Sarasota, FL – Do you ever wonder why some people are so much healthier than others? The Florida Department of Health (DOH-Sarasota), in collaboration with community leaders, local agencies, hospitals and other organizations, recently led a countywide effort to assess the health of county residents. Using information from interviews with community leaders, focus groups, a community health survey and existing data from Florida Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set (CHARTS) and other sources, the 2015 Community Health Assessment offers a comprehensive overview of the health of our community.

The assessment results show three key health priorities in Sarasota County. These include: Healthy Weight, Access to Care, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Other health factors explored in the assessment were the environment, social and economic status, disease incidence, and disability.  

Health officials say existing data reveals health status differs by income, education, and ethnic background so some parts of the county are more impacted than others. “Everyone should have the opportunity to make the choices that allow them to live a long, healthy life, regardless of their income, education or ethnic background,” said Chuck Henry, administrator for the Florida Department Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota).

The findings from the assessment will serve as a springboard in developing a Community Health Improvement Plan to be released early this year. A Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) Leadership Council which includes community partners like Drug Free Sarasota and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare has been established to support the endeavor.

CHIP has been a catalyst for engaging communities throughout Sarasota County in collaborative efforts to build a healthy community since 2002. Much of this work occurs at the grassroots level through Community Health Action Teams (CHATs). Residents who are interested in becoming involved in local efforts to improve the health of our community are encouraged to join in CHAT meetings.

• Englewood CHAT
  Third Thursday each month, 9 a.m.
  Englewood United Methodist Church, 700 E Dearborn St, Englewood
• Laurel Osprey Venice Nokomis (LOVN) CHAT 
  Second Friday each month, 8:30 a.m.
  Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, 597 Tamiami Trail S., Venice
• Newtown CHAT 
  Fourth Tuesday each month, 6 p.m.
  Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St, Sarasota
• North Port CHAT 
  Second Wednesday each month, 4:30 p.m.
  Conference Room, City of North Port Police Department, 4980 City Hall Blvd, North Port

To view the 2015 Community Health Assessment in its entirety as well as the Executive Summary, please call 941-861-2969 or visit our website: www.sarasotahealth.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

For more local information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900.

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