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Press Releases
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).
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 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.
Media Resources
Recent Articles
Tips to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Swim it, Shore it, or Dodge it
Florida Department of Health Issues Suspension and Restriction Orders
Back-To-School Immunizations
DOH-Orange hosts an Open House at the Westside WIC Center
Florida Department of Health Recognizes Recipients of 27th Annual Emergency Medical Services Awards
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