Healthy Seminole is a half hour health show created through a partnership between the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County and Seminole County Government TV. The show covers a variety of health topics and highlights community organizations. The latest show aired in September and engages community members in conversations on Healthy Aging. Special guests from the City of Longwood Age Friendly Communities, Longwood Police Department, Seminole County Committee on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Westside Community Center Seniors and the health department shared information about their initiatives and age-friendly resources available for the community.
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On the first day of Fall, Okaloosa County’s Preventing Injuries Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) group held an event to celebrate National Fall Prevention Month. The Fort Walton Beach Medical Center hosted the event which featured pharmacist evaluations of medications, blood pressure checks, fall risk screenings, information booths, a short presentation and refreshments. Falls are the leading cause of injury death for those aged 65+ in Okaloosa County. The group hopes that the 50 individuals who attended the event left with the knowledge and tools needed to reduce their risk of falling.

Lindsey Cavey, RN, Assistant Nursing Director; Emily Mutschler, Healthiest Weight Florida Coordinator; and Amos Joe, Public Health Planner shared free health resources with community members at the 2019 Monroe County School District Academic Day event in Key West. At the event on September 7, Monroe CHD distributed over 20 free helmets for youth and adults. Bike safety is one of the priority health issues of Monroe County’s CHIP. The department also provided information on tobacco prevention and vaping, nutrition and services offered for free and low-cost for school district families. Cavey provided no-cost hepatitis A vaccines.

Putnam CHD SWAT youth attended the Interlachen Town Council meeting to present on tobacco marketing to youth and local tobacco retail licensing. The students focused on the importance of creating a tobacco free zone around the schools where youth are more susceptible to targeted tobacco marketing. This initiative would make a positive impact on the community and change the way youth view using tobacco/nicotine products. Town Council members will meet with Mary Garcia, Putnam CHD Administrator and Jennifer Ramos Gagne, Tobacco Manager to discuss options, sample ordinances/resolutions and more resources to create a healthier community.

Nearly 150 Brevard CHD staff members staffed three special needs shelters that housed a total of 350 clients during Hurricane Dorian. Staff members were also active in the ESF8 and ESF14 desks in the EOC and administrative offices.