FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2015

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(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN BREVARD COUNTY ADDRESSES COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS

BREVARD—The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) 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.

“The County Health Rankings show how Brevard County ranks on factors that influence its overall health ranking,” said DOH-Brevard director Dr. Heidar Heshmati. “The Rankings show that, Brevard County is strong in the area of clinical care, where it ranked 11 out of 67.”

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 Brevard County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.

In Brevard 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. DOH-Brevard has three teen clinics aimed at addressing teen pregnancy prevention and STD clinics that provide 100 percent access to care for Brevard residents needing treatment.

Nemours Pediatric Physician, Dr. Jane Benton said, “I am looking forward to the upcoming Brevard Healthy Weight Forum hosted by DOH-Brevard where we will discuss how the community can collaborate to create a healthier Brevard in conjunction with the Healthiest Weight Florida Initiative.”

“Our local health department is very proficient at identifying public health improvement opportunities and threats,” said Brevard County Commissioner Jim Barfield. “This allows local health agencies to focus on achieving optimal public health.”

“We work closely with the health department on public health concerns ranging from threatening infectious diseases like Ebola and measles to medical and dental primary care issues,” stated Parrish Hospital Director of Business Development Greg Smith. “DOH-Brevard staff members have a clear desire to help the people in our community.”

“Brevard Tobacco Initiative has developed collaborations with several agencies including DOH-Brevard in an effort to reduce the burden of tobacco use and shape tobacco-free norms so tobacco becomes less desirable, acceptable and accessible,” stated Brevard Tobacco Initiative Students Working Against Tobacco Coordinator Valarie James. “Brevard Tobacco Initiative teams up with DOH-Brevard and Central Florida Area Health Education Centers throughout the year to provide ongoing cessation services to Brevard County residents.”

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

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.

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