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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.
Press Releases
August 10, 2017
It is Back to School Time
(St. Lucie County, FL) — “School is right around the corner and that means children and parents are starting to prepare for another year of learning. As summer break ends, and parents’ purchase new school supplies and clothes, it is critical to make certain your child receives their required immunizations before returning to school. Vaccines save lives and helps to protect fellow classmates, teachers and friends from preventable diseases” said Clint Sperber, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County.
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 members. Sebastian Suarez, Maddie Chabab, and Amanda Bouquet of Lincoln Park Academy were named Region 4 Youth Advocates.
July 26, 2017
Water Advisory Lifted
Follow up samples were in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria, the advisory for the river waters at River Park Marina and Veterans Park has ended.
July 26, 2017
World Hepatitis Day Event
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is recognizing World Hepatitis Day on Friday, July 28th, 2017, with a free testing event at the DOH-Port St. Lucie Clinic in the auditorium, 5150 NW Milner Drive from 10 am to 2 pm. Eliminate Hepatitis is the 2017 World Hepatitis Day campaign. It is a simple call to action to greater awareness, increased diagnosis and key interventions including universal vaccination, blood and injection safety, harm reduction and treatment. All of these efforts are needed towards reaching the goal of achieving hepatitis elimination.
(St. Lucie County) – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (DOH-St Lucie) 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-St. Lucie 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-St. Lucie joins a cohort of over 450 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.
July 14, 2017
Health Advisory for Bacteria Level
St. Lucie, County - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is issuing an advisory for high bacteria levels in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria at River Park Marina and Veterans Park. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time. The advisory will remain in effect until results show readings in the good range.
June 14, 2017
Hurricane Season is Here!
<p>St. Lucie County’s Public Safety Department, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie and other agencies, have scheduled an open house for residents with special needs to pre-register, as well as see what is expected of them if they plan to utilize the Special Needs Shelter during an emergency event. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.</p>
St. Lucie County, FL – The Florida Department of Health wishes to celebrate and thank Florida nurses during National Nurses Week. Florida’s more than 600,000 nursing professionals work every day to provide high quality care in a variety of settings from hospitals to doctors’ offices to county health departments and schools.
April 06, 2017
FDOH in St Lucie Encourages Prevention and Testing of Syphilis During STD Awareness Month
St. Lucie County, FL –The Florida Department of Health in St Lucie joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing April as Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month. Throughout the month, DOH-St Lucie will host and participate in screening and education events. STD Awareness Month is especially important this year as syphilis, which was at one point nearly eliminated, has now resurged. The current number and rate of syphilis cases is higher than it’s been in more than 20 years in the United States.
St. Lucie County, FL – This week is National Public Health Week and the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is giving Floridians an inside look at some of the careers behind public health and the dedicated professionals who do them. Each day, the department will highlight a different area of public health including epidemiology, emergency preparedness and response, environmental health and public health nursing. These fields and many more help the department carry out our mission to promote, protect and improve the health of Florida residents and visitors.
March 29, 2017
FDOH in St Lucie County Addresses County Health Rankings
St. Lucie County, FL — The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County 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. This study highlights the many community factors that influence health and uses established data, much of which is available from the department at Florida Charts.
ST. LUCE COUNTY - Today the Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County (DOH-STLucie) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recognizing World TB Day, which commemorates the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). This year’s theme is “United to End TB” and eliminating tuberculosis in Florida remains a priority for the department.
March is National Nutrition Month and the Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County is promoting healthy eating and encouraging Floridians to make informed food choices. National Nutrition Month is sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and this year’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward.” The campaign serves as a reminder that each bite counts and to start with small changes in our eating habits – one forkful at a time. Making small changes in our food choices can add up over time to big health benefits.
St Lucie County, FL – February marks the beginning of American Heart Month and it is a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health and help fight heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in Florida and the nation.
February 07, 2017
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
St. Lucie County, FL – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie joins the nation, in observing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We encourage all Black/African Americans to Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Treated and Get Talking. Officials from the Florida Department of Health Tallahassee headquarters will provide an update, on St. Lucie’s progress 10 Years Later since the release of the Silence Is Death Report in 2006. Information will be shared during a Community Engagement meeting, Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Indian River State College, Fort Pierce campus, Kight Center Building V, Room 110 – from 5:30 to 8:30.
St. Lucie, FL — With the 2016-2017 flu season in full swing and influenza activity increasing across the state, 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.
December 01, 2016
The FDOH in St. Lucie is Committed to Making an Impact on HIV/AIDS
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County join with others on World AIDS Day in remembrance of those who lost their lives, living with or affected by HIV. Today, we renew our commitment to stopping the spread of HIV.
