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Press Releases
February 11, 2020
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Seeks Input for The 2020 Community Wellbeing Survey
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie announces the launch of a wellbeing survey, as part of a larger Community Health Assessment (CHA) conducted every 3-5 years to identify strategies to improve community health.
February 10, 2020
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Educates and Encourages Floridians to test your way and Celebrate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). NBHAAD is a national community engagement initiative designed to encourage HIV testing and treatment efforts among Blacks across the United States to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV. The State of Florida, as well as St. Lucie County stands behind the mission of motivating Blacks to get educated about the transmission modes of HIV, get tested and know their HIV status, get involved in their local community, and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed.
January 09, 2020
Florida Surgeon General Urges Vaccination as Best Defense Against Rapidly Spreading Flu Virus
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie, is strongly encouraging all unvaccinated residents to get their flu shot as soon as possible. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie unite with partners worldwide in observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, we reaffirm our commitment and continue to mobilize and fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Florida. A major focus is connecting individuals who are positive with lifesaving treatment and services. The nation is rallying behind this year’s theme, “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Community by Community”.
November 22, 2019
Florida Department of Health Reminds Floridian to Protect Themselves from the Flu - The Best way to Prevent the Flu is to get the Flu Vaccine
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is reminding all Floridians to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season. Flu activity can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The best way to avoid the flu this season, is by getting a flu shot soon.
November 20, 2019
Tobacco Free Partnership of St. Lucie Encourages Floridians to Quit Tobacco for the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout
Tobacco Free Partnership of St. Lucie is encouraging Floridians to use Tobacco Free Florida’s free tools and services to make a plan to quit smoking for the American Cancer Society’s 44th annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21.
November 09, 2019
Jessica Clinton Foundation Partners to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth Only one of a Kind Events in the State
In 2013 the Foundation approached the health department to host this event. Many people die each year from various heart conditions and in some cases never display symptoms. The Jessica Clinton Foundation hosted its 9th Annual Know Your Heart Screening event, free to any child or student between the ages of 5 to 20. Over 600 individuals registered, and the screening consist of a heart physical, blood pressure check, and EKG (electrocardiogram) and an Echocardiogram (if required) as determined by a pediatric cardiologist. All services are provided on-site with the assistance of over 60 plus medical volunteers from as far south as Miami-Dade County.
The second annual Not A Lab Rat Day is Wednesday, October 16. This year, Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) wants other teens to know that when it to comes to e-cigarettes, aka “vaping” products, history is repeating itself.
September 18, 2019
September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month - St. Lucie County’s Infant Mortality Rate Continues to Decline
September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (FDOH-SLC) is encouraging everyone to get involved to continue to help reduce the number of infants that die each year. Infant mortality is defined as death occurring during the first year of life.
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has lifted the swimming advisory for River Park Marina and Veterans Park on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Samples were taken on Monday, September 9, 2019, and test results for enteric bacteria returned today were satisfactory.
September 04, 2019
FDOH in St. Lucie County Issues Precautionary Swim Advisory
Due to the potential effects on water quality related to Hurricane Dorian, the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (DOH-St. Lucie) has issued a county wide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches. At this time, swimming is not recommended.
August 28, 2019
Health Advisory for Bacterial Levels Lifted – South Causeway Park on Hutchinson Island
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has lifted the swimming advisory at South Causeway Park on South Hutchinson Island. A new sample was taken on Monday, August 26, 2019, and test results returned today were satisfactory.
August 22, 2019
Health Advisory for Bacterial Levels - Beaches and North Fork of the St. Lucie River
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) is issuing a swimming advisory for South Beach Causeway on South Hutchinson Island. The sample results found higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time.
August 20, 2019
Mosquito Bite Prevention
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) emphasizes the importance of residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.
August 15, 2019
Health Advisory for Bacterial Levels – Jaycee Park
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is issuing a swimming advisory for Jaycee Park on South Hutchinson Island after testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time.
