to the area in an effort to reduce bicycle accidents and injuries.
• Monroe County residents can visit FloridaHealth.gov/bikesafety to request an appointment to be fitted for a bicycle helmet at no cost. Appointments for free bicycle helmets are available at the following DOH-Monroe clinic:

Home Visitation Programs

DOH-Monroe continues to offer voluntary home visitation programs, such as Healthy Families and Healthy Start, to support pregnant mothers and families with young children through parent education, child developmental screening and activities, child safety promotion, linkage to community resources, and additional services.

Car Seat Safety

DOH-Monroe has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to assist with car seat checks, installations, and adjustments to ensure your child is safely secured while traveling. Appointments are free and can be scheduled by calling 305-676-3841.

Safe Sleep Education

DOH-Monroe provides safe sleep education to parents and caregivers to help prevent sleep-related infant deaths. Families can learn about safe sleep environments and practices that reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks.

For more information about these water safety, sleep safety, bike safety, home visitation, and car seat safety programs, visit FloridaHealth.gov or contact DOH-Monroe at 305-293-7500.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.