November 16, 2016
Water Advisory Lifted for North Fork of the St Lucie River
St. Lucie, County - Following samples in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria, the advisory for the river waters at River Park Marina, Veterans Park and Westmoreland Tract Canoe Launch has ended.
October 28, 2016
Florida Health in St. Lucie Encourages Residents to Stay Flu Free this Season by Getting the Flu Shot
St. Lucie County, FL - Cooler weather and shorter days mark the transition from summer to fall and it’s also a sign that flu season is here. It is critical that all Floridians do their part to prevent getting seasonal flu and spreading it to others by getting the flu vaccine as early as possible. Flu strains change from year to year so it is important to get the flu shot this year even if you got one last year.
September 22, 2016
Florida Health Promotes Falls Prevention to Keep Older Adults Safe and Independent
St. Lucie County, FL – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is promoting the importance of falls prevention among older adults for the 9th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day celebrated on Sept. 22, 2016, the first day of fall. This year’s theme is focused on supporting ready, steady and balanced lifestyles for older adults.
August 17, 2016
Health Advisory for Bacteria Levels Lifted - Walton Rocks Beach
St. Lucie, County – Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has lifted the swimming advisory at Walton Rocks Beach on South Hutchinson Island. A new sample was taken on Monday, August 15, 2016, and test results were in the good range.
August 12, 2016
Health Advisory for Bacterial Levels: Walton Rocks Beach
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is issuing a swimming advisory at Walton Rocks Beach 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.
August 02, 2016
9th Annual Back to School Expo
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is co-sponsoring the 9th Annual Back-to-School Expo with the ETA, ETA Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., St. Lucie County School District, Florida Community Health Center and many more agencies focusing on school readiness.
August 02, 2016
Celebrating World and National WIC Breastfeeding Week
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – “In celebration of World and National WIC Breastfeeding Week, the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program is extending an open invitation to the community to stop in to meet our magnificent Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who support and encourage our mothers in their desire to breastfeed,” said Clint Sperber, Health Officer for DOH – St. Lucie.
July 25, 2016
World Hepatitis Day 2016
St. Lucie County, FL - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is recognizing World Hepatitis Day on Thursday, July 28th, 2016. NOhep… Our Next Greatest Achievement is the 2016 World Hepatitis Day campaign slogan and is linked closely to the World Health Organization Elimination Strategy.
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.
May 20, 2016
Health Advisory for Bacteria Levels
(St. Lucie, County) - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie is issuing an advisory for high bacteria levels in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria at River Park Marina, Veterans Park, and Sandpiper Bay Canoe Launch. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time. The advisory will remain in effect until results show readings in the good range.
May 04, 2016
Water Advisory Lifted
Following samples in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria, the advisory for the river waters near River Park Marina, Veterans Park and Westmoreland Tract Canoe Launch has ended.
April 12, 2016
April is National STD Month
(St. Lucie County, FL) - April is national STD (sexually transmitted disease) awareness month and in recognition of the month Your STD Help is offering free clinics throughout the county to get everyone tested.
March 16, 2016
FDOH in St. Lucie County Addresses County Health Rankings
(ST. LUCIE, FL) – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County 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. “Our collaborative efforts and engagement with our community partners have proven successful through the Roundtable of St. Lucie County. The shared decision-making among leaders with a stake in a problem, and then to collectively develop a joint strategy for action to accomplish a system change – has been a win-win, resulting in improved outcomes in St. Lucie,” said County Health Officer Clint Sperber.
March 11, 2016
Health Officials Encourage Flu Precaution
The flu season is now underway. As a precaution health officials with the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie urge residents and visitors to take precautions to limit their risk of exposure to seasonal flu, an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness.
February 29, 2016
Collaborating to Continue to Keep Our Children Healthy
(St. Lucie, County) - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie (FDOH-St. Lucie) continues to participate in the “Give Kids A Smile” (GKAS) initiative in collaboration with the Indian River State College Dental Department. GKAS, has become the world’s largest oral health charitable program and an American Dental Association (ADA) access-to care endeavor, designed to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address the year round need for oral health care for all children. This year six local volunteer dentists and the HANDS Pediatric Dental Program provided free dental services to 43 students in St. Lucie County during this annual two day event. Children received a dental examination, dental cleanings, x-rays and any needed restorative care.
February 10, 2016
Health Advisory for Bacteria Levels
(St. Lucie, County) - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie urges residents to avoid contact with the North Fork of the St. Lucie River from River Park Marina at Prima Vista Boulevard south to Martin County line. Testing revealed higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. The three locations sampled were River Park Marina, Veterans Park, and Sandpiper Bay Canoe Launch. The advisory will remain in effect until results show consistent readings in the good range.
