Florida Department of Health in Nassau County addresses county health rankings

Media Release
Florida Department of Health – Nassau County
Vicki D. Roberts, Administrative Secretary
(904) 548-1800 x5328

March 25, 2015 8:30 a.m.

Florida Health NassauNASSAU COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the sixth annual 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, much of which is available from the department at www.floridacharts.com.

“Nassau County continues to improve in overall rankings and specific measures especially in the health factors as we collaboratively focus on those areas that contribute to future health,” said E. Ngo-Seidel, Director of the Department of Health in Nassau County. “These include not only access to care but also social determinants of health such as education and the environment.”

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 Nassau County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care. Specifically, Nassau County has moved up in the county health rankings since 2014 from 30 overall to 24 in the State of Florida.

“Public health and the entire local health care community play an essential role in leading the way to sustaining healthy communities,” said Nassau County Health Improvement Coalition Chair Kim Clemmons. “But so much of what influences good health happens outside of the doctor’s office. What we eat, how much physical activity we participate in, the safety of our communities, how much family and social support we have and our level of education and understanding all influence our health and well-being.”

In Nassau 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. The Partnership for Healthier Nassau leads the process and identified five strategic priority areas addressed in the 2012-15 Plan. Using the Mobilizing for Action through Partnerships and Planning (MAPP) model, the group will kick off the next cycle by hosting a Visioning Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the FSCJ Nassau Center. The public is invited to attend any or all of the visioning and planning meeting for the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan. For more information on future meetings, please contact Linda Powell at 904-548-1800.

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The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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