Volusia County, Fla. - A New Smyrna Beach couple is celebrating the birth of healthy baby boy. Jayden Smith, two weeks, was born November 30 and tobacco free thanks to his mother's determination. Latasha Martin enrolled in the Department of Health's(DOH) Baby & Me - Tobacco Free program while pregnant. Martin and her partner, Willie Brown, were among the first to enroll in the new program in New Smyrna Beach earlier this year. They plan to remain in the program until Jayden reaches his first birthday.

"These parents live a few miles away from the program location and walk to every appointment," said Patricia Boswell, DOH-Volusia administrator. "They are setting a wonderful example for their child, family and friends by quitting tobacco and being physically active. They walk everywhere they go."

Since the program's launch, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) has enrolled 40 mothers in the program held in locations across Volusia County. Ten of their babies have been born tobacco free.

DOH-Volusia was the first county health department in the state to offer the Baby & Me - Tobacco Free program. Now the program is offered at three sites: Bethune-Cookman University, the YMCA DeLand and DOH-Volusia's New Smyrna Beach location. Enrollment and participation is free.

The program focuses on low-income women - the largest group of those who smoke during pregnancy, and collaborate with local agencies that provide prenatal services to low-income populations. DOH-Volusia provides training and testing equipment. Partnering agencies offer prenatal cessation sessions and support for quitting and staying tobacco free. They also test participants for tobacco use.

A mother who stays true to her smoke-free goals not only offers a healthier environment for her child, she also receives monthly $25 vouchers for diapers for up to a year - if she stays tobacco free.

New and expectant mothers interested in breaking their tobacco addiction are encouraged to call DOH-Volusia at 386-274-0601.

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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.

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