November 25, 2015
Countywide Rabies Alert Now in Effect
(St. Lucie, County) – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) is extending the alert, originally issued on November 9th, an additional 60 days from today’s date. DOH-St. Lucie is also expanding the geographical area of the alert to include all of St. Lucie County. The reason for this extension of the time frame and expansion of geographical area is a positive rabies test for an aggressive raccoon that was captured outside of the initial alert area.
November 23, 2015
World AIDS Day - 2015
(St. Lucie County, FL) – Virtually everyone has heard of AIDS, the autoimmune deficiency syndrome that affects 1.2 million people in the United States. Those who are old enough to remember learned about this disease in the 1980s when little was known about it except that it was aggressive, debilitating and deadly with no known cause or cure. Those early days struck fear in most people, but because of a high level of awareness and research, AIDS is now better understood, and while there is still no cure, people with AIDS can live longer, more productive lives. This progress can be a double-edged sword. While we celebrate the advances in medicine and the increased quality of life for people living with AIDS, we hear less about AIDS yet one in eight Americans have HIV and do not know it.
November 09, 2015
Rabies Alert Extended for St. Lucie County
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) is extending the alert, originally issued on October 22nd, to an additional 60 days from today’s date. See the press release.
October 22, 2015
Rabies Alert for St. Lucie County
St. Lucie, County – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) has issued a rabies alert to remain in effect for 60 days. The geographical area related to the alert includes: North of Prima Vista Blvd East of St. Lucie County Fair Grounds West of Highway A1A South of Indrio Rd The alert is in response to an above average percentage of animals testing positive for rabies this year. See full Press Release
September 25, 2015
Celebrating World Heart Day
St. Lucie County, FL – In celebration of World Heart Day, Sept. 29, the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County and the Safe Kids Coalition of St. Lucie County is promoting heart health by hosting Hands-Only™ CPR training in several of the schools with our children in St. Lucie County. World Heart Day is an annual event created by the World Heart Foundation to remind everyone that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death. The theme for 2015 is creating heart healthy environments.
September 24, 2015
World Rabies Day 2015
St. Lucie County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) recognizes World Rabies Day as an opportunity to promote rabies awareness and prevention for all St. Lucie County residents. DOH-St. Lucie’s Health Officer Clint Sperber would like to remind residents to avoid contact with wild and stray animals to protect themselves from the risk of rabies exposure.
This August, the Florida Department of Health in St Lucie County is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. With the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program’s breastfeeding peer counselors “Meet and Greet” at our local offices and many local breastfeeding friendly events, St Lucie County is working to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and encourage breastfeeding-friendly hospitals and communities.
July 27, 2015
Hepatitis an Issue World Wide
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County is recognizing World Hepatitis Day on Tuesday, July 28th, 2015. Prevention of viral hepatitis is the 2015 World Hepatitis Day theme announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Hepatitis Alliance.
The Florida Department of Health in Indian River and St. Lucie Counties have issued a rabies alert for southern Indian River County and northern St. Lucie County. This alert is in response to a raccoon that tested positive for rabies on June 19 following an unprovoked attack on two domestic dogs.
June 03, 2015
Rabies Alert
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has issued a rabies alert for the central geographical region of St. Lucie County. This is in response to a cat that tested positive for rabies reported on June 2nd.
April 22, 2015
How to Protect Yourself Against Measles
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County encourages all residents who have not been immunized to get vaccinated immediately. The Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) shot is the best way to protect against measles. Those who are fully immunized have very little risk of developing measles. Ideally, children should receive two doses, the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at four to six years of age. Children and adults who have not ever received MMR vaccine in the past should also get vaccinated. Pregnant women should talk with their doctors about vaccination as there are serious risks associated with measles and unborn babies. Ideally, children should receive two doses.
April 17, 2015
Public Information Lines Available for Questions on Measles
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie has confirmed a local case of measles in an unvaccinated six-year old child.
April 16, 2015
Measles Case Confirmed in St. Lucie County
(St. Lucie, County FL) - The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has confirmed a local case of measles today in an unvaccinated six-year-old child. Local health officials immediately notified the St. Lucie School District superintendent and are working closely with district staff to limit any potential exposure and protect the community. School and public health officials will notify parents of children with exposure risks. Measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus of the same name (Measles). The disease is highly contagious and can spread to others who are unvaccinated.
March 25, 2015
St. Lucie County Health Rankings
The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie 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.
February 11, 2015
Water Advisory Lifted
St. Lucie County - Following a series of samples in the acceptable range for enteric bacteria, the advisory to avoid contact with the waters near River Park Marina, Veterans Park and Sandpiper Canoe Launch has ended.
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