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Press Releases
June 12, 2019
NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
June 27, 2019 is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This day is recognized to encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their HIV status, and get linked to care and treatment for individuals living with HIV.
The 2019 Hurricane Season is here and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) urges residents and visitors to take action now to prepare for severe weather emergencies.
June 04, 2019
DOH-COLLIER AWARDED COVETED GOVERNOR’S STERLING AWARD
The Florida Sterling Council awarded the coveted Governor's Sterling Award to the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) at the 2019 Governor's Sterling Award Banquet on Friday, May 31, 2019.
Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) encourages all residents and visitors to prepare for severe weather emergencies now. Determine any risks to your home, property or business, and update your emergency plans and supplies before Florida is threatened by a storm. It is important to stay prepared before and after a storm.
May 15, 2019
HOLLINGSWORTH RECOGNIZED AS LEADER IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Kristine Hollingsworth was recognized today by the de Beaumont Foundation as one of the inaugural 40 Under 40 in Public Health. The 40 rising stars of public health were chosen by a panel of judges for their fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and innovative health solutions in communities across the country.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding residents and visitors the importance of protecting themselves from the sun.
May 03, 2019
DOH-COLLIER RECOGNIZES NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes May 6 – May 12 as National Nurses Week. This annual observance is a time to recognize the positive impact of nurses and their contributions that are crucial in keeping our residents and visitors healthy and safe. DOH-Collier commends the many nurses who provide care for our family, friends, and loved ones.
May 01, 2019
DOH-COLLIER GOLDEN GATE WIC OFFICE IS MOVING
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is excited to announce the Golden Gate WIC office is moving operations to the new Nichols Community Health Center in 2020. In preparation for this move, the Golden Gate WIC office will be working full-time out of the DOH-Collier Naples and Immokalee WIC offices beginning June 28, 2019. The last day patients will be seen at the Golden Gate WIC location will be June 27, 2019. DOHCollier wants to assure clients that there will be no disruption of WIC services and clients will have access to care at both the Naples and Immokalee WIC locations.
April 29, 2019
DOH-COLLIER RECOGNIZES NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes April 27- May 4, 2019, as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). This week is observed annually to raise awareness on the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. NIIW also brings attention to the several milestones achieved in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants. During NIIW, DOH-Collier is reminding parents about the benefits of immunizing children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
April 25, 2019
DOH-COLLIER HIGHLIGHTS PROM SAFETY TIPS
Prom is one of the highlights of high school for many students. It is also an opportunity to remind teens the importance of making safe and smart decisions on prom night. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is highlighting prom safety tips to ensure prom is a memorable experience for the right reasons.
With the increase in measles cases across the US, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is urging residents and visitors who have not been immunized to get vaccinated. Although measles was thought to be eradicated in the United States in 2000, the disease has reappeared in recent months in the form of outbreaks in several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases. As of April 17, 2019, one measles case has been reported to the Florida Department of Health.
The federal government declared youth vaping, or e-cigarette use, a nationwide epidemic. In light of these concerns and the misinformation surrounding this topic, the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida and Tobacco Free Collier are helping educate parents, educators, pediatricians and partners on what they need to know about vaping and youth. This year’s Tobacco Free Florida Week, April 22–28, is themed E-Epidemic: Vaping and Youth.
April 09, 2019
DOH-COLLIER HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL COMMUNITY APRIL SHOWERS EVENT TO BENEFIT THE NOOK PROJECT
In conjunction with Health Care Network of Southwest Florida, The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is hosting the first annual Community April Showers event to benefit The Collier County Community Nook Project. On Wednesday, April 10th at 10:30am, brand new unwrapped baby items can be dropped off that will be delivered to the Nook’s closet.
April 04, 2019
AVOW HOSPICE BUTTERFLY RELEASE
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier), in conjunction with Avow Hospice, invites the community to attend the annual Butterfly Release event at Cambier Park, Saturday, April 6. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and will include children’s activities, face painting, balloon animals and a walk-through butterfly exhibit showcasing hundreds of live butterflies. At 11:00 a.m., a community memorial service will honor the lives of loved ones. After the ceremony, the exhibit tent will open, allowing over 500 butterflies to float into the sky.
