Press Releases
July 21, 2017
NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding all parents to begin preparing their students for school now to avoid the back-to-school rush. Collier County students will start school on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. To avoid the long lines and extended waiting periods, DOH-Collier encourages parents and caregivers to check the immunization status and school requirements for their children, and visit your local health department or private healthcare provider as soon as possible.
June 02, 2017
PRUDENTIAL PRODUCTIVITY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County was recognized by Florida Tax Watch and received three Prudential Productivity Awards. The Awards program publicly recognizes and rewards state employees and work units whose work significantly and measurably increases productivity and promotes innovation to improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.
Due to recent active wildfires in Golden Gate Estates, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County cautions everyone about the health effects of wildfire smoke as a respiratory irritant, which can cause scratchy throat, coughing, headaches or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions. Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads may also worsen these conditions.
March 29, 2017
DOH COLLIER ADDRESSES COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2017 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
March 13, 2017
Teaming Up for Children’s Health
In pursuit of healthier playing environments for Collier County’s youngest residents, the Tobacco Free Collier Partnership and the Blue Zones Project have been working closely with Collier County Parks and Recreation staff on a project that will reduce secondhand tobacco smoke and vapor exposure for local youth.
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County and NCH Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County are pleased to announce that Mr. Gary Hanke from Charlie’s Kids Foundation donated 200 “Sleep Baby Safe and Snug” books to Healthy Start of Collier County.
Due to recent active wildfires in Collier County, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County cautions everyone about the health effects of wildfire smoke as a respiratory irritant, which can cause scratchy throat, coughing, headaches or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions. Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads may also worsen these conditions.
February 03, 2017
NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
Florida is a mosaic of diverse cultures; however, Blacks — comprising African Americans, Haitians, and other people of the Caribbean — account for roughly half of all HIV/AIDS cases in the state, even though they make up only 16% of Florida’s population. In fact, an estimated 1 in 47 black Floridians have HIV/AIDS, compared with 1 in 176 Hispanics and 1 in 346 whites, according to the Florida Department of Health. As of December 31st, 2016, 1,723 residents of Collier County have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and 42% of these men, women, and children are Black.
January 03, 2017
3rd Annual Twins Tot Walk Vigil
Just Against Children Drowning Foundation, Inc., The NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County and The Florida Department of Health in Collier County would like to raise awareness about children drowning.
November 09, 2016
FLORIDA HEALTH IN COLLIER ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO JOIN THE ‘MAINTAIN, DON’T GAIN’ CHALLENGE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
To help Florida families across the state enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season, the Florida Department of Health is partnering with North Carolina State University to offer the Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge for the third year in a row. This free seven-week challenge runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 and provides participants with tips, tricks and ideas to help maintain their weight throughout the holiday season.
November 04, 2016
TOBACCO FREE COLLIER AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLIER COUNTY ENCOURAGE TOBACCO USERS TO QUIT ON GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT®
In observance of the Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Tobacco Free Collier and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County encourage tobacco users to use the date to make a quit plan or to plan in advance to quit smoking.
October 05, 2016
NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY
October 15, 2016 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a national community mobilization and social marketing campaign that unites the Hispanic/Latino community in efforts to raise HIV awareness, promotion of HIV testing, prevention, and education.
September 28, 2016
DOH-COLLIER HOSTS THE 3RD ANNUAL BIG BUS EVENT IN IMMOKALEE
The Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will be hosting the 3rd Annual Immokalee Big Bus Event at the DOH-Collier Immokalee campus (419 North First Street, Immokalee) on Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This free health fair and public awareness campaign is geared towards providing opportunities for individuals and families to receive certain health services and information. Eight big buses will be on site to provide health services to those who visit.
September 16, 2016
NATIONAL GAY MEN’S HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, September 27th. National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day to recognize the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on gay men.
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is highlighting the importance of breastfeeding during National Breastfeeding Month. Breastfeeding plays a critical role in healthy development from the very beginning of a child’s life. Breast milk is the best source of infant nutrition and it provides the infant with immunological protection, as it contains antibodies that help to protect infants from childhood illnesses. Breastfeeding is associated with improved health outcomes, both short term and long term, for the infant and for the mother.
