This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2018 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This study highlights the many community factors that influence health, and uses established data.
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“County health rankings provide an opportunity to highlight the collaboration between public health departments and valued community partners,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. “Together, we are making progress in improving health in Alachua County.”
These rankings are a snapshot of the health of counties across the country, and they emphasize that health is not a singular effort but a combined work in progress across all community partners. The department works in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organizations, health care facilities, business groups, schools, faith-based organizations and many other stakeholders to improve the health of all people in Alachua County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.
In Alachua County, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is designed to address specific opportunities for improved health that have been identified by the community. The department has partnered with many stakeholders to implement the CHIP and collaborates regularly to track progress.
Through collaboration with the Oral Health Coalition of Alachua County and the United Health Foundation, two additional public health dental clinics have opened and increased access to needed dental services.
Alachua County’s WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program, in cooperation with UF Health and North Florida Regional Medical Center, promotes and provides resources to support breast feeding for new mothers.
“The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the value of a robust public health system and provides significant support to the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County,” stated Board Chair Lee Pinkoson. “We are pleased with the progress we continue to make in ensuring that citizens and visitors have access to care and healthy choices.”
“Alachua County Public Schools has a long history of working closely with the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County,” stated Superintendent Karen Clarke. “We are committed to the health and academic progress of our students and value our comprehensive approach with the health department.”
For more information, contact Roger Dolz at 352-334-8873 or Roger.Dolz@flhealth.gov.