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ORLANDO --The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) 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.
DOH-Orange is pleased to announce Orange County has improved five ranking positions from the previous year, and now is ranked 10th in the state of 67 counties.
"The leap to the number 10 spot is not by accident. No, this is the result of community collaboration and intentional efforts to address health outcomes strategically and through targeted initiatives. I am happy to share in this achievement with partners and stakeholders as our community strives toward building a culture of health in Orange County" ---Department of Health Orange Deputy Health Officer Nasseam M. James.
These rankings are a snapshot of the health of counties across the country, and they emphasize that health is not a singular effort but a combined work in progress across all community partners. The department works in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organizations, health care facilities, business groups, schools, faith-based organizations and many other stakeholders to improve the health of all people in Orange County. These rankings use data related to physical environments, social and economic factors, health behaviors and clinical care.
In Orange County, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is designed to address specific opportunities for improved health that have been identified by the community. The department has partnered with many stakeholders to implement the CHIP and collaborates regularly to track progress.
Highlight areas in the 2019 rankings where progress was made when compared to the previous year were: Length of Life (#7 to #6 ranking), Quality of Life (#28 to #26)
Tracy Swanson, West Orange Healthcare District Executive Director stated, "We are thrilled to see this type of progress! It is encouraging to see the community focus on health in Central Florida and our resolve to be the Healthiest Community in the Nation is only strengthened."
To explore more health indicators in your county, visit www.FLHealthCHARTS.com.