August 09, 2016
Summer Campers Win in Tobacco Free Art Contest
The Tobacco Free Collier Partnership would like to congratulate Christopher Epperson (4th grader) and Kate Osorio (7th grader), this year’s winners of the 2016 Tobacco Free Summer Art Contest. This contest gave campers an opportunity to showcase their artistic skills in a way that features the harmful effects associated with tobacco use on your body and the environment.
August 02, 2016
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLIER COUNTY RELEASES 2016 COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Community Health Assessment (CHA) – a comprehensive report that identifies priority issues related to the health and wellbeing of the residents of Collier County. The goal of the CHA is to develop strategies to address the community’s health needs and identified issues.
July 22, 2016
JULY 28, 2016 IS WORLD HEPATITIS DAY
In recognition of World Hepatitis Day, the Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) and community partners will be offering free hepatitis testing, along with STD and HIV screenings, to bring attention to the importance of early detection and treatment. World Hepatitis Day is July 28, 2016.
The 2016-2017 School year is fast approaching. Collier County students will start school on Monday, August 15th. To avoid the long lines and extended waiting periods, the Department of Health in Collier County encourages parents and caregivers to check the immunization status and school requirements for their children, and visit your local health department or private healthcare provider as soon as possible.
June 29, 2016
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLIER COUNTY TO PROVIDE FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AT TWO LOCATIONS
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will begin to provide family planning services to both men and women on July 1, 2016 at both the DOH-Collier Naples and Immokalee locations.
June 08, 2016
MEASLES CASE CONFIRMED IN COLLIER COUNTY
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has confirmed a local case of measles in an adult male. Local health officials are working to limit potential exposure and protect the community. Public health officials will notify persons with exposure risks. Measles is a serious, contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, the Florida Department of Health will issue a Zika virus update each week day at 2 p.m. Updates will include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared.
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program and Tobacco Free Collier are launching a new initiative, Secondhand Smoke Exposed, as part of the eighth annual Tobacco Free Florida Week, taking place May 8-14, to educate Collier County residents about the dangers of secondhand smoke.
April 06, 2016
INVITATION TO COMMUNITY WORKSHOP FOR US41 CORRIDOR
The Healthy Communities Coalition and the Department of Health in Collier County are inviting the community to attend a public workshop to discuss the community’s vision for the US41 corridor from Airport-Pulling Road to Davis Boulevard. This corridor, which is highly utilized by pedestrians and cyclists, ranks #5 on the FDOT District One’s high crash corridor list. Input from this workshop will be included in a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The HIA will provide recommendations to help decision-makers make choices about alternatives and improvements in policies, programs, and projects to prevent injury and promote health in our communities. It is your neighborhood – come join us and give us your input!
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2016 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This study highlights the many community factors that influence health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at www.floridacharts.com.
March 14, 2016
COLLIER COUNTY YOUTH WORK TOWARDS A TOBACCO FREE FUTURE
Collier County’s Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) are speaking up and taking action against the tobacco industry for the 21st annual Kick Butts Day on March 16. This national day of activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, empowers youth to fight back against Big Tobacco.
March 01, 2016
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is joining the national effort to educate women and girls about the risks of HIV and how to protect their health with free screening events throughout Collier County. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) is observed on March 10th each year, and is an annual, nationwide observance that sheds light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls.
February 17, 2016
Department of Health in Collier County Requests Community Feedback
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is requesting the assistance of community residents in determining the county’s most important health concerns. As part of the ongoing Community Health Assessment (CHA), DOH-Collier will be hosting community focus groups throughout the county to assess the health needs of our community.
October 14, 2015
BABY NEEDS HIS OWN BED!
Some parents bring a newborn into their bed with them because they are unable to afford a crib, causing a potentially life-threatening scenario. While many parents simply believe it is just a natural loving thing to sleep with their baby, they are unaware of the dangers of co-sleeping until it’s too late.
October 09, 2015
NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY
October 15th is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a day to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS prevention among all Americans, specifically Hispanics/Latinos living in the United States and its territories. HIV testing should be part of routine health care.
