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Focus On

Contact: Florida Health

Focus On is updated on FLHealthCHARTS each month to bring attention to Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan priority areas and Agency priority areas.

Influenza/Pneumonia

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Type A and Type B influenza are the main types of influenza that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses). It is responsible for seasonal epidemics each year. The influenza virus infects the upper respiratory tract including the nose, pharynx, and throat. It also infects the lower respiratory tract, mainly the lungs, resulting in pneumonia which is the most common complication of influenza illness.1

Pneumonia is a lung infection that prevents your lungs from getting enough oxygen into the blood, creating a strain on the heart. Generally occurring in individuals at higher risk because of underlying chronic illnesses, influenza causes three types of pneumonia: 1) primary viral pneumonia, 2) post-illness or post-influenza bacterial pneumonia, and 3) a combined concurrent viral/bacterial pneumonia. Fortunately, life-saving vaccines are available for both influenza and some bacterial causes of pneumonia.2

An average of 36,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations are associated with influenza each year in the United States. Influenza is also responsible for substantial indirect costs ($6.2 billion annually), mainly from lost productivity. Each year, among adults ages 18 to 64 years, 17 million workdays are lost to influenza-related illness.3 The combination of influenza and pneumonia was the eighth leading cause of death among all persons in the United States in 2018, accounting for 59,120 deaths.4 In 2019, there were 2,703 deaths among Floridians from influenza and pneumonia, making this Florida’s 12th leading cause of death.4

Compared to 2016, counts and rates of influenza/pneumonia deaths have decreased. Influenza and pneumonia death counts dropped from 2,807 in 2016 to 2,703 in 2019 and age-adjusted death rates have dropped from 9.6 per 100,000 to 8.4 per 100,000 in 2019.5

Total influenza/pneumonia deaths, all ages, 2016 and 2019

Influenza and pneumonia are vaccine-preventable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization and death. The percentage of adults ages 18 years and older who received a flu vaccine in the past years increased from 35.0% in 2016 to 36.9% in 2019.5

Adults who received a flu shot in the past year, overall, 2016 and 2019

In the United States, the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend influenza vaccines for all persons older than 6 months of age. Monitoring the performance of influenza vaccines is important for understanding and improving the benefits of vaccination.6

Florida CHARTS tracks the following related metrics: 1) Deaths from influenza and pneumonia and 2) Deaths from pneumonia.

Citations

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). Atlanta, GA: National Center for immunization and Respiratory Disease (NCIRD); 2019.
2American Lung Association. Trends in Pneumonia and Influenza Morbidity and Mortality 2015.
3Division of Population Health. Programs | Flu & Pneumonia. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; 2016.
4Division of Population Health. Flu & Pneumonia Evaluation Measures. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; 2016.
5FL HEALTH CHARTS. Leading Causes of Death – 2019. Tallahassee, FL: Florida Department of Health; 2021.
6Grohskopf LA, Olsen SJ, et al.; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — United States, 2014–15 Influenza Season. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014; 63:691–97.

 

Focus On Topics from Prior Months:

  • Suicide prevention
  • Hepatitis A
  • The Opioid Epidemic in Florida
  • Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
  • Behavioral Health
  • Healthy Weight, Nutrition and Physical Activity
  • Health Equity
  • Leading Causes of Death
  • Cancer
  • Injury, Safety & Violence
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease
  • Immunizations & Influenza
  • Behavioral Health

Death by suicide is caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. An attempt at suicide is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die because of their actions.1

Nationally, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death preceded by heart disease, unintentional injury, Alzheimer’s disease and Influenza & Pneumonia.2 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, in 2019, 12 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million adults planned suicide and 1.4 million adults attempted suicide.3 Suicide affects everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, and gender.

In Florida, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death, claiming 3,427 lives in 2019 with a disproportionate number occurring among men. In 2019, 2,647 men died from suicide compared to 780 women.4

Compared to 2016, counts and rates of non-fatal intentional self-harm emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations decreased. Among those age 10 and older, ED visits dropped from 13,032 to 12,514 with rates of 64.4 and 58.8 per 100,000 respectively. Hospitalizations declined from 9,327 to 8,370 with rates of 46.1 and 39.4 per 100,000. During the same period, however, the number and rate of deaths increased from 3,121 (rate of 17.4 per 100,000) to 3,426 in 2019 (rate of 18.1 per 100,000).5

Total suicide deaths, all ages, 2016 and 2019 and intentional self-harm, age 10 and older, 2016 and 2019

These conditions prompted Florida to focus on suicide prevention as a priority in the State Health Improvement Plan6 by taking the following actions:

  • Providing training on suicide prevention and related behaviors to community and clinical service providers.
  • Increasing suicide prevention efforts for high-risk populations.
  • Collaborating across agencies to develop messaging and initiatives around suicide surveillance data from the Florida Violent Death Reporting System.

