April 28, 2016

INTERIM STATE SURGEON GENERAL CONTINUES TOUR WITH VISIT TO BROWARD COUNTY

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Tallahassee, Fla.—Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip continued her statewide tour today to gather feedback on public health priorities with a visit to the local health department in Fort Lauderdale. During the visit, Dr. Philip met with DOH-Broward leadership for a discussion about health in the south Florida area.

“One unique initiative I learned about in Broward County is their promotion of non-traditional sites for immunizations in parts of the county where rates have typically been lower, such as offering shots in a local mall,” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “We are excited to explore some of Broward’s ideas for improved utilization of technology and other communication tools to better meet the needs of different age groups and demographics.”

“It was our pleasure to host the Interim State Surgeon General, Dr. Celeste Philip, today as part of her statewide tour,” said Deputy Director for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County Judith Elfont, JD. “To have Dr. Philip here to address current and future Broward County public health issues was an opportunity that was invaluable.”

The goal of the tour is to identify opportunities in Florida’s 67 counties to improve and collaborate on for the new State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The department is currently leading a multi-agency statewide effort to develop Florida’s SHIP for 2017-2020. This SHIP will provide the blueprint for effective, targeted and integrated action to improve the health of Floridians. Together with community partners, the department is currently gathering input to identify key health-related concerns facing the state and conducting a thorough analysis of factors that will help pinpoint the most important health issues for Florida.

Dr. Philip will wrap up her tour in mid-May and will share highlights along the away on the department’s Twitter and Facebook platforms using hashtag #FLHealthSHIP. 

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