March 19, 2019
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN
WALTON COUNTY ADDRESSES COUNTY
HEALTH RANKINGS

Contact:
Patti Roberts
Patricia.roberts@flhealth.gov
850-401-6353

DeFuniak Springs, Fla. —The Florida Department of Health in Walton County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2019 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.
“Our overall health outcomes have improved in the rankings from 29th to 17th out of 67 counties. With the combined efforts of our community partners, we are addressing several public health issues in our county. These issues; 1. Reduce Substance Abuse & Improve Mental Health, 2. Improve Healthy Behaviors and 3. Increase community awareness of Provider Availability and Health Equity, are outlined in our Walton Community Health Improvement Plan. It takes all of us working together to make Walton County a healthier place to live” said Holly Holt, Health Officer.

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

In Walton 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. Springs Walton Community Health Improvement Partnership (WCHIP) meetings are held every other month on the third Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Department of Health in Walton, DeFuniak Springs site alternating with our Santa Rosa branch site. Please join us at the next meeting March 20, 2019 in DeFuniak.
“The Walton County Prevention Coalition’s participation in WCHIP connects us with other community organizations to help prevent drug use by promoting wellness” stated Bryan C. Callahan, Walton County Prevention Coalition Co-Chair/Coordinator. “Being a part of the WCHIP keeps us informed about Walton County’s public health concerns and allows partners to work collaboratively to make our community a healthier place to live.”

To explore more health indicators in your county, visit www.flhealthcharts.gov.

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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov .