The City of Palatka recently received prestigious recognition as Florida’s sixth official Trail Town designee. Palatka and the surrounding area offers a system of multi-use paths providing nearby residents many health benefits of walking, hiking and cycling on local trails, paddling on the St. Johns and riding on equestrian trails. Mary Garcia, Administrator, serves on the Trail Town Committee along with partners from the City of Palatka, Revitalize Historic Palatka, Inc., Downtown Palatka, Inc. and the Putnam Blueways and Trails CSO. This accomplishment is part of our Complete Streets efforts for Putnam County. Trail Friendly Communities help combat the rise of chronic diseases.

DOH - Sarasota hosted a community meeting on April 25 as part of the Community Health Assessment process. Two assessments were completed by the group in addition to reviewing the 2018 Community Health Improvement Plan Annual Report and Community Health Action Team updates. The Local Public Health System Assessment and the Forces of Change survey were completed by the twenty attendees representing schools, foundations, non-profits, government, and community.

The DOH-Monroe’s Injury Prevention program recently held two free trainings for community members to become certified helmet fitters through the Florida Pedbike Resource Center. The project, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, provides trained individuals with the opportunity to order safety materials, including helmets and educational brochures, to educate their communities. The newly certified people, nine from Key West and six from Key Largo, will provide education about bike safety, raise awareness about the impact of safe riding practices (such as wearing a helmet), and mobilize local community members to bring resources to the area in an effort to reduce bicycle accidents and injuries.

On April 3, 2019, the Hamilton County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition hosted a symposium to increase awareness about human trafficking. Clinical staff from the Hamilton County Health Department provided human trafficking awareness stickers, magnets, pamphlets and cards to participants.

DOH-Putnam recently co-hosted the 1st Self-Care Day for homeless citizens that provided showers, haircuts, laundry service, food and education about other local services and resources. The DOH-Putnam team gave Hepatitis A and Flu Vaccines, and they provided testing and counseling for HIV, TB and Diabetes. The event was a great opportunity to assist some fantastic folks who needed a hand up. #LiveWellPutnam

DOH- Okaloosa partnered with Elliott Point Elementary School and the Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) to hold a Bike to School event on May 8th. In the days leading up the event, DOH-Okaloosa and ECRC fitted 30 students with new helmets. Even Assistant Principal Scott Nuss (pictured) was fitted for a helmet! Over 60 students, parents, and school staff members biked to school, with Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office staff members leading the route.

Organizations, businesses, DOH and Hospitals across Santa Rosa and Escambia County are coming together to discuss the collective impact approach to implementing a Community Health Plan. Still in the early planning phases, stakeholders are meeting to discuss the best way to build the bridge to close the gap in health outcomes for all residents. Prioritizing diabetes, infant health, and mental health, partners and community members will be working on goals and objectives for creating a ‘Healthy Esca-Rosa’.

As part of the Healthiest Weight initiative, DOH-Martin created a special card to educate the community about the evidence-based 5-2-1-0 program to promote healthy lifestyles. The colorful and engaging card provides obesity data specific to Martin County along with resource information and features the information in English and Spanish. The creation of the card led to a collaboration with pediatricians at the Cleveland Clinic/Martin Health System. Doctors use the cards during well-child visits to promote 5 or more fruits and veggies, 2 or fewer hours of screen time, 1 hour of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks each day.