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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
June 27, 2018
ABCs of Baby Safe Sleep
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) encourages parents to remember their ABCs of Baby Safe Sleep (Alone, Back, and Crib).
June 19, 2018
Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
With the heat index forecasted to reach 100 degrees this week in Central Florida, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County wanted to provide the public tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
June 18, 2018
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN ORANGE COUNTY ENCOURAGES FLORIDIANS TO TEST YOUR WAY ON NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes June 27 as National HIV Testing Day. 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.
June 15, 2018
2018 Sterling Collaborative Recognition
DOH Orange received recognition at the 26th Annual Governor’s Sterling Award Ceremony
June 05, 2018
Bats and Rabies
During this time of year, bats are active and seek locations inside homes and buildings. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants to remind residents that any bat can have rabies, a deadly disease.
DOH-Orange Participates in a Clinical Trial Collaboration on Comparing Treatments for HIV-Infected Opioid Users in an Integrated Care Effectiveness Study
May 18, 2018
DOH-Orange adjusts Immunization Schedule
Beginning Monday, May 21, 2018, immunization services offered at three Florida Department of Health in Orange County facilities will adhere to the following schedule:
May 04, 2018
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
The month of May is recognized as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants to make the public aware of the impacts of unintended teen pregnancy, and the need to reduce the rate of teen pregnancy in Orange County.
April 28, 2018
Orlando’s Debra Andree, MD, Receives Federal Recognition for Contributions to Childhood Immunization
Debra Andree, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Community Health Centers, Inc., has been named Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Immunization Champion for her outstanding efforts to promote childhood immunization in our community. Dr. Andree is recognized for her efforts teaching staff, medical students, and parents about the importance of vaccines.
April 26, 2018
DOH-Orange offers additional Immunization Locations
To meet the growing need for immunizations in Orange County, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) now offers immunizations services at three additional locations.
April 24, 2018
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) Highlights National Infant Immunization Week
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes April 21-28, 2018 as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), an annual observance promoting the benefits of immunizations for children from birth to two years old. NIIW also celebrates the milestones achieved in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants worldwide as a result of immunization.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) invites the public to join the “I Play a Role” Social Media Campaign during the month of April.
In an effort to eliminate HIV infections, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is now offering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
March 26, 2018
WORLD TB DAY
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s (DOH-Orange) Tuberculosis (TB) Program celebrated World TB Day this past weekend with an outreach event at the Parramore Farmers Market.
Dr. Kevin Sherin, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, is scheduled to present two sessions on toxic stress events and “Building a More Resilient Community” at the Orange County Public School (OCPS) Parent Academy on Saturday, March 31, 2018.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County has two new locations where the public can purchase Florida birth certificates.
The Florida Department of Health in OrangeCounty 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.
March 12, 2018
Public Health Week Call for Nominations 2018
Do you know of a Public Health Hero in the community that needs to be recognized for their service? During National Public Health Week, April 2-8, 2018, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) seeks to recognize such individuals with the 2018 Public Health Hero Award.
March 09, 2018
Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership Congratulates the Consulate of Mexico for Adopting a Smokefree Policy
The Florida Department of Health’sTobacco Free Florida program and the Orange County Tobacco Free Partnership are recognizing The Consulate of Mexico in Orlando for adopting a written smoke-free policy at their worksite.
March 09, 2018
DOH-Orange seeks Nominations for Healthy Equity Hero Awards
The FloridaDepartment of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) seeks to recognize Health Equity Heroes in our community.
February 27, 2018
March is National Nurition Month
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is encouraging everyone to "Go Further with Food" during March which is National Nutrition Month®.
February 23, 2018
Joint Investigation Leads To Arrest of Pediatrician for Fraud
The Florida Department of Health announced that its joint investigation with Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has led to the arrest of Dr. Ishrat Sohail for Medicaid fraud.
February 14, 2018
DOH-Orange Produces the 2017 Hispanic Health Assessment
Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has produced the 2017 Hispanic Health Assessment (HHA) for Orange County, Florida.
February 09, 2018
Black History Month - Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D.
In honor of Black History Month, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes the contributions of Dr. Alfred Leroy Bookhardt.
February 01, 2018
Game Day Food Safety
The big game is a few days away and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County would like to encourage Floridians to make it a healthy and safe event by practicing basic food safety measures while preparing meals.
January 31, 2018
NASSEAM MCPHERSON JAMES NAMED ASSISTANT HEALTH DIRECTOR AT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN ORANGE COUNTY
Dr. Kevin Sherin, Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has named Nasseam McPherson James the department’s new Assistant Health Director. Her first day on the job is February 8, 2018.
