JACKSONVILLE- The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) joins the American Public Health Association (APHA) in the observance of National Public Health Week April 6-12, 2015. The National celebration brings people together across the United States to celebrate public health successes and to raise awareness about public health issues that are of concern nationally and in our local communities. This year’s theme is "Healthiest Nation 2030", with daily themes, which include "Raising the Grade", "Starting from Zip", "Building Momentum", "Building Broader Connections", and "Building on 20 Years of Success".

This week, at each DOH-Duval clinical site, staff will focus on raising awareness of health issues specific to our local community. Tools will include information and local resources clients can use in their daily lives to make healthier choices. These actions are guided by several recent data reports:

•The Youth Risk Behavior Survey assessment:https://duval.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/community-health-planning-and-statistics/youth-risk-behavior-survey/index.html

•DOH-Duval’s Place Matters report: https://duval.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/community-health-planning-and-statistics/youth-risk-behavior-survey/index.html

•The County Health Rankings Report: www.countyhealthrankings.gov

According to the County Health Rankings Report, Duval County ranked 43 out of 67 Florida counties, ranking most poorly in "Quality of Life" (46/67) and "Health Behaviors" (43/67).

County wide health issues that warrant concern include obesity rates, low adoption/availability of obesity and chronic disease prevention measures (consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables adequate physical activity, use of electronic devices), chronic disease burden and complication rates, sexually transmitted infection rates in young people ages 15-24, unintentional injury, and infant mortality.

DOH-Duval, a part of the integrated Florida Department of Health, works in collaboration with a number of public and private organizations to improve population health. "Strategies include evidence based community and health system interventions, clinical quality measures, disease self management training, and a health in all policies approach to community development, " says Dr. Kelli Wells, Director of DOH-Duval. "This collaborative approach moves us closer to achieving the APHA goal of becoming the healthiest nation in one generation."

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