Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Department / Florida / Health / Ocala

Ocala Florida Health Department

  • About the Ocala Florida Health Department

    • Overview
    • Mission and Purpose
    • Leadership Team
    • Contact Information

  • Services Offered by the Ocala Florida Health Department

    • Immunizations
    • STD Testing and Treatment
    • Family Planning Services
    • Medical Services
    • Environmental Health Services

  • Community Outreach and Education Programs

    • Community Health Fairs and Events
    • Health Education Classes and Workshops
    • Partnerships with Local Organizations on Health Initiatives

  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness

    • Overview of Emergency Preparedness Plans and Protocols
    • Response to Natural Disasters and Disease Outbreaks
    • Collaboration with Local and State Emergency Management Agencies

  • Health Data and Statistics

    • Local Health Indicators and Trends
    • Health Disparities in the Community
    • Epidemiological Surveillance and Monitoring

  • Career and Volunteer Opportunities

    • Job Openings in the Health Department
    • Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Community Members

  • Resources for Healthcare Providers

    • Up-to-Date Clinical Guidelines
    • Disease Reporting Requirements and Processes
    • Training Opportunities and Continuing Education

  • Local Health Board and Community Advisory Council

    • Membership and Meeting Information
    • Roles and Responsibilities of the Health Board
    • Collaboration with Community Advisory Council on Health Initiatives

  • Transparency and Accountability

    • Reports and Data on Health Department Performance and Outcomes
    • Public Records Requests
    • Feedback and Suggestions For Improvement

  • Community Partnerships and Collaborations

    • Local Hospitals, Clinics, and Healthcare Providers
    • Community-Based Organizations and Non-Profits
    • Businesses and City/County Government Agencies

About the Ocala Florida Health Department

The Ocala Florida Health Department is a state-run agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of residents in Marion County. As part of the Florida Department of Health, the Ocala office provides a wide range of programs and services designed to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Overview

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers a range of services that are aimed at improving the overall health of the community. These services are focused on preventing and controlling diseases, promoting healthy behaviors, and ensuring access to quality healthcare. The department also provides education and outreach programs to help residents make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Ocala Florida Health Department is to promote and protect the health of all Marion County residents. The department strives to achieve this mission by providing high-quality healthcare services, engaging in public health research, and promoting health education and awareness. The department's purpose is to improve the health outcomes of the community through prevention, early detection, and treatment of diseases.

Leadership Team

The Ocala Florida Health Department is led by a team of experienced public health professionals who are committed to improving the health of the community. The leadership team includes the Health Officer, the Deputy Health Officer, and various program managers and directors. These individuals work together to develop and implement policies and programs that address the health needs of the community.

Contact Information

The Ocala Florida Health Department is located at 1801 SE 32nd Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. The department can be reached by phone at (352) 629-0137 or by email at MarionCHD@flhealth.gov. The department's website provides additional information about the services and programs offered by the agency.

Services Offered by the Ocala Florida Health Department

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides a range of services aimed at improving the health of the community. These services include:

Immunizations

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers immunizations for children and adults to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and influenza. The department also provides vaccines required for school entry and travel.

STD Testing and Treatment

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The department also provides education and counseling to help individuals prevent the spread of STDs.

Family Planning Services

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers family planning services to help individuals plan and space their pregnancies. The department provides birth control methods, counseling, and education on reproductive health.

Medical Services

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides medical services to uninsured and underinsured residents of Marion County. The department offers primary care, dental care, and specialty care services.

Environmental Health Services

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides environmental health services to ensure that residents have access to safe and healthy environments. These services include food safety inspections, water quality testing, and sanitation inspections.

Community Outreach and Education Programs

The Ocala Florida Health Department engages in a variety of outreach and education programs to promote health and wellness in the community. These programs include:

Community Health Fairs and Events

The Ocala Florida Health Department participates in community health fairs and events to provide education and outreach to residents. These events provide an opportunity for residents to learn about health services and resources available in the community.

Health Education Classes and Workshops

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides health education classes and workshops on a variety of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention. These classes and workshops are designed to help residents make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Partnerships with Local Organizations on Health Initiatives

The Ocala Florida Health Department partners with local organizations on health initiatives to improve the health of the community. These partnerships help to leverage resources and expertise to address health issues affecting the community.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

The Ocala Florida Health Department is committed to ensuring that the community is prepared for public health emergencies. The department's emergency preparedness efforts include:

Overview of Emergency Preparedness Plans and Protocols

The Ocala Florida Health Department has developed emergency preparedness plans and protocols to respond to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. These plans outline the roles and responsibilities of department staff and other stakeholders in responding to emergencies.

Response to Natural Disasters and Disease Outbreaks

The Ocala Florida Health Department works closely with local and state emergency management agencies to respond to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. The department provides medical support and assistance in emergency shelters and other locations as needed.

Collaboration with Local and State Emergency Management Agencies

The Ocala Florida Health Department collaborates with local and state emergency management agencies to ensure a coordinated response to public health emergencies. This collaboration includes joint planning, training, and exercises to test emergency preparedness plans.

