FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health (DOH) Office of Minority Health invites you to join the statewide Take a Loved One to the Doctor Month campaign. This campaign aims to improve the health of all Floridians by encouraging prevention and early detection.

“I invite you to join us in improving Florida’s health by being part of Take a Loved One to the Doctor during the month of September,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Think about your family members and friends who need a health assessment, and encourage them to make an appointment to see a health care professional or attend a health event in your community.”

A special message from Dr. Armstrong regarding Take a Loved One to the Doctor is available at the following link: http://youtu.be/nSjDGpiG8hc.

The campaign is inspired by the Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day national initiative which is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday in September. The Department is seeking to remind Florida residents and visitors of the importance of seeking health care by extending this observance all month long. The 2013 campaign theme, “Health by Choice, Not by Chance: Working Together For a Healthy Community,” is an encouragement to all Floridians to take a proactive approach to health.

“This September, make every day Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day by reminding those around you to actively strive toward a healthier life by seeing a physician,” said Mike Mason, Director of the Department’s Office of Minority Health. “Your help is needed to promote health among all Floridians by creating a statewide network of health care providers, centers, clinics, physicians and departments who offer services to the underserved and vulnerable populations of our state.”

More information about Take a Loved One to the Doctor is available at the following link: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/minority-health/take-a-loved-one-to-the-doctor-day.html.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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