January 30, 2018
"Go Red" For National Wear Red Day
Friday, February 2, 2018, is “National Wear Red Day” and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages the community to raise awareness about women’s heart health by participating and urging others in the community to wear red.
January 30, 2018
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7, 2018, is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Now in its 18th year, the awareness campaign was developed to increase HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment among black communities.
January 17, 2018
DOH-ORANGE REMINDS YOU TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS THIS FLU SEASON
In Florida and throughout the U.S., flu activity is on the rise. Locally, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is also seeing an increase in flu activity.
January 12, 2018
Radon, A Silent Killer
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a nationwide campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure, and to encourage them to take action to protect their homes and families.
December 20, 2017
DOH-Orange’s Immunization Program has new Clinic Hours at the Central Health Center
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County announces new clinic hours for the Immunization Program at the Central Health Center. Located at 832 West Central Boulevard in Orlando, the new hours are 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
December 14, 2017
Department of Health in Orange County Encourages Proper Food Safety This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County would like to encourage Floridians to make it a healthy and safe season by practicing basic food safety measures while preparing meals.
November 27, 2017
MAINTAIN, DON’T GAIN! THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages everyone to include health in their holiday activities this year by joining the 2017 Eat Smart, Move More: Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge. Many Americans gain between one and five pounds each holiday season. While it might not sound like much, most people never manage to lose those extra pounds. The Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge is a seven-week, email-based campaign to help participants maintain their weight through the holiday season.
November 16, 2017
Department of Health in Orange County Encourages Proper Food Safety this Holiday Seasoon
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages Floridians to keep food safe by practicing basic food safety measures while preparing meals this Thanksgiving.
November 16, 2017
Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is currently in the process of migrating phones to a new system
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is currently in the process of migrating phones to a new system. With the change, some offices will now have new phone numbers.
The Area 7 HIV/AIDS Program at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is excited to announce the launch of their new messaging campaign and web site.
October 04, 2017
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR WELL IS FLOODED
Heavy rainfall and flooding can make your tap water unsafe. If you are unsure about the safety of your well water use bottled water, disinfected water, or use both boiled and cooled water for drinking, making beverages or ice, cooking, brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and washing recent surgical wounds.
September 27, 2017
DOH-Orange Welcomes Vivian Capo as the Executive Community Health Nursing Director
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) welcomes Vivian Capo as the new Executive Community Health Nursing Director. Ms. Capo comes to DOH-Orange from the private sector with over 17 years of acute care experience in hospital and outpatient settings.
September 27, 2017
National Infant Mortality Awareness Month
The Healthy Start Program at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) and the Healthy Start Coalition in Orange County, a collaborative partner recognizes September as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Sponsored by the National Healthy Start Association (NHSA), the intent is to promote awareness of the high infant mortality rate that exists and the need to reduce it, because every baby deserves a first birthday and beyond.
September 20, 2017
Public Health Awareness for Adverse Childhood Experiences
At a recent meeting of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s (DOH-Orange) Community Health Improvement Board (CHIB), Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director and Health Officer for DOH-Orange announced the need for immediate attention to "adverse childhood experiences” (ACEs) within Orange County.
September 19, 2017
DOH-Orange Awarded a Ryan White Part D Grant to Improve Care for HIV-infected Women, Infants, Children, and Youth
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive a Ryan White Part D grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
September 14, 2017
SAFETY TIPS FOR HOME REPAIR AFTER HURRICANE IRMA
The danger of a storm does not end when it passes. As Floridians and others affected by the recent hurricane return to their homes and begin repairs, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County suggests taking the following safety precautions to prevent personal injury:
Due to floodwaters from Hurricane Irma, Florida Department of Health Officials in Orange County emphasize the importance of Florida’s residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. Everyone should remain diligent in preventative measures like “Drain and Cover.”
September 14, 2017
CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS
CO is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is highly poisonous. CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
September 11, 2017
BE AWARE OF HEALTH RISKS AFTER THE HURRICANE
Here are important tips on how to protect your family after the hurricane from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.
September 11, 2017
FLOOD WATERS POSE HEALTH RISKS
As Hurricane Irma impacts the state, it is important to be prepared for flooding. Here is some flood information.
September 11, 2017
CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants you to be aware of carbon monoxide dangers. CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS --Generator safety precautions can help prevent poisoning--
September 05, 2017
Making an Emergency Supply Kit
As Hurricane Irma approaches, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants to make sure you and your family are prepared. We encourage you to start gathering your supplies now. To assist you, here are some tips.
August 22, 2017
DOH-Orange Partners with the Orange County Tax Collector to offer new locations for Birth Certificate Copies
DOH-Orange Partners with the Orange County Tax Collector to offer new locations for Birth Certificate Copies
August 14, 2017
List of Area Medical Homes
A medical home is a place where you can receive regular health care. Many of the Medical Homes provides childhood vaccines. Please refer to the zip code list to find the medical home nearest to you.
