REACHUP was born from a community call to action after alarming data revealed an extremely high infant mortality rate in the county. In response, community summits convened leaders from USF Health, the Healthy Start Coalition, and other key stakeholders, who collectively endorsed the creation of a nonprofit organization focused on reducing infant mortality rates and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Our Story
Three women working in the maternal and infant health field stepped forward to lead this effort: Estrelita “Lo” Berry, Dr. Deborah Austin, and Vanessa Rowland-Mishkit. Over the next several years, they built the partnerships, programs, and infrastructure that would become the foundation of REACHUP, Inc. Officially incorporated in 2006, the organization quickly established strong collaborations with the University of South Florida College of Public Health, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Lawton Chiles Center, and numerous community partners.
REACHUP soon gained regional and national recognition as a leader in maternal and infant health. Through initiatives such as the Male Involvement Network and the launch of the Affirming Fatherhood Conference in 2011, REACHUP also became a leading advocate for fatherhood engagement and the important role men play in strengthening families and improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
Following nearly two decades of leadership and growth under its founding team, Nicola Bailey became the second President and CEO of REACHUP, Inc. in 2023. Today, the organization continues to expand its impact while remaining committed to its mission of driving preventable maternal and infant deaths to zero.