Lake County– The Florida Department of Health in Lake County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2016 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.

“Integrated community efforts are the foundation of developing healthy outcomes for Lake County residents” said Aaron Kissler, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Lake County.  “The health of each county furthers our goals for becoming the healthiest state in the nation”

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 Lake County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.

In Lake 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.  We are excited that three (3) of our local county hospitals are on their way to becoming “Baby Friendly”. In addition Healthiest Weight is working with the School Board on the upcoming “Healthiest District Award” and worked with the City of Clermont whom was presented with the 2016 State Surgeon General Healthy Weight Community Champion Award for positively impacting the health environment in this area.  We have continued our partnership with Lake County Shared Services Network, Golden Triangle YMCA and Get Fit Lake in order to promote a healthier lifestyle for our community. 

“It has been a very rewarding experience working with these hospitals. I have been impressed by the level of commitment and dedication that the nursing staff has shown towards helping breastfeeding babies and mothers” said Mary Stickney, Florida Department of Health in Lake County WIC Director.

“The Florida Department of Health in Lake County has been supportive in the success of promoting both the mission and vision of Get Fit Lake.  We have been able to share a wealth of information to the citizens of Lake County and assist them in obtaining their goal to a healthy lifestyle” said Annacelia Gander, Board of Get Fit Lake.

“Due, in large part, to the strong partnerships between Lake County, the Florida Department of Health in Lake County and our community and faith-based service groups, we are so pleased that Lake County was able to increase our ranking in the annual county health ratings this year,” said Dottie Keedy, Lake County Community Services Director.

“We Care of Lake County recognizes the value of collaboration and cooperation to create a strong network of providers.  Our relationship with the Florida Department of Health in Lake County is incredibly important to this organization, affording a level of extended services to the uninsured that provides greater health outcomes.  Providing excellent specialty medical services is our mission, and our mutual support and coordination of services has proven to be a successful formula” said Carol Millwater, Executive Director of We Care of Lake County, Inc.

Last week, the Florida Department of Health became 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 works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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