August 09, 2017
Back to School Health Tips
With the start of the new school year just around the corner, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) wants every child to achieve academic success. That success is strongly linked with health and classroom attendance.
July 31, 2017
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month this August
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month this August. This year's theme—Charting the Course Together—focuses on using data and measurement to build and reinforce the connections between breastfeeding and a broad spectrum of other health topics and initiatives.
July 12, 2017
Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
With the heat index forecasted to reach above 100 degrees this week in Central Florida, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County wanted to provide the public tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
July 07, 2017
Back-To-School Immunizations
In partnership with Orange County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is urging parents to prepare their children now for the upcoming school year. Immunization events have been planned in the community where parents can vaccinate their children and obtain their DH 680 form for school. To avoid the last minute back-to-school rush and long lines, parents can use their medical homes or private doctor to have their children vaccinated.
On Friday, July 21, 2017, the community and the media are invited to an Open House hosted by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County at the new Westside WIC Center. The open house begins at 10 a.m. and the address is 6218 West Colonial Drive, Suite 232, Orlando, Florida.
June 28, 2017
DOH-Orange Honored with Two State Productivity Awards
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) was honored with two 2017 Florida Prudential Productivity awards for creating and implementing innovative solutions that improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County and the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention joined forces to make an impact on the lives of Eatonville’s treasured gems.
June 20, 2017
HIV Testing Day
To achieve the healthiest you, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is bringing awareness to National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2017. To prevent the spread of HIV and STD infections, individuals are encouraged to know their status -- get the facts, get tested and get involved.
June 16, 2017
DOH-Orange Battles Mosquitoes with Mosquito fish
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has enlisted the assistance of mosquito fish in the fight against mosquitoes. Known as Gambusia holbrooki in the scientific world, their common name is the eastern mosquito fish. This native Florida aquatic species has been the focus of a DOH-Orange Environmental Health Community Initiative. Introduced into abandoned green swimming pools, the mosquito fish live up to their name by feeding on mosquito larvae.
June 01, 2017
DOH-Orange Names Rossie Bonefont as WIC Director
Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director and Health Officer of the Department of Health in Orange County has named Rossie E. Bonefont, MPH, RD, LDN as the new Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Director.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes, the Florida Department of Health-Orange County encourages the public to take precautions when out and about. The following are some steps that can be taken to help prevent mosquito breeding and bites that can spread illnesses like Zika or dengue fever. The department urges the public to “Drain and Cover.”
Take Precautions While Enjoying Fresh Water Activities During the Summer Months
May 12, 2017
Florida Department of Health in Orange County Recognizes Local Public Health Nurses During Florida Nurse Week
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wishes to celebrate and thank Florida nurses during National Nurses Week.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is issuing a rabies alert for the southwest area of Orange County. The alert area is located south of State Road 528 (Martin Anderson Beachline Expressway), west of the Florida Turnpike, east of Orangewood Boulevard, and north of Deerfield Boulevard.
May 10, 2017
David Overfield Interim Assistant Health Officer at Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director and Health Officer of the Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has named David Overfield Interim Assistant Health Officer to fill the position of the retiring Lesli Ahonkhai. He will assume Ms. Ahonkhai’s responsibilities over health department operations when she retires on June 15, 2017.
Ms. Lesli Ahonkhai formally announces her plans to retire from the Florida Department of Health-Orange County on June 15, 2017. In her role as Assistant Health Officer, Ms. Ahonkhai was responsible for health department operations.
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is proud to welcome Kent Donahue as a member of the administrative staff. Mr. Donahue will serve as the department’s Public Information Officer and coordinate media and community relations.
May 03, 2017
The 2017 Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. Award
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes April as National Minority Health Month and would like to celebrate community leaders dedicated to improving health equity in Orange County. The 2017 Alfred L. Bookhardt, M.D. award recipient is Dr. Lisa Barkley from the University of Central Florida.
April 03, 2017
Florida Department of Health in Orange County Celebrates National Public Health Week -The Florida Way
This week is National Public Health Week and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) is giving Floridians an inside look at some of the careers behind public health and the dedicated professionals who do them.
October 13, 2016
Hispanic Health Assessment in Orange County
The Office of Performance and Quality Improvement at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is currently in the process of composing the first comprehensive assessment focusing on the health of the Hispanic community in the county.
October 05, 2016
Flu Season Has Arrived
The start of flu season is typically during the months of September and October and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) urges everyone to get a seasonal flu shot today. The flu vaccine can prevent the illness along with additional flu prevention steps.