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) has issued a swimming advisory for the following river locations: River Park Marina-North Fork of the St. Lucie River Veterans Park-North Fork of the St. Lucie River
August 06, 2019
World Breastfeeding Week and National Breast Feeding Month
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year during the first week in August all over the globe to encourage breastfeeding and to improve the health of babies around the world. August 1st through 31st, we continue to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month. The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County embraces this year’s theme: “Empower Parents: Enable Breastfeeding”.
July 26, 2019
FDOH-St. Lucie Invites Governments to Apply for Designation as a Health Community Champion
Healthy Community Champions 2019 application released. The Florida Department of Health has released it’s 2019 Healthy Community Champions application for municipal and county level governments statewide. Health is supported by a variety of factors that reach far beyond health care and public health activities. Governments that have taken a Health in All Policies approach to community planning may apply for this two-year designation with opportunities to receive technical assistance to further the adoption and implementation of health in all policies.
July 24, 2019
World Hepatitis Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is recognizing World Hepatitis Day with an event on Friday, July 26, 2019. We invite you to come out from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at our Fort Pierce location, 714 Avenue C. Testing for hepatitis, HIV, and STDs will be available at no charge. Free vaccines for hepatitis A will be available to anyone and vaccines for hepatitis B will be provided for those who are eligible. More information about viral hepatitis will be available along with giveaways for participants.
June 24, 2019
FDOH-St. Lucie County Encourages Floridians To Test Your Way On National HIV Testing Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie recognizes June 27 as National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This year’s theme is “Doing It My Way,” which serves as a reminder that HIV testing has never been more convenient because there are more ways than ever to get tested. Testing options include: physically going to a Florida Department of Health testing location, a health care provider’s office, a community testing site, or even in the privacy of your home.
Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) 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’s important to stay prepared before and after a storm.
May 07, 2019
Health Department in St. Lucie County Encourages Vaccination to Stop the Spread of Hepatitis A
The Health Department in St. Lucie County is urging good handwashing and vaccination to stop the spread of Hepatitis A in the community. Several Florida counties are experiencing increases in Hepatitis A among drug users, homeless persons, men who have sex with men, and other persons who have contact with infected persons. Since January 2018 there have been more than 1,500 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A statewide. The Florida Department of Health considers a community "high risk" with five or more cases of active transmission within the last 50 days within a high- risk group. To date, the Health Department has confirmed seven cases of Hepatitis A in St. Lucie County.
With the increase in measles cases across the US, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in St. Lucie County is urging Floridians 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 Health Protection 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, no measles cases have been reported in St. Lucie County.
Join the County vs. County Challenge! St. Lucie County residents have been challenged by four other counties from across the nation to a fitness challenge, County vs County: Across the Mediterranean, to see who can log the highest average number of steps. The challenge runs May 1 to June 11, 2019. Counties taking part in the competition are Ventura County, California, McHenry County, Illinois, Orange County, Florida, and Chester County, Pennsylvania. The race will take participants through amazing locations in the Mediterranean including through Athens, Greece and Morocco via a virtual map on a platform called, Walker Tracker. Walker Tracker, the web-based application used for the Healthy St. Lucie Billion Steps Challenge, has organized the challenge to see who will win bragging rights as the winning County.
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 Partnership of St. Lucie 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.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) joins the nation in 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.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing April as STD Awareness Month. Throughout the month, DOH-St. Lucie will host and participate in screenings and educational events to raise STD awareness.
March 26, 2019
Health Advisory Lifted *Jaycee Park*
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has lifted the swimming advisory at Jaycee Park on South Hutchinson Island. A new sample was taken on Monday, March 25, 2019, and test results returned today were in the good range.
March 26, 2019
Health Advisory for Bacterial Levels *Jaycee Park*
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is issuing a swimming advisory for Jaycee Park on South Hutchinson Island after testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come in contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time.
March 20, 2019
FDOH in St. Lucie County Addresses County Health Rankings
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County recognizes the value in measuring health outcomes and today acknowledged the 2019 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.FLHealthCHARTS.com.