The State Health Improvement Plan Annual Progress Report6 provides a status of objectives that have been achieved and those in progress.

Achieved:

  • By December 31, 2019, the DCF suicide prevention website will include a training tab that will list best practices, trainings, and programs.
  • By December 31, 2021, the DCF suicide prevention website will include a tab on grants and projects that have been awarded and implemented in Florida.
  • By July 31, 2020, revise DCF’s suicide prevention website to include an information tab on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.
  • By December 31, 2020, create an implementation plan that focuses on suicide prevention efforts with service members, veterans, and their families.

In progress:

  • By December 31, 2021, DCF, along with suicide prevention partners, will increase outreach from 0 (2019) to 500,000 individuals with a serious mental illness who may be at risk by integrating information specifically for individuals with a serious mental illness into public messaging campaigns.
  • By December 31, 2021, DCF and DOH will partner to convene five (5) workgroup meetings with diverse stakeholders to expand suicide prevention efforts among focus populations identified in the state suicide prevention plan.
  • By December 31, 2021, increase the number of meetings held with the 2021-2023 Florida Suicide Prevention Interagency Action Committee from 7 (2019) to 10.

These activities are coordinated through the Department of Children and Families with its participating partners which include the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Behavioral Health Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Surveillance suggest some of the following strategies for suicide prevention: strengthen access to and delivery of suicide care, create protective environments, teach coping and problem-solving skills, identify and support people at risk.6

If you need help or know someone who does you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Text: 24/7 to a crisis counselor by texting the Crisis Text Line. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Citations

1Crosby A, Ortega L, Melanson C. Self-directed violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements, version 1.0 pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]. (2011) Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
2CDC. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). (2020) Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
3Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020) Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP20-07-01-001, NSDUH Series H-55). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Retrieved from: www.samhsa.gov/data/external icon
4FLHealthCHARTS: Suicide Deaths
5FLHealthCHARTS: Suicide and Behavioral Health Profile Report
6State Health Improvement Plan Progress Report, 2019

Hepatitis A is a communicable disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).1 Nationally, rates of hepatitis A have declined dramatically due to the introduction of the hepatitis A vaccine in 1996. However, in the most recent years, unexpected outbreaks across the nation have increased the number of reported cases. In the United States over 37,000 cases have been reported resulting in high rates of hospitalization and more than 340 deaths.2 Nationally, the rates of hepatitis A have increased from 0.6 per 100,000 in 2016 to 4 per 100,000 in 2018.3 In 2018, the total number of cases reported in the United States was 12,474, however due to underreporting, the actual number of cases was estimated to be 24,900.4

Incidence of Hepatitis A, 2011 to 2018

 Source: CDC

Florida has mirrored the national trend with the number of reported hepatitis A cases more than doubling from 2016 to 2017 and nearly doubling again in 2018 after several years of relative stability. Most of Florida’s cases have shared several common risk factors including injection and non-injection drug use and recently experiencing homelessness.5

In 2019, Florida had a major spike of 3,405 cases, a 500% increase compared to the 548 cases reported in 2018.5 In response to this outbreak, Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees declared a Public Health Emergency to address the unexpected increase in hepatitis A cases. In 2020, the virus trended downward with only 1,002 cases reported in Florida.5 In 2021, the weekly and monthly new case totals continue to trend downward. Since January of 2021 to date, 147 cases have been reported in the state of Florida, approaching the monthly trends observed prior to the 2016-2020 outbreak.5

Monthly Hepatitis A case counts, 2018 to 2021

Source: Florida Department of Health

Citations

1Hepatitis A, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2Outbreaks of hepatitis A are occurring across the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3Hepatitis A Questions and Answers for Health Professionals, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4Viral hepatitis surveillance—United States, 2017. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2019.
5Hepatitis A in Florida, Florida Health

Data from the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics indicates Florida’s unintentional and undetermined drug overdose deaths more than doubled from 2015 to 2019, with 2,538 deaths in 2015 and 4,294 deaths in 2019.4 The Department of Health (DOH) recently updated the Opioid Use Dashboard with 2nd quarter 2020 data for opioid-related non-fatal overdose emergency department visits and hospitalizations, as well as all drug-related non-fatal overdose emergency department visits and hospitalizations.1 DOH also released 2018 data in the Opioid Use Dashboard for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Birth Defect.

