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Community Health

Florida Department of Health in Orange County

Community health is a discipline in public health concerned with the betterment of the health characteristics of communities. The health characteristics of a community are often examined using a variety of research tools including epidemiological and social science methodologies and datasets. It has been suggested by some scholars that the term "community health" and "population health" can be used interchangeably. Population health is concerned with the health outcomes of groups of individuals as well as the way in which the outcomes are distributed within groups. As a whole, community or population health aims to improve the health of entire populations by addressing issues such as: family planning, health inequities or health disparities, environment, social structure and resource distribution.  OCH is actively involved in the community through a variety of projects and partnerships.

Community Outreach

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Orange County is committed to improving the health and well-being of every life we touch.  We recognize that the best way to accomplish our mission is through support of community events and outreach within our community.  DOH Orange can provide a variety of educational materials and participate in events that promote community health and encourage prevention and wellness activities.

DOH Orange asks that all Community Outreach Event Requests be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event.  Completion of this form does not guarantee participation acceptance to your event.  Community Outreach Request Form

Academic Health Department


The development of DOH-Orange as an Academic Health Department (AHD) -- a “learning and teaching community” -- has as its primary goal to use a team-based approach and a community-centered vision to develop partnerships with academic centers, community agencies and private and public entities to expand four key areas which are integral to the development of the model; these key areas include:  (1) core service delivery, (2) teaching/education, (3) research and (4) informatics.  The expected outcome of this effort is to improve public health service delivery within the context of the Ten Essential Public Health Services and the CDC identified Winnable Battles.  DOH-Orange’s AHD efforts permeate across all of the divisions and programs.   In 2012, the DOH-Orange made significant strides in its Academic Health Department Efforts (see Clinical Trials section for update of activities).

The 10 Essential Public Health Services 


The 10 Essential Public Health Services describe the public health activities that all
communities should undertake.  Public health systems should:

  • Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems.
  • Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.
  • Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues.
  • Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems.
  • Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.
  • Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
  • Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
  • Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
  • Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
  • Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.

To keep pace with emerging public health challenges and to address the leading causes of death and disability, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated an effort to achieve measurable impact quickly in a few targeted areas. CDC's Winnable Battles are public health priorities with large-scale impact on health and with known, effective strategies to address them.


Winnable Battles Are:

Clinical Trials

Since January 2010, DOH-Orange has implemented clinical trials in our immunology department and integrated research throughout other departmental programs with an effort to (1) increase access to services, (2) improve quality of care, (3) incorporate cost containment and (4) sustainability of programs for individuals seeking our services. We have an ongoing relationship with the National Institutes of Health, CDC, and State Universities which provide us great opportunities to acquire studies that no only benefit our clients but also assures the State of Florida achieves its mission: "the healthiest state in the nation." 


Men's Health

The Men’s Health Initiative of Central Florida was developed by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County in collaboration with other community partners to bring awareness to preventable health issues and to encourage men and boys to take charge of their health by seeing their doctor for annual screenings. The Men’s Health Initiative of Central Florida’s Mission Statement is “To Promote and Inspire the Culture of Health and Health Equity for All Men and Boys in Central Florida through Stakeholders, Initiatives and Measurable Behavioral Changes and Community Collaboration.”


Health Equity


Health Equity is a basic principle that all people despite race/ethnicity, gender, age, religion, income, geographic location, sexual orientation, or ability have equal opportunity to lead healthy lives. Located in the Office of Community Health, the Office of Health Equity’s priority is to achieve the highest level of health for all people in Orange County, with special attention focused on those who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage and historical injustice, including, but not limited to, vulnerable communities and culturally, linguistically, and geographically isolated communities. The Office also provides a key leadership role in the reduction of health disparities in Orange County’s vulnerable populations.  The Office consults with local government, community-based organizations, and health planning groups to ensure that health equity is included in policies, strategic plans, recommendations, and implementation activities.  The Office also participates in ongoing research to address identified issues within vulnerable populations.  The Office of Health Equity convenes a Health Equity Workgroup comprised of health department and staff and community members.  The Health Equity Workgroup advises the health department in decisions, professional development opportunities, and clinical practices that will promote health equity.


The Office of Health Equity’s recent activities include:

  • Assessing the health department’s cultural and linguistic competency.
  • Serving as a founding member of Good Food Central Florida, the local food
    policy council.
  • Participating in the Institute for Equity in Birth Outcomes, a national initiative sponsored by CityMatCH. CityMatCH is a freestanding national membership organization of city and county health departments' maternal and child health (MCH) programs and leaders representing urban communities in the United States. The mission of CityMatCH is to strengthen public health leaders and organizations to promote equity and improve the health of urban women, families, and communities. Implementing a media advocacy campaign to promote equity in birth outcomes in Orange County.
Click here to view the Health Equity Plan

For more information about the Office of Health Equity, contact the Health Equity Coordinator at  407-723-5123.