October 06, 2015
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County Institutes the First Annual “Shoo the Flu at FSW” Challenge
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier), along with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), strongly recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over the age of 6 months. In conjunction Florida Southwestern (FSW), DOH-Collier is initiating the first annual “Shoo the Flu at FSW” challenge as part of a pilot project that began October 5, 2015. Participation in this friendly competition is anticipated from students at Florida Southwestern – Collier Campus.
September 28, 2015
DOH-Collier Hosts Second Annual Immokalee Big Bus Event
The Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will be hosting the 2nd annual Immokalee Big Bus Event at the DOH-Collier Immokalee campus (419 North First Street, Immokalee) on Saturday, October 3, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free health fair and public awareness campaign is geared towards providing opportunities for individuals and families to receive certain health services and information.
September 28, 2015
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-COLLIER COUNTY RECOGNIZES SEPTEMBER 28TH AS WORLD RABIES DAY
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) promotes rabies awareness, education, and prevention by celebrating World Rabies Day on September 28, 2015. In 2014, DOH-Collier investigated more than 50 cases where an animal bit a human and post-exposure treatment was recommended to prevent rabies transmission. Collier County health officials remind residents that rabies prevention begins at home.
September 28, 2015
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County wants to remind our residents and visitors about the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. The public should remain diligent in preventative measures like “Drain and Cover.”
September 21, 2015
CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS
Due to hurricanes, tropical storms, winds and flooding, power outages are common. In the event of a power outage due to any cause, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) exposure by taking precautions with gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
September 14, 2015
MEDICATIONS IN DISASTER SITUATIONS
In the event of a flood, you may need to evacuate your home and access to regular health and medical services may be temporarily limited. To ensure you are able to continue taking your medications under such circumstances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends you be prepared and plan now!
September 11, 2015
DOH-Collier Hosts Second Annual Immokalee Big Bus Event
Immokalee, Fla. – The Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will be hosting the 2nd annual Immokalee Big Bus Event at the DOH-Collier Immokalee campus (419 North First Street, Immokalee) on Saturday, October 3, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free health fair and public awareness campaign is geared towards providing opportunities for individuals and families to receive certain health services and information.
September 08, 2015
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WILDFIRE SMOKE
Naples, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Collier County cautions residents and visitors that wildfire smoke is a respiratory irritant, which can cause scratchy throat, or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions. Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads may also worsen these conditions.
September 01, 2015
FEEDING INFANTS DURING EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS
Naples, Fla. – In the event of an emergency, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) encourages new mothers to adhere to these guidelines for feeding their infant(s)...
July 30, 2015 17:15:00
PROMOTING BREASTFEEDING ACCESS FOR WORKING MOMS FOCUS OF MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN
This August, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. With the launch of weekly breastfeeding support groups, Collier County is working to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and encourage breastfeeding-friendly hospitals, child care facilities, work places, and communities.
July 17, 2015
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY
World Hepatitis Day is July 28th. Every year, approximately 15,000 Americans die from liver cancer or chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis. Despite these statistics, viral hepatitis is not well known. In fact, as many as 75% of people with chronic viral hepatitis do not know they are infected. Without knowing they are infected, these individuals cannot receive lifesaving care and treatment.
The Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. DOH-Collier demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DOH-Collier joins a cohort of more than 400 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.
March 30, 2015
Join the Movement for a Healthier Collier County
Collier: Tobacco use is the most significant cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the world; causing more deaths than HIV, automobile accidents, illegal drug abuse, alcohol abuse, homicide and suicide combined. In Florida, 1,300 people lose their lives every year as a direct result of tobacco use. Despite increasing awareness of the risks involved with tobacco use, the tobacco industry continues to attract significant numbers of young people to a lifetime of addiction through deceptive marketing and products developed with teens in mind. As a partner of Tobacco Free Collier, you can make a difference.
March 26, 2015
DOH-Collier Addresses County Health Rankings
COLLIER – The Florida Department of Health in Collier County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the sixth annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This study highlights the many community factors that influence health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at www.floridacharts.com.
January 08, 2015 14:30:00
Health Department Advising Parents about TB Case
A student at Lely High School has recently been identified as having active tuberculosis (TB). The student is under treatment, doing fine, and will not return to school until it is determined by the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) that they are no longer infectious. DOH-Collier, with assistance from the school’s administration, has identified individuals who may have been exposed to TB germs in this case.
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