To assist in the opioid epidemic the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council 2020 Annual Report recommended some of the following action plans: Develop and implement a substance-use prevention strategy designed to reduce drug use among youth (ages 12-17). This strategy should focus on (1) the deployment of a unified antidrug messaging campaign, (2) increase/maintain substance use prevention efforts by securing/sustaining front-end prevention funding and (3) by expanding state partnerships with anti-drug coalitions, educational institutions, law enforcement, and other members of the 12 Community Sectors. Deploy an evidence-based substance use prevention program designed to reduce drug use among youth (ages 12-17). The curriculum should focus on evidence-based and/or evidence-informed prevention strategies proven to reduce substance use, while also increasing youth resiliency, coping strategies, positive mental health and responsible decision-making.1

Florida and the entire nation face ongoing drug-related threats like the opioid epidemic while dealing with the new challenge of COVID-19 infections. Initial data is indicating that our communities are experiencing an increase in drug abuse during this time of COVID-19. Data from the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) indicated that nationally, compared to last year, drug overdoses increased 18% in March 2020, 29% in April 2020 and 42% in May 2020.3

Percent increase in overdoses per month in 2020, compared to same months in 2019

 

The Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners 2019 Annual Report indicated that there were 6,128 opioid-related deaths reported (which averages more than 16 deaths per day).5 This is 552 more than the previous year, which represents slightly under a 10 percent increase.1

There is no evidence indicating that access to naloxone encourages or increases the use of heroin or other opioids. Rather, studies suggest that increasing health awareness through naloxone training and distribution actually reduces the use of opioids.2 DCF’s Overdose Prevention Coordinator and Harm Reduction Coordinator is available to help with training and technical assistance to organizations interested in establishing targeted naloxone distribution programs.1 County health departments and federally qualified health centers can also help distribute naloxone kits to targeted at-risk populations. These entities can use EMSTARS to identify opioid overdose hotspots and develop outreach and distribution strategies to saturate at-risk individuals in those communities with naloxone.1

Citations

1Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council 2020 Annual Report

2 Seal, K. H., Thawley, R., Gee, L., Bamberger, J., Kral, A. H., Ciccarone, D., Downing, M., & Edlin, B. R. (2005). Naloxone Distribution and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training for injection Drug Users to Prevent Heroin Overdose Death: A Pilot Intervention Study. Journal of Urban Health, 82(2), 303-311; Maxwell, S., Bigg, D., Stanczykiewicz, K., & Carlberg-Racich, S. (2006). Prescribing Naloxone to Actively Injecting Heroin Users: A Program to Reduce Heroin Overdose Deaths. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 25(3), 89-96; Wagner, K. D., Valente, T. W., Casanova, M., Partovi, S. M., Mendenhall, B. M., Hundley, J. H., Gonzalez, M., & Unger, J. B. (2010). Evaluation of an Overdose Prevention and Response Programme for Injection Drug Users in the Skid Row Area of Los Angeles, CA. International Journal of Drug Policy, 21, 186- 193; Doe-Simkins, M., Quinn, E., Xuan, Z., Sorensen-Alawad, A., Hackman, H., Ozonoff, A., & Walley, A. (2014). Overdose Rescues by Trained and Untrained Participants and Change in Opioid Use Among Substance-Using Participants in Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Programs: A Retrospective Cohort Study. BMC Public Health, 14(297); Jones, J. D., Campbell, A., Metz, V. E., & Comer, S. D. (2017). No Evidence of Compensatory Drug Use Risk Behavior Among Heroin Users After Receiving Take-home Naloxone. Addictive Behaviors, 71, 104-106; Marco, C. A., Trautman, W., Cook, A., Mann, D., Rasp, J., Perkins, O., & Ballester, M. (2018). Naloxone Use Among Emergency Department Patients with Opioid Overdose. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 55(1), 64-70.

