April 19, 2016

INTERIM STATE SURGEON GENERAL SITS DOWN WITH PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

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Tallahassee, Fla.—Florida Department of Health Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip is touring the state in an effort to hear feedback on public health priorities in each of Florida’s 67 counties. Her tour begins today at the Department of Health in Monroe County, where she is listening to public health professionals who’ve dedicated their careers to improving the health of all Florida families and visitors.

“Public health begins at the local level and having spent several years of  my career at the county level I know how important it is to hear from community leaders to understand how we can work together to improve health outcomes in Florida,” said Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip. “I look forward to hearing from public health professionals and gaining new insights on the direction to move health in our state.”

The goal of her tour is to identify opportunities to improve and collaborate on for the new State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). The department is currently leading a multi-agency statewide effort to develop Florida’s SHIP for 2017-2020. This SHIP will provide the blueprint for effective, targeted and integrated action to improve the health of Floridians. Together with community partners, the department is currently gathering input to identify key health-related concerns facing the state and conducting a thorough analysis of factors that will help pinpoint the most important health issues for Florida.

Dr. Philip will wrap up her tour in mid-May and will share highlights along the away on the department’s Twitter and Facebook platforms using hashtag #FLHealthSHIP.  

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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