Health Rankings: Martin County 5th, St Lucie county 31st
Every year, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation helps release a study of health, county by county, across the nation. In Florida, St. John’s County was ranked most healthy. Union County was least healthy. Martin County ranked 5th in the state while St Lucie county ranked 31st.
From the Martin County Health Department
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes. Today it was acknowledged the 2017 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. It uses established data, much of which is available from the department at www.FLHealthCHARTS.com.
“Good health is a foundation for a great community. Everyone has a role to play in developing and maintaining a healthy community.” said Karlette Peck, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Martin County. “We are so fortunate in Martin County that so many agencies value health and work to support programs and initiatives that improve the wellness of our residents and visitors.”
Health Rankings
These rankings are a snapshot of the health of counties across the country. 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 Martin County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care. County Health Rankings can be found here: www.countyhealthrankings.org
In Martin 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. It collaborates regularly to track progress with the focus areas aimed at raising awareness about existing health and human services. It supports School Health initiatives and programs that tackle obesity.
Last week the Florida Department of Health celebrated a one year milestone as 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.
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 is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board. It works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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