March 08, 2019
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie), recognizes March 10, as National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). A day to bring attention to how HIV and AIDS affect the health and well-being of women and girls within our community. This year’s theme, “HIV Prevention Starts with Me,” encouraging every woman and girl to play their role in HIV prevention.
February 07, 2019
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie Encourages Floridians to Test your Way on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie), recognizes February 7 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). NBHAAD is a national community engagement initiative designed to encourage HIV testing and treatment efforts among Blacks across the United States to get educated, get tested, get treated, and get involved with HIV. The State of Florida, as well as St Lucie County stands behind the mission of motivating Blacks to get educated about the transmission modes of HIV, to get tested and know their HIV status, get involved in their local community, and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed.
February 01, 2019
FDOH-St. Lucie Encourages Commitment to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle for American Heart Month
February marks the beginning of American Heart Month, a federally designated month that is a great way to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and commit to a healthy lifestyle. By making lifestyle changes and eliminating their risk factors, Floridians can help fight one of the deadliest diseases in the state and the nation among both men and women—heart disease.
As the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie unites with partners worldwide in observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, the department reaffirms its commitment to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in Florida and helping connect individuals who are positive with lifesaving treatment and services. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the observance of World AIDS Day, and the national theme is “Saving Lives through Leadership and Partnerships.
November 14, 2018
Indian River State College Celebrates One Year Tobacco Free Campus (Great American Smokeout Day)
Indian River State College (IRSC) will celebrate their one-year anniversary as a 100% Tobacco free and Smokefree campus at their annual Great American Smoke Out (GASO) event. Thursday, November 15, 2018, main campus location 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 at the Koblegard Student Union (KSU).
November 14, 2018
Florida Health in St. Lucie Recognizes World Diabetes Day and Month
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie recognizes World diabetes Day, and World Diabetes Month 2018 – 19. The Theme is Family and Diabetes, raising awareness, of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. The role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes has been a necessity for many families.
November 02, 2018
Public Health Partnership: Only CHD in County Partnering to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) has developed a national model to increase access to health care services through partnership with the Jessica Clinton MVP Foundation, a powerful advocate for preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children and young athletes. On Saturday, November 3, 2018, is the 8th Annual Know Your Heart Screening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Larry J. Lee Public Health Building (health department) located at 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983.
October 22, 2018
Top Tips to Keep Teen Drivers Safe Behind the Wheel
In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 21-27, 2018), Safe Kids St. Lucie urges teens and their families to discuss smart strategies for staying safe behind the wheel. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for American teens and are most often the result of inexperienced teen drivers taking risks like not buckling up, texting, driving with teen passengers, speeding, driving under theinfluence or driving in the dark.
September 05, 2018
Infant Mortality can Measure the Health of a Community
Infant mortality and low birthweight are serious issues affecting our nation’s health. September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the tragic losses that too many families have suffered. Infant Mortality refers to the loss of a baby before their first birthday. Infant Mortality rates (IMR) are sensitive indicators of the health of communities, states and countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the worldwide IMR has decreased from 64.8 per 1000 live births in 1990 to 30.5/1000 in 2016, with a 6 times higher rate in the WHO African region than in the WHO European region. While a downward trend is certainly welcomed, the wide discrepancy between regions indicates the necessity of sustained interventions focused on areas where rates are higher.
August 03, 2018
“Back to School” It’s That Time Again - Up-to-Date Vaccinations Required For School Admission
The new school year is approaching, and many students are still in need of school supplies, school physicals and immunizations. “When you are getting your kids ready for the upcoming school year, make sure to include back-to-school vaccination appointments on your checklist. Vaccination also helps protect the health of classmates, friends, relatives, and others in our community” said Clint Sperber, Health Officer and Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County.
July 31, 2018
World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month - Breastfeeding: Many Health Benefits for Mom and Baby
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie will celebrate National Breastfeeding Month during the first week of August, which is recognized as World Breastfeeding Week.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) urges residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals to protect themselves from the risk of rabies exposure.
