Contact:
Heidi Moore
CHD16MediaRequests@flhealth.gov

904-253-1010

Jacksonville, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and the 2017 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This study highlights the many community factors that influence health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at www.flhealthcharts.gov. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.

“The County Health Rankings are a starting point for change, helping communities come together, identify priorities, and create coalitions that will help our diverse community live healthier lives. The County Health Rankings remind us how health is influenced by our surroundings – where we live, work, and play,” said Kelli Wells, MD, Director of DOH-Duval.  “The County Health Ranking is often the spark for policy makers, businesses, community partners, healthcare providers and others to work together to better the health of the community.”

These rankings give a snapshot of the health of counties across the country and they emphasize that health is not a singular effort but a combined work of multiple community partners

In Duval County, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) identifies community specific focus areas for improved health that have been chosen by members of the community. The CHIP also defines how public health system partners will work together to address health priorities. The result is a well-crafted roadmap to improve health outcomes that we will review and revise annually to respond to emerging challenges. The following priority areas in Duval County’s CHIP will impact our health ranking:

• Healthy Families and Healthy Babies
• Healthiest Weight
• Behavioral Health
• Access to Care
• Health Equity 

Duval County’s overall ranking for Health Factors increased from 35 to 32. Ranking for health behaviors (38 to 35) and clinical care (11 to 10) also improved.  Working with the Mayor, City Council and our local partners, we will continue to support the implementation of projects and programs in critical areas that will have a positive impact on the overall health of our community.

“This is a timely report that reinforces the work that we at Humana and our community leaders are undertaking with our Bold Goal Initiative, said Tracie Fahy, Humana Regional Medicare President and Bold Goal Co-Chair. This report further validates the reason Humana has chosen Jacksonville as a target with our Bold Goal initiative to improve the health of our community 20% by the year 2020. Through our partnerships with the Health Department, local Health leaders, local government and a host of community organizations we believe we can collectively impact the health of Duval County and turn these numbers in a positive direction.”

Last week the Florida Department of Health celebrated a one year milestone as the first integrated department of health in the nation to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. The seal of accreditation signifies that the Florida Department of Health has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health.

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.