3 William Wan and Heather Long (2020, July 1). Cries for help: Drug overdoses are soaring during the coronavirus pandemic. The Washington Post.

4CHARTS Opioid Use Dashboard

5Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners 2019 Annual Report

Alzheimer’s disease slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia among the senior population. African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from this disease, and Hispanics are one and a half times as likely as older whites to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Prevalence is higher among women compared to men; two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women.

AlzheimersDiseaseContinuum

Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. Dementia has a physical, psychological, social and economic impact not only on the people with dementia, but also on their careers, families and society at large. (WHO). There is no known cure; however, innovative research may provide hope for effective and novel treatment for this incapacitating disease.

Nearly 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease. This number will continue to increase as the population ages. Healthy People 2030 focuses on improving the care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. (U.S Department of Health and Human Services) In 2019, Alzheimer’s disease was the 6th leading cause of death statewide. An estimated 556,997 Floridians ages 65 years and older had probable Alzheimer’s. About 8.8% of Floridians ages 65 years and older reported having a cognitive disability; moreover, 28.9% of this age-group lived alone (2015-19 US Census).

National death rates for Alzheimer’s disease are increasing, unlike heart disease and cancer death rates that are on the decline. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, has been shown to be under-reported in death certificates and therefore the proportion of older people who die from this disease may be considerably higher. Many people living with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by family members. Nationally, in 2021, the cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is estimated at a staggering $355 billion. This cost is projected to increase to more than $1.1 trillion in 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association).

AlzheimersAADR2012-2019

Black and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In 2019, the age-adjusted death rate (AADR) for Alzheimer’s disease in Florida was 18.8 per 100,000. Hispanics had the highest AADR (24.1 per 100,000), whereas Blacks had the lowest AADR (15.8 per 1000,000).

These conditions prompted Florida to focus on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as a priority in the State Health Improvement Plan. The Florida Department of Health and participating partners are working to support the specific needs of this vulnerable population by taking the following actions:

  • Identifying a statewide system of resources and support to formalize the Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) network.
  • Strengthening the capacity of care organizations to assess, diagnose and treat individuals with ADRD and expand support for their caregivers.
  • Protecting individuals with ADRD from further vulnerability.

For additional data about Florida’s older population, see FLHealthlCHARTS.com’s Aging In Florida Profile and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Demographic Profiles and Statistics.

Citations

1 Rajan KB, Weuve J, Barnes LL, McAninch EA, Wilson RS, Evans DA. Population estimate of people with clinical AD and mild cognitive impairment in the United States (2020-2060). Alzheimers Dement 2021;17. In press.
2 Rajan KB, Weuve J, Barnes LL, Wilson RS, Evans DA. Prevalence and incidence of clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease dementia from 1994 to 2012 in a population study. Alzheimers Dement 2019;15(1):1-7.
3Healthy People 2030 Dementias
4Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alzheimer Disease Fast Stats
52021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Special Report Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America

Behavioral health is vital to a person’s well-being, personal relationships, and living a full and productive life.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research shows that mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment.

Perceptions about Mental Health Surveys show that students’ and adults’ self-perceptions about mental health have declined.

Behavioral health disorders Hospitalizations for mental disorders have steadily increased over the past two decades.

Suicide Suicide rates continue to increase and are highest among White males.

Prevention Integrating behavioral health objectives within Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan acknowledges an interdisciplinary approach to prevention.

The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is about a leading a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses. A healthy weight can also be affected by access to nutritious food. Low income and minority communities often lack food retail environments that offer affordable and healthy foods. When people do not have adequate access to healthy foods, they may settle for foods that are high in calories or have very low nutritional content.

Promoting healthy weight includes both weight loss or gain, depending on one’s current health and weight status. For those who are overweight, even a modest weight loss can have a positive impact on health. Being at a healthy weight is related to a lower risk for several serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and certain cancers. Healthy weight can also impact energy levels, sleep habits, self-esteem, psychological health and health care costs.

For these reasons, Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan addresses healthy weight, nutrition and physical activity as a priority. Florida is working toward improving not only the food environment and nutrition habits, but opportunities for physical activity across the lifespan.