July 11, 2018
World Hepatitis Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is recognizing World Hepatitis Day with an event on Friday, July 27, 2018. We invite you to come out from 9:00 am to noon at our Fort Pierce location, 714 Avenue C; and then from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at our Port St. Lucie location, 5150 NW Milner Drive. The following tests will be offered at no charge: hepatitis, HIV, STDs. Free vaccines for hepatitis A and B will also be provided for those who are eligible. More information about viral hepatitis will be available along with giveaways for participants.
June 25, 2018
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie Encourages Floridians to Test your way on National HIV Testing Day
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie recognizes June 27 as National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). This year’s theme is “Test Your Way. Do It Today,” which serves as a reminder that HIV testing has never been more convenient because there are more ways than ever to get tested.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), Florida’s statewide youth-led movement to combat the tobacco industry, announced the names of its new Youth Advocacy Board (YAB) members. Amanda Bouquet and Elizabeth Sterling of St. Lucie County Students Working Against Tobacco Chapter were named Youth Advocacy Board elects.
Follow up samples were in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria, the advisory for the river waters at River Park Marina, Westmoreland Tract Canoe Launch and Veterans Park has ended.
June 11, 2018
Florida Health in St. Lucie County Holds Open House Related to Glioblastoma Cancer Concerns
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (DOH-St. Lucie) is hosting an open house on June 12, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to provide information and updates on the research gathered regarding glioblastoma cancer concerns within the community.
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has issued a swimming advisory for the following river locations: River Park Marina-North Fork of the St. Lucie River Veterans Memorial Park-North Fork of the St. Lucie River Westmoreland Tract Canoe Launch-North Fork of the St. Lucie River
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (FDOH-St. Lucie) started a Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program almost two years ago after noticing black infants were dying at a higher rate than white infants. FIMR is a national program designed to enhance the health and well-being of women, infants, and families by improving the community resources and the delivery of services available to them. FDOH-St. Lucie conducted family interviews, analyzed data, engaged community partners, agencies and providers to get a closer look at the top causes of St. Lucie’s infant deaths. The FIMR team recognized Sudden Unexpected/Unexplained Infant Deaths (SUID) were occurring at a high rate due to unsafe sleep practices. To help prevent these deaths, we are partnering with the St. Lucie County Fire District to provide Direct On-Scene Education (DOSE).
April 04, 2018
FDOH-St. Lucie Encourages Prevention and Testing of Syphilis During STD Awareness Month
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing April as STD Awareness Month. Throughout the month, DOH-St. Lucie will be hosting and participating in screening and educational events to raise STD awareness.
April 03, 2018
BLUE ZONES – Secrets of A Longer Life
BLUE ZONES - SECRETS OF A LONGER LIFE Presented by Keynote Speaker Tony Buettner
March 30, 2018
FDOH-St. Lucie Promotes Healthy Eating and Good Nutrition
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County promotes Healthy Eating and Good Nutrition, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is: "Go Further with Food." The campaign highlights the benefits of making smart eating choices. Planning ahead to make wiser food choices saves money, time and your health.
March 14, 2018
FDOH- St. Lucie Addresses County Health Rankings
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County 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 highlights the many community factors that influence health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at http://www.flhealthcharts.com/.
January 31, 2018
Keep Vaccine Between You and Flu This Season
With the 2017-2018 flu season in full swing and influenza activity increasing across the state and the nation it is critical that all Floridians get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others. It is never too late to get your flu shot. While most cases of flu are mild, there are exceptions.
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The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Seeks Input for The 2020 Community Wellbeing Survey The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Educates and Encourages Floridians to test your way and Celebrate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Florida Surgeon General Urges Vaccination as Best Defense Against Rapidly Spreading Flu Virus In Observance of World AIDS Day "Let's Talk Community Health" by Taking ControlFeatured Programs
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