April 01, 2019
DOH-COLLIER CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
This week, April 1-7, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOHCollier) is acknowledging National Public Health Week (NPHW). NPHW presents an opportunity for communities across the United States to reflect on the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our health.
March 29, 2019
STD AWARENESS MONTH
April is STD Awareness Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding residents and visitors the importance of STD prevention, testing, and treatment.
Skillets, a locally owned restaurant that has 5 locations within Collier County, has implemented a smokefree policy among the staff. Skillets first opened in 1995 with a mission to serve healthier breakfasts and lunches. This local restaurant has implemented a policy that makes the company non-smoking, and Skillets prohibits all tobacco use while an employee is clocked in. With the implementation of their tobacco free policy, Skillets has further enhanced its commitment to support its employees’ efforts to cease the use of tobacco.
March 19, 2019
COLLIER COUNTY RANKS SECOND HEALTHIEST COUNTY IN FLORIDA
For the sixth year in a row, Collier County has been ranked the second healthiest county in Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and acknowledges the 2019 County Heath Rankings & Roadmaps tools released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) at Golden Gate High School is standing up to the electronic cigarette industry for the 24th annual Kick Butts Day on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. This national day of activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, encourages youth to raise awareness of the problem of tobacco use in their community and urge elected officials to take action to protect kids from tobacco.
February 08, 2019
PRECAUTIONARY SWIM ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has lifted the precautionary swim advisory for Tigertail Beach. Testing results indicate bacteria levels are within the accepted healthy level.
February 07, 2019
DOH-COLLIER ISSUES ADVISORY FOR TIGERTAIL BEACH
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has posted a HEALTH ADVISORY for Tigertail Beach after recent sampling showed bacteria levels in the water to be greater than 71 colonies per 100 milliliters of marine water, putting these beaches in the poor range.
February 06, 2019
DOH-COLLIER SUBMITS PHASE II OF THE RWJF CULTURE OF HEALTH PRIZE
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier), in collaboration with several community partners, has submitted Phase II of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize (the Prize).
February 05, 2019
NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). This day is observed each year to increase education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is responding to the impact of HIV in our Black community by offering free, rapid HIV testing events in February with same day results. DOH-Collier encourages everyone to get tested at least once a year for HIV.
January 31, 2019
SHOW YOUR HEART SOME LOVE THIS FEBRUARY DURING AMERICAN HEART MONTH
February is American Heart Month and there is no time like now to learn about heart health and ways to keep your heart healthy. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) wants to emphasize the importance of taking the steps towards living a healthy life.
In conjunction with Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is hosting a community screening of the movie, “I Am Jane Doe”, to raise awareness of human trafficking.
January 17, 2019
THE GREAT NAPLES DUCK RACE
The NCH Safe & Health Children’s Coalition of Collier County (The Coalition) is raising money and awareness towards drowning prevention. On Saturday, February 2nd, 2019, an estimated 10,000 yellow rubber race ducks, sporting ultra-cool sunglasses, will appear at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon Lazy River. The ducks will tumble, splash, bob, and slosh their way down the Lazy River, racing to the finish line to win GREAT prizes for their adopters. It will be entertainment for the entire family and a water safety festival where families can learn how to be safer in and around the water.
January 09, 2019
SAFETY TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding residents and visitors to stay healthy and safe this winter by taking precautions during cold weather.
January 08, 2019
ANNUAL TWINS TOT WALK VIGIL
Just Against Children Drowning Foundation, Inc. and The NCH Safe & Health Children’s Coalition of Collier County (The Coalition) are raising awareness about childhood drowning. The organizations are holding a butterfly release ceremony and a 1-2 mile candlelit beach walk to remember the 47 children who have lost their lives due to drowning in Collier County since 2000, the 88 children who have lost their lives due to drowning in Florida in 2018, and 13-month old twins, Joshua and Christian, who lost their lives eight years ago.