Healthy Weight

Did you know that in 2019, only 32.8% of adults in Florida were at a healthy weight? Over time, the proportion of Florida’s population who are at a healthy weight has decreased, while obesity and overweight have increased. This condition persists across races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Obesity and being overweight disproportionally impact both Black and Hispanic populations and are also serious concerns among youths. Consider these facts:

  • The percent of adults at a healthy weight was 35.6% in 2007 but declined to 32.8% by 2019 (2019: White = 34.2%, Black = 28.5%, Hispanic = 29.9%)
  • The percent of overweight or obese adults was 62.1% in 2007 but rose to 64.6% by 2019 (2019: White = 63.2%, Black = 70.1%, Hispanic = 67.2%)
  • The percent of middle and high school students who were overweight or obese was 26.7% in 2010 but rose to 30.4% by 2020 (2020: White = 26.7%, Black = 36.1%, Hispanic = 32.2%).

The most significant decline in healthy weight is apparent among women giving birth. Looking at pre-pregnancy weight and height on birth records shows fewer mothers are at a healthy weight as measured by BMI (body mass index).

  • The percent of births to mothers who had a healthy weight at the time pregnancy occurred was 50.6% in 2007 but declined to 41.7% by 2019 (2019: White = 43.9%, Black = 32.0%, Hispanic = 40.4%).
  • The percent of births to mothers who were obese at the time pregnancy occurred increased from 20.0% in 2007 to 27.1% in 2019 (2019: White = 24.8%, Black = 37.4%, Hispanic = 25.7%).

 Percent of Births to Mothers with a Healthy Weight, Florida 2005-2019

Nutrition

Food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level. For children under 18 years old, food insecurity means they do not have consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Fortunately, this situation appears to be improving.

  • Florida’s statewide food insecurity rate declined from 16.2% of the population in 2014 to 13.0% of the population in 2018.
  • Florida’s child food insecurity rate decreased from 24.9% of children in 2014 to 19.4% of children in 2018.

Physical Activity

Physical activity levels show a declining trend with more adults reporting sedentary behavior and fewer youth reporting physical activity.

  • The percent of adults who were sedentary was 25.4% in 2007 and rose to 26.5% by 2019 (2019: White = 24.1%, Black = 28.9%, Hispanic = 31.5%)
  • The percent of middle and high school students who were physically active for at least 60 minutes on all 7 of the past 7 days was 23.5% in 2013 and declined to 19.5% in 2020. (2020: White = 24.6%, Black=15.2%, Hispanic = 16.2%)

The Healthy Weight Profile presents key measures of weight, activity and eating habits among adults. It also includes measures about the built environment and surroundings like parks that provide the setting for physical activity. Data is available by county and for Florida. For each measure in the report, trends, quartile maps and data tables are available by clicking the links.

Learn More
FloridaNational

Health equity means attaining the highest level of health for all people Florida’s State Health Assessment identified health equity, including behavioral health and other key social and economic factors that influence opportunities for good health, as key contributors to health outcomes. As a result, the Florida State Health Improvement Plan addresses health equity as a priority.

Some factors that influence health equity are economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. One way to quantify equity issues is by comparing rates among one population to rates in another. If all things were equal, rates in different populations would not be drastically different from each other.

The Health Equity Profile report presents key measures of health equity by county and for Florida. The report explores dimensions like distribution of opportunity, community determinants, the physical and economic environments, health services and outcomes among the Black, Hispanic and White populations. It can be used to assess areas of greatest and least disparity in Florida’s counties and statewide by using a statistic called a rate ratio.

A rate ratio is calculated by dividing one population’s rate by a reference population’s rate for the same indicator. For example, if the Black population’s rate is 10 and the White population’s rate is 5, the rate ratio is 2:1 (spoken as “2 to 1”). The Black rate is twice the White rate (calculation: 10/5=2). The graph below, provides examples of some Florida health-related statistics where the Black rate is 1.5 or more times the White rate. For example, the Black rate of children less than 18 years old below poverty level is 1.9 times the White rate.

Black to White Ratios for Select Conditions, Florida

 Data Sources:1American Communities Survey, 2015-2019, 2Florida Vital Statistics, 2019 3Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, 2019

Florida’s top five leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, unintentional injury and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) – are generally attributed to over 60% of all resident deaths each year. In 2019, they accounted for 63.6% of the 206,975 deaths.

