FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health recently received 33 awards through the 2015 Prudential Productivity Awards Program. Since 1989, this awards program has recognized and rewarded individuals, teams and agencies within state government for innovations and productivity improvements resulting in cost savings, cost avoidances and increased revenue for state government.

"The Florida Department of Health has over 15,000 public health professionals who are committed to protecting, promoting and improving the health of all people in Florida as efficiently and effectively as possible," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "The Prudential Productivity Awards highlights the work of talented employees who constantly seek to improve our processes and save Florida tax payer dollars."

Efforts by the department's award recipients generated a total estimated savings to the state of over $5.4 million by implementing innovative ideas and process improvements that maximize efficiencies, eliminate waste, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Of the 33 award winning entries from the department, 24 were team efforts and nine were individual contributions. In addition, 28 local health departments and five central office divisions within the department were recognized, some receiving multiple awards for outstanding achievements.

A complete list of the department's Prudential Productivity Award winners is available for viewing online. Highlights of two of the cash awards, team and individuals, include:

• Mark LaLuzerne received the individual cash award for the development of a procedure and software application to scan medical records into electronic format resulting in less processing time and increased accuracy. This has saved the department $1,125,000 on transferring medical records to an electronic format. The reduction in processing time has saved an estimated 75,000 man hours, which would have required additional staff.
• The Division of Administration received a team cash award for streamlining the payment process for its pharmaceutical purchases and maximizing the "cost of goods discount" with its prescription medication provider, Cardinal Health. After a full year under this new process, the team saved the department over $2.5 million as well as reduced the workload for both the department and the Department of Financial Services. This cost savings enhances the department's ability to purchase additional vital drugs. Team members: JoAnne Lane, Jean Lombardi, Beth Benton, Bruce Wolin, Shondrea Thomas, Dana Purtell, Eleanor Blair and Jennifer Pitts.

The Prudential Productivity Awards Program is a public-private partnership co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, the Florida Council of 100 and the state of Florida. The 2015 awards competition recognized 217 individuals and teams from Florida's state agencies. Awards will be presented at ceremonies during March in various locations throughout the state. For a listing of all 2015 Davis Productivity Award winners and a schedule of award events, visit www.floridataxwatch.org.

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.