May 2, 2016

DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES NAMED "BEST OF THE BEST"

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
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Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health is proud to recognize 18 Prudential Productivity Award (PPA) winners. The program, founded by Florida TaxWatch, has been honoring dedicated state employees since 1989. It is a major government improvement initiative chaired by Florida's Lieutenant Governor and co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the state of Florida.

“This honor shows the commitment of my department colleagues to protect the health of Florida residents while remaining financially responsible to the state’s taxpayers,” said Interim State Surgeon General Celeste Philip. “These employees have set a great example of what the department is capable of accomplishing.”

Those receiving individual recognition include Rita Ciamillo of DOH-Lee who developed a new method of maintaining a list of licensed tattoo artists in the state. Kari Murabito of DOH-Orange whose use of a geographical information system provided data to show where a sanitary sewer system would be environmentally beneficial. Stefany Strong with DOH-Volusia teamed with Bethune‐Cookman University, Stetson University and Embry Riddle University to guide students who are dedicated to making a difference in the field of health communications. Richard Gadrim, also with DOH-Volusia received a certificate of commendation for his work with the Task Management System, which saved an estimated $32,000 by providing optimal efficiency to projects.

Team recognition went to the PROTEXT Lab Team in Palm Beach for the creation of an efficient notification to inform clients of STD test results. The DOH Contract Management Team for developing the DOH Basic Contract Management Training course for new managers. The Division of Medical Quality Assurance’s VALOR System Team helped those transitioning from service in the military to civilian practice in the health field. The Environmental Health Services Team in Pasco County netted a cost saving of $78,766 by consolidating online services while maintaining and improving customer service and access along with gaining work process efficiencies. 

The Department of Health in Orange County received two team recognitions. The Walk Around the World virtual experience encouraged staff to walk more often while tracking their progress on a virtual world map. Also the Nurse-Family Partnership program which is designed for families living in high risk areas of Orange County. 

There was an estimated $14 million in savings through a program in Alachua County where women who are identified as HIV positive during pregnancy benefit from immediate case management and intervention. Also in Alachua County through a robust partnership with the Alachua Area Medical Reserve Corp, DOH-Alachua expanded medical services within its clinics, as well as a county‐wide influenza immunization program, at no additional cost to Florida taxpayers.

The Citrus County Healthy Start Team helped to identify a rising trend in preterm births and implemented a unique plan to combat its effects. In order to improve efficiency, accuracy and reduce overall costs, the School Health Team in Naples trained LPN and Medical Assistant students to assist with school screenings.

In Palm Beach County, the Assessing HIV Resource Distribution Using GIS Mapping Team used surveillance data to recognize areas of need for additional resources. At DOH-Duval, in order to review all immunization records before the start of the school year the Duval Medical Reserve Corps was developed by Back to School FLSHOTS. A team of nine volunteers complete the review of approximately 1,944 immunization records. 

The Bureau of Public Health Pharmacy Transcription Team helped to eliminate a backlog of prescription processing by reducing the turnaround time from seven business days to two business days. And the PFS Enhanced CI‐Repack Team increased efficiency in inventory control, accountability and reconciliation of pharmaceutical products provided to the Department of Corrections.  

Through implementing a number of new initiatives and finding ways to save money without sacrificing service, the department boasts a combined total estimated savings nearly $20 million. 

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.

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