20-year high or low by cause of death. The chance of the 2019 age-adjusted death rates being a 20-year high or low is 1 out of 20 or 5%; so there is a 95% chance that factors other than random variation influenced these rates. Age-adjusted rates for three of the five leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer and CLRD – were at their lowest in 2019 when compared to their rates from 2000-2019. None of the five leading causes were at their highest age-adjusted death rates in 2019.

Percentage change over time. In 2019, among these five leading causes, unintentional injury had the greatest percentage increase (+46.8%) in age-adjusted death rate compared to 20 years ago. Conversely, the greatest percentage decreases in the past 20 years occurred in heart disease and cancer age-adjusted death rates, Florida’s primary and secondary leading causes of death (-39.2% and -24.0%, respectively). The table below shows the proportion of Florida deaths attributed to each of the top five leading causes of death since 2000.

Learn more about leading causes of death by exploring FLHealthCHARTS’ Leading Cause of Death profile report.

Florida Leading Causes of Death, 2000-2019

Since 2014, cancer has been the second leading cause of death in Florida, after heart disease. Recent data shows that in 2019, 45,562 Floridians died from cancer. Each year, over 110,000 new cases are diagnosed and reported to the state cancer registry, the Florida Cancer Data System.

Although cancer is the second leading cause of death, there are many kinds of cancers that contribute to this statistic. The greatest number of deaths are caused by these types of cancer, in descending order: lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer of the female breast and prostate cancer.

The age-adjusted cancer death rate decreased from 154.3 per 100,000 population in 2014 to 142.8 in 2019; however, cancer incidence (new cases) did not. The age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in 2014 of 426.0 per 100,000 population increased to 440.9 by 2017 (latest data available).

Preventive health care services, such as screenings, can detect cancer before symptoms start; treatment is most beneficial when cancers are detected early. The most effective cancer screenings which have led to reduced deaths include screenings for breast, cervical, lung and colorectal cancers. Screening for skin cancer, specifically melanoma of the skin, and prostate cancer has contributed to the reduced morbidity and mortality due to cancer in Florida as well.

Did you know that men have higher cancer incidence and death rates from cancer compared to women? Black females have a lower cancer incidence than White females, but there is no significant difference in their death rates. Historically, Black men have had both a higher incidence and death rate due to cancer than White men. In recent years, the gap has decreased.

2017 Age-Adjusted Cancer Rates

 

The State Health Improvement Plan aims to reduce cancer incidence and increase cancer survival. FLHealthCHARTS.com offers additional information through its cancer incidence and death indicators as well as the death query system. To learn more about cancer control efforts in Florida, please visit this page: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-control-florida.html

References

  1. Florida Annual Cancer Report: 2017 Incidence and Mortality. Tallahassee: Florida Department of Health, https://fcds.med.miami.edu/inc/publications.shtml
  2. www.FLHealthCHARTS.com 

Unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in Florida overall after heart disease, cancer and stroke. Unintentional injuries include other events such as falls, drowning, and car crashes. Intentional injuries include events such as homicide or suicide. Overall, suicides are the eighth leading cause of death, while homicides are the fifteenth leading cause of death in Florida.

Unintentional injuries such as falls and motor vehicle crashes, and intentional injuries such as intimate partner violence are a major cause of death for people ages 1 to 44; however, most injuries are predictable and preventable. In 2019, unintentional injuries were the fourth leading cause of death overall after heart disease, cancer and stroke, accounting for 13,213 deaths while suicides were the eighth leading cause with 3,427 deaths. Including all injury deaths, both unintentional and intentional, over 18,100 Floridians lost their lives. Moreover, injury caused 144,050 hospitalizations and 1,891,631 emergency department visits.

For this reason, Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan is working to prevent and reduce unintentional and intentional injuries and deaths in Florida. Specific strategies include:

  • promoting evidence-based falls prevention programs serving elders,
  • preventing child drowning,
  • addressing violence through partnerships that focus on common risk and protective factors,
  • improving the transportation network to reduce motor vehicle fatalities and injuries on our streets and highways, and
  • decreasing morbidity and mortality from injury through effective support and monitoring of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Trauma Systems of Care.

