FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN PASCO COUNTY ADDRESSES COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS 

New Port Richey - The Florida Department of Health in Pasco 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.

"Pasco has climbed to 37th out of 67 in the rankings" said Mike Napier, County Health officer. "These rankings are broad measures that summarize health status and quality of life in our county. We are beginning to see the benefits of collaborative efforts. By taking a concerted community approach to tackling challenges, we will make a positive, lasting impact on the health of Pasco County residents. I would like to see Pasco in the top third of the rankings by 2020."

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

In Pasco County, public health system partners are engaged in identifying new priorities and will develop strategies for addressing these community health issues over the coming months.

Rick Hess, President/CEO with Pasco's Kids First has participated in recent planning efforts around community health and emphasized the importance of "bringing in non-traditional partners as we try to impact unique community issues. New approaches and new ideas can revitalize our efforts."

Joey Resnick, CEO of Premier Community HealthCare reflects on the recent rankings released and states, "Premier continues its commitment as a community health center to work in collaboration with the department of health and other stakeholders to ensure that we are unified in our efforts to help improve health outcomes among Pasco County residents." According to Resnick, "the rankings tell part of the story for community health and behind the scenes we are leveraging resources, working toward improving access and reducing disparities as a unified group dedicated to improving the health of our community."

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, 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.
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