Health Data and Statistics

The Ocala Florida Health Department collects and analyzes health data and statistics to monitor the health status of the community. The department's efforts in this area include:

Local Health Indicators and Trends

The Ocala Florida Health Department tracks local health indicators and trends to identify emerging health issues and develop strategies to address them. This includes monitoring rates of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and other health conditions affecting the community.

Health Disparities in the Community

The Ocala Florida Health Department identifies and addresses health disparities in the community by collecting and analyzing data on health outcomes by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The department works to ensure that all residents have access to quality healthcare and resources to improve their health.

Epidemiological Surveillance and Monitoring

The Ocala Florida Health Department conducts epidemiological surveillance and monitoring to detect and respond to disease outbreaks and other health threats. This includes monitoring disease incidence and prevalence, conducting investigations, and implementing control measures to prevent the spread of disease.

Career and Volunteer Opportunities

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers a range of career and volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in public health. These opportunities include:

Job Openings in the Health Department

The Ocala Florida Health Department posts job openings on its website for positions in various areas, including healthcare, administration, and environmental health. Individuals interested in working for the department can apply online or in person.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Community Members

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers volunteer and internship opportunities for community members who want to gain experience in public health. These opportunities include assisting with health education programs, supporting emergency preparedness efforts, and serving as community health advocates.

Resources for Healthcare Providers

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides resources and support to healthcare providers in the community. These resources include:

Up-to-Date Clinical Guidelines

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides healthcare providers with up-to-date clinical guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. These guidelines help to ensure that patients receive quality care based on current best practices.

Disease Reporting Requirements and Processes

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides guidance and support to healthcare providers on disease reporting requirements and processes. This helps to ensure that disease outbreaks are detected and responded to quickly to prevent further spread.

Training Opportunities and Continuing Education

The Ocala Florida Health Department offers training opportunities and continuing education for healthcare providers to improve their skills and knowledge. These opportunities include workshops, seminars, and online courses on a variety of public health topics.

Local Health Board and Community Advisory Council

The Ocala Florida Health Department works closely with a local health board and community advisory council to address health issues affecting the community. These groups include:

Membership and Meeting Information

The local health board and community advisory council are made up of community members and stakeholders who are committed to improving the health of the community. Meetings are open to the public and held regularly to discuss health issues and strategies for addressing them.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Health Board

The local health board is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Ocala Florida Health Department and ensuring that services are provided in an effective and efficient manner. The board also develops policies and makes recommendations to improve the health of the community.

Collaboration with Community Advisory Council on Health Initiatives

The community advisory council works closely with the Ocala Florida Health Department to develop and implement health initiatives that address the needs of the community. The council provides input and feedback on department programs and services and helps to identify emerging health issues.

Transparency and Accountability

The Ocala Florida Health Department is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations. The department's efforts in this area include:

Reports and Data on Health Department Performance and Outcomes

The Ocala Florida Health Department publishes reports and data on its performance and outcomes to provide transparency and accountability to the community. These reports include information on program effectiveness, service utilization, and health outcomes.

Public Records Requests

The Ocala Florida Health Department responds to public records requests in a timely and transparent manner. The department makes every effort to provide access to public records while protecting the privacy of individuals and sensitive information.

Feedback and Suggestions For Improvement

The Ocala Florida Health Department welcomes feedback and suggestions from the community on how to improve its services and programs. The department encourages residents to share their experiences and ideas to help shape the future of public health in Marion County.

Community Partnerships and Collaborations

The Ocala Florida Health Department collaborates with a range of community partners to improve the health and well-being of residents. These partnerships include:

Local Hospitals, Clinics, and Healthcare Providers

The Ocala Florida Health Department works closely with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers to ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare services. The department also collaborates with these partners on disease prevention and control efforts.

Community-Based Organizations and Non-Profits

The Ocala Florida Health Department partners with community-based organizations and non-profits to address social determinants of health and promote healthy behaviors. These partnerships help to leverage resources and expertise to improve the health of the community.

Businesses and City/County Government Agencies

The Ocala Florida Health Department collaborates with businesses and city/county government agencies to promote health and wellness in the community. These collaborations include workplace wellness programs, infrastructure improvements, and policy changes to support healthy living.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ocala Florida Health Department

What services does the Ocala Florida Health Department provide?

The Ocala Florida Health Department provides a wide range of services including immunizations, STD testing and treatment, family planning services, environmental health inspections, and disease surveillance and control.

What are the hours of operation for the Ocala Florida Health Department?

The Ocala Florida Health Department is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Do I need an appointment to receive services at the Ocala Florida Health Department?

Some services require appointments while others are available on a walk-in basis. It is best to call ahead to determine if an appointment is necessary for the service you need.

What payment options are available at the Ocala Florida Health Department?

The Ocala Florida Health Department accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare. Some services may also be available on a sliding fee scale for those who do not have insurance or who cannot afford to pay.