Recently the Injury, Safety and Violence priority area workgroup invited the Behavioral Health workgroup to begin a discussion on overlapping goals, including suicide prevention, drug use, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

FLHealthCHARTS.com offers additional information through its Fatal Injury, Non-Fatal Injury Dashboard, Non-Fatal Injury Hospitalization, and Non-Fatal Injury Emergency Department Visit Reports. To learn more about the Florida Department of Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Section and its priorities, please visit this page: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/injury-prevention/index.html.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. When not adequately treated, syphilis can lead to visual impairment, hearing loss, stroke, and other neurological problems. Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants. A pregnant mother who has syphilis can transmit the disease through the placenta to the unborn infant. Congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death, and infected infants can experience lifelong physical and neurologic problems. Florida reports cases of congenital syphilis based on a standardized surveillance case definition developed by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increases in syphilis nearly every year since 2001. In 2018, Florida’s primary and secondary syphilis (syphilis that is infectious) rate was 13.7 per 100,000 population, surpassed only by six other states: Louisiana (14.3), New Mexico (14.9), Georgia (15.4), Alabama (15.5), California (19.2) and Nevada (22.7). 1

Florida’s syphilis rates are increasing. Early syphilis (syphilis acquired within a year) rates increased, from 8.3 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 34.8 in 2019 (Figure 1). Among males ages 15–44, rates of total syphilis increased from 42.4 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 176.0 in 2019; among females, rates increased from 19.1 per 100,000 population to 46.3 in 2019 (Figure 2). Florida’s congenital syphilis rates have increased from 8.8 per 100,000 live births and fetal deaths in 2006 to 65.9 in 2019 (Figure 3).

The Florida Department of Health, in partnership with the CDC; Healthy Start Coalitions of Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange and Duval Counties; The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Center of Central Florida; BLISS Healthcare Services and Florida Department of Education, are working to reduce syphilis rates. Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan includes objectives for reducing rates of early syphilis, syphilis cases among women of reproductive age (15–44), and congenital syphilis cases.

Early Syphilis Rate, Florida, 2006-2019
Source: FLHealthCHARTS.com

 

Total Syphilis Rate, Males and Females Ages 15-44, Florida, 2006-2019

Source: FLHealthCHARTS.com

 

Congenital Sypghilis Rate, Florida, 2006-2019

Source: FLHealthCHARTS.com

 

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References

Vaccination protects adults and children from serious disease. Being immunized also reduces the risk of complications from certain diseases, especially among those with compromised immune systems, by reducing the chance of passing on serious diseases to others. The World Health Organization cites multiple benefits of vaccination including elimination of diseases, reduction of morbidity and complications, protection of the unvaccinated population and prevention of related diseases and certain cancers. As the 2020 flu season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending early flu vaccine for children 6 months through 8 years of age who need 2 doses and later vaccinations (starting September) for older adults.

Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan addresses vaccination and influenza as a priority, and we are working toward improving access to vaccines across the lifespan. Specific objectives focus on improving access to vaccines for pregnant women, infants, children and teens. Approximately 83.5% of 2-year olds received the basic vaccine series, and 93.5% and 96.1% of kindergarten and 7th grade students, respectively, were up to date with recommended vaccines during school year 2019-20.

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Behavioral health disorders, including mental illness and substance abuse, are often inter-connected with other general medical conditions. People who grow up in good physical health are more likely to also have good mental health. Similarly, good mental health often contributes to maintenance of good physical health. National Research Council and Institute of Medicine.
Consider the following statistics for Florida:

  • 28.3% of middle and high school students reported that, within in the past year, they felt sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row and stopped doing usual activities (YTS, 2019).
  • 12.1% of middle and high school students reported that within the past year, they did something to purposely hurt themselves without wanting to die (YTS, 2019)
  • 15.6% of adults reported ever having had a depressive disorder. (BRFSS, 2018)
  • 12.8% of adults reported having poor mental health on 14 or more of the past 30 days (BRFSS, 2018)

Recent research suggests that preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders is inherently interdisciplinary and draws on a variety of different strategies1. For example, improving family functioning and positive parenting has positive effects on mental health and can reduce poverty-related risk. Integrating behavioral health objectives within Florida’s State Health Improvement Plan acknowledges this interdisciplinary approach. One goal is to reduce mental, emotional and behavioral health disorders in children through improved identification and treatment of behavioral health disorders in parents who come in contact with the child welfare system. Other goals include decreasing the number of newborns experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome, reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths among individuals with opioid use disorders and reducing the number of suicides in Florida.

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1 Lando J, Marshall Williams S, Sturgis S, et al. A logic model for the integration of mental health into chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Prev Chronic Dis. 2006 April;3(2):A61.