Mar. 16, 2016

Florida Department of Health Receives 2016 County Health Rankings

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Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Health announced the release of the 2016 County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. A collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, the rankings are a snapshot of the health of counties across the country. Data used to determine the rankings include information about physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care. The rankings are compiled using county-level measures from a variety of national and state data sources, much of which is available from the department on Florida CHARTS.

“Understanding health data is the first step towards making measurable improvements in the health of communities,” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “The department with our 67 county health departments collaborates with broad and diverse partners to identify priorities and evidence-based solutions that will help all Floridians live healthier lives.”

Much of the health data used by the rankings to compile its snapshots are also used by the department to identify priority issues, develop and implement strategies for action, and establish accountability to ensure measurable health improvement is achieved, which are outlined in the form of a population-based community health improvement plan (CHIP).

Florida’s counties continue to be national leaders in health improvement planning, and in 2013, Florida became one of the first states to have a CHIP in each of our 67 counties. Each CHIP is developed through a community-led process and defines a vision for the health of the community. CHIPs provide guidance for public health system partners and stakeholders to improve the health of each community across Florida. As new health data becomes available, CHIPs are updated accordingly. 

In Florida we recognize that unhealthy weight is a significant threat to public health. Florida is one of a few states in the country with a methodology in place to collect and report county-level data on healthy weight. The Healthiest Weight Profile includes the latest environmental and behavioral measures that contribute to achieving healthy weight, such as respondents' proximity to food sources and their choice of commute to work. 

Last week, the Florida Department of Health became the first integrated department of health in the nation to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. The seal of accreditation signifies that the Florida Department of Health has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health.

For more information about the County Health Rankings, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health

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.