FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—In celebration of Black History Month, the Florida Department of Health is honoring African Americans in communities across Florida who have made a positive impact in public health. Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The national theme this year is "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture."

"Black History Month offers an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the countless contributions of African Americans to Florida's public health," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "We draw inspiration from the dedication and courage of trailblazers who have made great strides to improve the health of our children, adults and families."

As African American pioneers have worked to improve the health of Americans in the past, public health professionals in Florida continue to improve upon the legacy of their predecessors. In commemoration of 125 years of public health in Florida, the department released a resource, Florida Public Health Heroes, highlighting public health professionals from across the state who have served Florida's children, adults, families and visitors with excellence. This collection of stories brings life to the broad scope of public health services and highlights five outstanding African American public health professionals, including Arrie Battle, Dr. Morris Carter, Polly Cummings, Sarah Pender and Iris Quinn.

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.