Florida Dept of Health in Nassau County celebrates national “Public Health Week”

Florida Dept of Health – Nassau
Press Release
Contact: Mary von Mohr
[email protected]
April 2, 2019 4:00 p.m.

Fernandina Beach, Fla. —The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County celebrates Public Health Week (April 1-7), with the theme of “Creating the Healthiest Nation: For science. For action. For health. We work 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.

Healthy communities: People’s health, longevity and well-being are connected to their communities — the places we live, learn, work, worship and play. To support health, the Florida Department of Health facilitates a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This plan mobilizes the community to collectively implement strategies which will improve health. The CHIP is designed to address specific opportunities for improved health that have been identified by the community. It is a strategic health plan created by the community, for the community. The plan is supported by thirty-seven community partners/organizations and includes five strategic areas that were identified by data collection. These include access to care, behavioral health/substance abuse, community support, health disparities and housing & healthy places. CHIP workgroups are active with implementing strategies which aim to see improved health outcomes and a reduction in health disparities.

Rural health: Rural communities can face a range of health disparities, from higher burdens of chronic disease to limited access to primary care and prevention services. To address our rural makeup, the health department provides services in six different buildings across the county, along with home visitation and utilizes technology to overcome access to care issues. Teledental services allow our dentist to provide dental care to patients who cannot travel to the Yulee dental clinic office. Our dentist, Dr. Frank Gupton treats patients remotely using the technology of telehealth.

The Healthy Start program provides services to families in their home with the goal of having healthy moms and babies and a reduction of infant mortality. Education and support are provided to pregnant moms and babies through three years of age. In home services save families time, money (gas) and help those who have limited transportation.  Lindanne Quinn and her family clients in the Healthy Start program.

Recent photo taken of the entire family and one-year old baby, Aurora.

Health outreach/education is provided on a regular basis to ensure people know of services we provide and our community provides to support health. Most recently staff attended a health fair in Hillard to promote health screening and dental care services. We routinely link others to care if we do not offer the service.

Jodi Yancey, WIC employee providing community health education.

Jodi Yancey, WIC employee providing community health education.

Health is everyone’s responsibility. Working together, everyone can make Nassau County a healthier place to live, learn, work and play. To learn more about health department services or the CHIP initiative call Mary von Mohr at 904-557-9133.
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.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .