- St. Johns County remains healthiest in Florida - 

ST. AUGUSTINE – The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the sixth annual County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Report released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

For the fourth year in a row, St. Johns County has been ranked #1 in Florida in Health Outcomes (measures of today’s health) and #1 in Health Factors (measures of tomorrow’s health). The study highlights the many community factors that influence health such as the physical environment, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care, and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at www.floridacharts.com.

“Our sustained high ranking is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of our many community partners within the public health system here in St. Johns County,” said Dr. Dawn Allicock, director and health officer of DOH-St. Johns. “We understand what factors beyond medical care influence the health of our community and we all work together.”

DOH-St. Johns champions the St. Johns County Health Leadership Council, a collaborative of engaged community partners dedicated to community health improvement. Through evidence-based community health assessment and planning, the council has developed a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) designed to improve the health of our community and includes strategies to increase access to dental and mental health care and to increase the percentage of residents at a healthy weight.

“We recognize that there are many factors that impact overall health in our community, and we are committed to making the best use of resources and services to help our citizens enjoy an excellent quality of life. Our brand new, state-of-the-art St. Johns County Health and Human Services Center is a clear illustration of the priority this county continues to place on those critical services,” said Rachael Bennett, chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.

Flagler Hospital has consistently ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for clinical excellence and patient safety for more than a decade. “Our positive clinical outcomes reflect an ongoing commitment to quality care on the part of our staff, our community physicians and the many agencies we partner with in our region,” said Flagler Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Gordy.

“The St. Johns County School District is one of the top performing districts in the state and our high county health ranking is tied to many factors, including the including the education and care of our children,” said St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner. “I applaud the commitment of educators and community partners to the health and safety of our students.”

“The men and women of your Sheriff’s Office are proud of the work they do to influence our county’s health ranking,” said St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar. “Although we are not in the medical arena, many actions we take assist other agencies as well as our citizens in maintaining this status. We will continue to work in collaboration with other agencies, to ensure the safety, health and welfare of our community.”

###

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.