January 02, 2019
DOH-COLLIER RAISES AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is committed to raising awareness and promoting action against human trafficking.
December 17, 2018
DOH-COLLIER REMINDS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO GET THEIR FLU SHOT
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding residents and visitors to get their flu vaccine before the peak of flu activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during last year’s record breaking flu season, there were nearly 80,000 deaths from the flu. Protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu this season by getting your flu vaccine soon.
November 29, 2018
DOH-COLLIER HIGHLIGHTS TIPS FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON
November 30th marks the end of hurricane season and beginning of the holiday season.
November 28, 2018
WORLD AIDS DAY 2018: DECEMBER 1ST
Every year, over 30,000 people become infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV and at least 12.8% of these individuals are unaware that they are HIV positive. Due to these alarming statistics, The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is encouraging everyone to know their status and take a FREE HIV test.
November 13, 2018
THE COLLIER COUNTY COMMUNITY NOOK PROJECT GRAND OPENING AT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
In conjunction with Health Care Network of Southwest Florida, The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of The Collier County Community Nook Project. The ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 27 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at DOH-Collier’s Naples Site, 3339 East Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34112.
October 12, 2018
PRECAUTIONARY SWIM ADVISORY LIFTED
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has lifted the precautionary swim advisory for all Collier County beaches. Testing results indicate bacteria levels are within the accepted healthy level.
October 10, 2018
NATIONAL LATINOS AIDS AWARENESS DAY
October 15th is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a national community mobilization and social marketing campaign that unites the Hispanic/Latino community to raise HIV awareness, promote HIV testing, prevention, and education.
October 10, 2018
DOH-COLLIER ISSUES ADVISORY FOR SOME AREA BEACHES
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) has posted HEALTH ADVISORIES for Wiggins Pass, Naples Pier, Residents Beach, South Marco Beach, Park Shore, Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, and Seagate Beach after recent sampling showed bacteria levels in the water to be greater than 71 colonies per 100 milliliters of marine water, putting these beaches in the poor range.
October 08, 2018
JOIN FLU FREE FLORIDA BY GETTING YOUR FLU SHOT THIS FALL
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is reminding all Floridians to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year’s record-breaking flu season resulted in 80,000 deaths in the United States, which is the highest number of deaths from the flu in over three decades. Protect yourself and those you love this season by getting your flu shot soon.
October 01, 2018
DOH-COLLIER HOSTS THE 4TH ANNUAL BIG BUS EVENT IN IMMOKALEE
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will be hosting the 4th Annual Immokalee Big Bus Event at the DOH-Collier Immokalee campus (419 North First Street, Immokalee) on Saturday, October 6, 2018, 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. Eleven big buses will be on site to provide health services to those who visit.
September 13, 2018
NATIONAL GAY MEN’S HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
In recognition of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, September 27th, the Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) and community partners will be offering FREE HIV testing.
August 07, 2018
Back to School Health Fair
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) will be hosting a “Back-To-School Health Fair” on Friday, August 10, 2018 to encourage parents to bring their children in to receive immunizations for school. Collier County students will start school next Wednesday, August 15, 2018. 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.
July 27, 2018
Summer Campers Fight Crime in Tobacco Free Art Contest
The Tobacco Free Collier Partnership would like to congratulate Lauren Puchalla of North Collier Camp and Andrew Kent of Veterans Community Park Camp, this year’s winners of the 2018 Tobacco Free Summer Art Contest! This contest gave campers an opportunity to bring forth their artistic skills in a way that displays the harmful effects associated with tobacco use on heroes, as well as how villains will try to convince you to smoke.
July 18, 2018
WORLD HEPATITIS DAY IS JULY 28TH
Every year, approximately 15,000 Americans die from liver cancer or chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis. Roughly 3.5 to 5.3 million Americans are living with chronic viral hepatitis—hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Despite these statistics, viral hepatitis is not well known, in fact, as many as 75% of people with chronic viral hepatitis do not know that they are infected, which increases the likelihood that they will spread the virus to others.