August 29, 2016
Zika Virus
Zika fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus similar to those that cause Dengue and Chikungunya virus infection. Approximately 80 percent of people that become infected with Zika virus have no symptoms. Zika infection rarely triggers paralysis (i.e., Guillain-Barré Syndrome).
June 30, 2016
Food Recalls
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is committed to educating and encouraging Orange County residents and visitors to stay healthy and safe. It is important to stay informed of the latest food recalls.
June 24, 2016
TESTING DUE TO BLOOD EXPOSURE DURING PULSE SHOOTING
Survivors of and responders to the Pulse Night Club tragedy who had contact with blood or bodily fluids during the shooting and would like to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C should reach out to their health care provider. If you currently do not have a health care provider or insurance you can receive testing at various community-based organizations and/or at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange).
May 27, 2016
PREVENT HEAT RELATED INJURIES
Temperatures are starting to rise in Central Florida and now is the time to prepare to prevent heat related injuries that can occur while enjoying the summer months. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County urges residents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Among the most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke are children, the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, and people working or exercising in hot weather.
May 26, 2016
STAY SAFE IN WATER THIS SUMMER
Summer has arrived and families are already planning many fun water related activates. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County would like to remind everyone to be safe this Memorial Day weekend and the entire summer months. The week before Memorial Day (May 23–29, 2016) is recognized as Healthy and Safe Swimming Week. Everyone plays a role in preventing illnesses, caused by germs in the water, and injuries, such as drowning.
May 18, 2016
DOH-ORANGE HONORED WITH THREE STATE
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has been honored with three Florida Prudential Productivity awards for creating and implementing innovative solutions that improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses.
May 18, 2016
HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) recognizes May as National Hepatitis Awareness Month. The intent of the annual observance is to raise awareness about the global impact of viral hepatitis and the importance of preventing hepatitis-related liver disease, including liver cancer.
May 18, 2016
TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION MONTH
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County recognizes May as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, a time to increase public awareness of the need to address the effects of unintended teen pregnancy and continue working to help reduce the rate of teen pregnancy in Orange County.
May 10, 2016
Legends Kids Rock
In recognition of Every Kid Healthy Week, Legends Academy recently hosted the Legends Kids Rock event in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) and Hebni Nutrition Consultants. The event shined a spotlight on the great efforts the school is doing to improve the health and wellness of their students, and provided an opportunity for the school to celebrate its contributions to student health and wellness.
May 06, 2016
Brown & Haley Issues Voluntary Recall of Mountain Thins "Trail Mix" Flavor Because of Possible Health Risk
Mountain Thins "Trail Mix" flavor was distributed to select retail stores nationwide. Lots being recalled were distributed between March 7, 2016 and April 25, 2016. No reported illnesses in Florida at this time associated with this recall.
April 06, 2016
Public Health Heroes Recognized
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) honored outstanding community leaders and health department staff as 2016 Public Health Heroes during the National Public Health Week (NPHW) celebration. During the ceremony Public Health Heroes were celebrated for their many accomplishments in the community and in the area of public health.
June 19, 2015
National HIV Testing Day
In order to encourage people to get tested, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County is joining community partners to host several events in observance of National HIV Testing Day on Saturday, June 27, 2015. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Getting to Zero” which summarizes the department’s goal for ZERO new HIV infections, ZERO deaths from AIDS-related illnesses, and ZERO discrimination.
June 11, 2015
Just Breathe Florida
Recently the Department of Health in Orange County and Nemours Children’s Health System hosted Just Breathe Florida- Asthma Awareness Summit to highlight Asthma Awareness Month.
May 28, 2015
New Prenatal Care Sites in Orange County
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) welcomes True Health, formally known as Central Florida Family Health Center (CFFHC) as a new Obstetric provider and community partner in Orange County. DOH-Orange and True Health are among many other providers in the community that are committed to the health of moms and babies in Orange County.
May 14, 2015
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County recognizes May as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, a time to increase public awareness of the need to address the effects of unintended teen pregnancy and continue working to help reduce the rate of teen pregnancy in Orange County.
May 01, 2015
Swim Lessons
The weather is heating up and for many Floridians this means it's time to cool off in the pool. While a day of playing in the pool can be fun, injuries and illnesses due to water-related activities increase during this time of year.
April 28, 2015
Asthma Friendly Childcare Recognition
The Florida Asthma Coalition recently approved 23 Childcare Centers for Asthma-Friendly Recognition: 20 in Orange County, 2 in Osceola County, and 1 in Lee County. These Centers were recognized for taking the appropriate steps to provide better support to children with asthma. Three centers received Bronze level recognition for educating staff, increasing asthma awareness and taking steps to make their Head Start Centers more asthma-friendly. Nine centers received Silver recognition and eleven centers received the highest level, Platinum recognition.
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