About Us

Public Health Intervention

The purpose of public health intervention is to prevent and manage diseases, injuries, and other health conditions through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors. Its aim is to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of health problems by implementing educational programs, developing policies, administering services, and conducting research. In many cases, treating a disease or controlling a pathogen can be vital to preventing it in others, such as during an outbreak. 

We work with community partners to diligently pursue our mission. You can help by volunteering for a health-related organization or finding a way to promote health, and make your opinion known to local, state, and federal representatives. It takes everyone doing their part to make Bay County a healthier place to live, work, and play.

With the State Surgeon General’s vision for Florida being the Healthiest State in the Nation, we are proud that we are progressing closer to that goal every day. Our goal is to educate the public and provide the tools necessary to make better lifestyle choices. The ultimate goal is to collaborate with our local community partners and government to make positive changes in Bay County. 

In 2015, DOH-Bay, along with numerous community partners, began working on the Community Health Assessment (CHA). The CHA was completed in 2016 and provided the framework for the 2016-2021 Community Health Improvement Plan. Accomplishments include: 

• A farmers market at DOH-Bay to serve persons living in food desserts.
• Initiating a Recovery Oriented System of Care with the completion of a sequential intercept map and establishment of subcommittees for mental health education and training.
• Mental Health awareness campaigns to include the creation of two websites:
  • 850MentalHealth.com
  • HowYaDoing.org
• DOH-Bay Diabetes Services Program was awarded the Florida Blue Foundation (Innovations in Healthcare) grant.
• DOH-Bay Tobacco Prevention Services increasing the number of tobacco-free businesses and multi-unit housing developments.
• Providing medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) linking individuals to treatments of care.
• Providing Human Trafficking Education and Awareness to Bay County high school students.