June 18, 2018
HEALTH OFFICIALS REMIND RESIDENTS, VISITORS TO STAY HEALTHY, SAFE WHEN TEMPERATURES RISE
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County reminds residents and visitors to be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion and to protect against dehydration. Heat exhaustion can develop after exposure to high temperatures and dehydration from not drinking enough fluids or replacing fluids that contain salt after sweating. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are older adults, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. If you work outdoors, it is critical you remain aware of the heat index and take appropriate precautions to stay healthy and safe.
June 11, 2018
NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
June 27th marks the annual observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), which reminds all Americans that HIV testing is an important step in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far.
April 18, 2018
DOH-COLLIER SMOKE ADVISORY
Smoky conditions are ongoing in Collier County from a current mulch fire. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County cautions citizens that smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause scratchy throat, coughing, headaches or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions.
Avow Hospice, a palliative care institution with more than 200 employees, has joined the ever-growing number of employers that have not only adopted a tobacco free grounds policy but have also included language regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in their policies. With the implementation of their tobacco free policy and the addition of ENDS language Avow Hospice has further enhanced its commitment to support its employees’ efforts to cease the use of tobacco.
March 28, 2018
HODGES UNIVERSITY IS NOW A TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS
As of January 1, 2018, Hodges University has become a tobacco free campus, joining 34 other colleges and universities in the state of Florida that have committed to becoming 100% tobacco free. Hodges University’s tobacco free policy helps to establish an atmosphere of wellness on campus and a supportive setting for those trying to quit tobacco, further enhancing their mission of providing a safe and healthy environment for their staff, faculty, students and campus visitors.
March 27, 2018
DOH-COLLIER WARNS OF THE RISK OF WILDFIRE SMOKE
Smoky conditions are occurring in parts of Collier County from current wildfires. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County cautions citizens that wildfire smoke is a respiratory irritant that can cause scratchy throat, coughing, headaches or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart conditions. Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads may also worsen these conditions.
For the fifth year in a row, Collier County has been ranked the second healthiest county in Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2018 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This study uses established data to highlight the many community factors that influence health, much of which is available from the department at www.FLHealthCHARTS.com.
March 06, 2018
NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
March 10, 2018 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) and community partners will be offering free rapid HIV testing in observance of NWGHAAD. NWGHAAD is a nationwide effort to highlight the impact of HIV and AIDS on U.S. women and girls, get tested for it, protect yourself/partner, and get treated if you are HIV-positive.
February 23, 2018
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLIER COUNTY CELEBRATES COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ 2017-2019 HEALTHY SCHOOL DISTRICT AWARD
Florida Department of Health in Collier County recognizes Collier County Public Schools for earning the 2017-2019 Florida Healthy School District award. Collier County Public Schools achieved the Gold award level. In 2017, 45 out of Florida’s 67 school districts have two-year designations as Florida Healthy School Districts- 14 gold, 17 silver and 14 bronze level districts.
February 05, 2018
NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed each year on February 7 to increase education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is responding to the impact of HIV in our Black community by offering free testing events in February. All testing sites will be offering free, rapid HIV testing with same day results. DOH-Collier encourages everyone to get tested at least once for HIV.
January 18, 2018
DOH-COLLIER REMINDS YOU TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS THIS FLU SEASON
In Florida and throughout the U.S., flu activity is on the rise. In Collier, we are currently seeing an increase in flu activity.
January 18, 2018
RABIES ALERT – EAST NAPLES AREA
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is notifying the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Bayshore Drive and Tamiami Trail East of a bat which tested positive for rabies. The bat was found outside a store at the Gulf Gate Plaza on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. The bat was taken to a local veterinary clinic by a man and woman, approximately 50-70 years-of-age, who may be visiting from Switzerland. DOH-Collier is seeking to identify these individuals to assess their rabies risk. Extensive efforts to locate these individuals have been unsuccessful thus far.
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