Apr. 4, 2016

Public Health, the Florida Way

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — It’s National Public Health Week and this year the Florida Department of Health is highlighting its recent national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) and the efforts of public health professionals across the state. A variety of programs and activities are carried out by the department and its state, local and community partners in order to promote, protect and improve the health of Florida residents and visitors.

“While many Floridians are aware of the department’s role in protecting them from emerging health threats such as Zika, much of what we do to keep people healthy is ‘silent.’ When we do our jobs well to maintain water or air quality or immunize infants and children to prevent outbreaks, the important role of public health may not always be recognized.” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “This week provides the department with an opportunity to recognize the public health professionals working on the front line to improve and protect the health and well-being of our Florida residents and visitors.”

Florida became the first state in the nation to receive national accreditation as an integrated department of health through PHAB. Accreditation by PHAB signifies that the department, including the state health office and all 67 county health departments, is meeting national standards for ensuring that essential public health services are provided in the community. Accreditation will continue to guide the department’s fulfillment of the 10 Essential Public Health Services and will lead to continuous improvement in service, value and public accountability.

This coming week, local health departments will host events to celebrate National Public Health Week and the ways each county is continuing to move health forward in Florida. These family-friendly events take place throughout the year to educate participants about public health services and initiatives. To see what your local health department has planned in the next few days or couple of months, check the department’s Facebook Counties Events Calendar that works to connect you with your community.

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