FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2015

Contact: Candy Sims, Public Information Officer

(954) 467-4784 – (954) 895-5745

(FORT LAUDERDALE) – The Florida Department of Health in Broward County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the sixth annual 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.floridacharts.com.

“The rankings help us to identify areas where we must continue to partner and collaborate effectively to maintain our strengths and address opportunities for improvement,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director, Florida Department of Health in Broward County. 

These rankings are a snapshot of the health of counties across the country and they emphasize that health is not a singular effort but a combined work in progress across all community partners. The department works in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organizations, health care facilities, business groups, schools, faith-based organizations and many other stakeholders to improve the health of all people in Broward County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.

In Broward County, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is designed to address specific opportunities for improved health that have been identified by the community. The department has partnered with many stakeholders to implement the CHIP and collaborates regularly to track progress. Community initiatives include the Broward Is Greater Than AIDS, Physician Ambassadors Campaign designed to promote routine HIV testing, the Protect Yourself and Protect Your Baby Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local municipalities and organizations to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Broward County had the highest number of municipalities, six, along with county government, recognized as 2015 Healthy Weight Community Champions by the Florida Department of Health.

“We are encouraged by all the work that is being done here in Broward County,” said Cindy Arenberg-Seltzer, president and CEO, Children’s Services Council of Broward County. “The Children’s Services Council of Broward County remains committed to working with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County and our many other partners to continue to improve the quality of life for all children in Broward County.”

“The Rankings bring a great opportunity for county-wide discussions about overall health improvements and the Broward County Jurisdictional HIV Prevention Plan,” said Jorge Gardela, chairperson, Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council.

“As a Florida Healthy Weight Community Champion, Broward County is committed to the improvement of its residents’ health and wellness and is fortunate to have the support of many partners like the Florida Department of Health in Broward County working toward the same goals,” said Broward County Commissioner Dale V. C. Holness, District 9.

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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.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.