JACKSONVILLE- In continued observance of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) National Public Health Week (NPHW), the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) works to raise awareness about public health issues. Tuesday’s theme was ‘Starting from Zip’, which emphasizes the disparities that exist in health outcomes based on where you live. This is illustrated in the recentCounty Health Rankings, where Duval County ranked 43 of 67 counties, but is demonstrated on a deeper level inDOH-Duval’s Place Matters Report, last produced in 2013. This report illustrates the significant disparities that are found across the Health Zones in Jacksonville. Health Zone 1, which includes zip codes 32208, 32209, 32206, 32254, 32204, and 32202, has higher rates of chronic disease complications, teen births, and obesity. This data allows DOH-Duval and many other community partners to build programs, direct money and resources, provide usable information and guide policy development that creates equity in that area.

Health Zone and zip code data certainly illustrate the needs in Health Zone 1, but this information also alerts us to other areas of need that exist in our community. For example, Health Zone 4 (zip codes 32215, 32221, 32205, 32210, 32222, 32244, and 32212) has the highest cancer mortality in our community.

At DOH-Duval sites this week, materials are available for discussion with clients about the health issues that impact them based on where they live in the Duval County area. Materials will include simple, usable information that will help members of the community live their healthiest lives.

"The observances this week also serve to remind our staff about the specific needs of the community that is served at each of our sites," said Dr. Kelli Wells.

NPHW is an observance that has been sponsored by the APHA for 20 years, and the theme for this year’s week long observance is "Healthiest Nation in One Generation".

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