FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASES 2014 VITAL STATISTICS REPORT
~Report summarizes annual data on births, deaths and marriage~

TALLAHASSEE—Today, the Florida Department of Health released the 2014 Vital Statistics Report, with data now available on Florida CHARTS. Annual reports summarize data from original birth, life and death records filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and provide a view of population health changes.

"Infant mortality and life expectancy are key measures of population health," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Florida’s infant mortality continues to be the lowest in state history, while Florida’s life expectancy is higher than the national average.  Reducing disparity in infant mortality is a strategic priority for the department."

The number of live births increased from 215,194 in 2013 to 219,905 in 2014. The infant mortality rate decreased to 6.0 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014, the lowest rate in Florida's history. There were increases in the Hispanic and Black infant mortality rates, 4.4 to 4.9 and 10.6 to 11, respectively.

The department is launching “Florida’s Healthy Babies,” a collaborative effort with key partners across many sectors, to reduce and eliminate disparities in infant mortality through a multidisciplinary approach that improves healthy behaviors, social circumstances and physical environments. Already, the department has begun discussions with these partners to review existing efforts to reduce infant mortality, address social determinants of health and develop further comprehensive approaches to birth outcomes. The Office of the Deputy Secretary for Health is leading this effort.

Life expectancy from birth decreased slightly from 79.3 to 79.2 years, yet increased for black men and women, as well as Hispanic women. Since 1970, life expectancy from birth in Florida has increased by eight years and remains above the US average.

Heart disease was the leading cause of death in Florida in 2014, followed closely by cancer. Lung disease, stroke and unintentional injury rounded out the top five causes of death. Excess weight contributes to preventable chronic diseases, like heart disease, lung disease and stroke, as well as cancer. Behaviors, social circumstances and physical environments are dominant determinants of health outcomes. Through Healthiest Weight Florida, the Department is helping Florida’s children, adults and families to develop and sustain healthy habits for life. Small Steps to Living Healthy is a weekly campaign with healthy tips and resources to support healthy choices, day in and day out. 

The complete report can be viewed here and all data is available on Florida CHARTS.

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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.