Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, a Brevard County native, spoke at a public workshop in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2026, as part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s event titled 'Achieving a Just Response to Sudden, Unexpected Infant Deaths.' Haridopolos, who serves as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, discussed strategies to improve coordination between law enforcement, healthcare providers, and public health officials. The workshop aimed to address gaps in how communities handle sudden infant deaths, a topic she has focused on during her career.
The event, held at the National Academies’ headquarters, brought together experts from across the country. Haridopolos emphasized the need for standardized protocols to support families and prevent misdiagnosis. 'Every case is complex,' she said during a panel discussion. 'We must ensure no family is left without clear answers or support.' Her remarks followed a presentation by medical examiners and coroners who highlighted challenges in rural areas with limited forensic resources.
Haridopolos, who grew up in Palm Bay and later earned her medical degree from the University of Florida, has advocated for better communication between agencies. She cited a 2025 study showing that 34% of sudden infant death cases involved delays in autopsy results, which can complicate investigations. 'Timely data sharing is critical,' she said. 'Families deserve transparency, and law enforcement needs accurate information to act.'
The workshop concluded with a call for federal funding to expand training for first responders and healthcare workers. Haridopolos praised Brevard County’s efforts in recent years to streamline its own protocols. 'Local initiatives can serve as models,' she said. 'But national leadership is needed to ensure consistency.' The event is part of a broader push by the Surgeon General’s office to reduce disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes across the U.S.