Polk County Florida Health Department
- About Polk County Florida Health Department
- Mission and Vision of the Department
- Services Offered by the Health Department
- Locations and Operating Hours
- Programs and Initiatives
- Immunizations and Vaccinations
- Sexual Health and Family Planning
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
- Community Health and Environmental Services
- Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
About Polk County Florida Health Department
Polk County Florida Health Department is a government agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of the residents of Polk County, Florida. The department is part of the Florida Department of Health and operates under the leadership of a County Health Officer. It has been serving the community since 1936 and has evolved over the years to meet the changing health needs of the community.
Mission and Vision of the Department
The mission of Polk County Florida Health Department is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Polk County. The department's vision is to become the healthiest county in Florida by 2030. To achieve this vision, the department is committed to providing high-quality public health services, engaging in community partnerships, and implementing evidence-based strategies to address the health needs of the community.
Services Offered by the Health Department
Polk County Florida Health Department offers a wide range of services to the community. Some of the key services include:
Immunizations and Vaccinations
The department provides immunizations and vaccinations for children and adults to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, and others. The department also offers travel vaccines for those who are traveling internationally.
Sexual Health and Family Planning
The department provides confidential and affordable sexual health services, including HIV testing and counseling, STD testing and treatment, birth control, pregnancy testing, and education programs. The department also offers family planning services to help individuals and couples plan their families.
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
The department provides education, resources, and support to help individuals prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. The department also offers programs to promote healthy lifestyles, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and nutrition education.
Community Health and Environmental Services
The department provides a variety of community health and environmental services, including food safety inspections, mosquito control, environmental health assessments, and disaster preparedness and response. The department works closely with other agencies and organizations to ensure the health and safety of the community.
Locations and Operating Hours
Polk County Florida Health Department has several locations throughout the county to make it convenient for residents to access its services. The main office is located at 1290 Golfview Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. The department also has satellite offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City. The operating hours vary by location, and some locations offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate busy schedules. For more information on locations and operating hours, visit the department's website.
Programs and Initiatives
Polk County Florida Health Department is involved in several programs and initiatives to address the health needs of the community. Some of these programs include:
Healthy Families Florida
The department partners with Healthy Families Florida to provide support and resources to new and expectant parents to promote healthy child development and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
The department provides breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured women through the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The program aims to detect cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.
Quit Your Way
The department offers Quit Your Way, a program that provides free tools and resources to help individuals quit smoking. The program offers counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other support to help individuals quit for good.
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Polk County Florida Health Department offers employment and volunteer opportunities for those who are passionate about public health and want to make a difference in the community. Employment opportunities can be found on the department's website, and volunteer opportunities are available through the department's Volunteer Services Program.
In conclusion, Polk County Florida Health Department is a vital resource for the community, providing a wide range of services to promote and protect the health of all residents. From immunizations and vaccinations to sexual health and family planning to chronic disease prevention and management, the department is committed to improving the health and well-being of the community. With its mission to become the healthiest county in Florida by 2030, the department is poised to continue making a positive impact on the health of the community for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk County Florida Health Department
What services does the Polk County Florida Health Department offer?
The Polk County Florida Health Department offers a variety of services, including vaccinations, family planning, STD testing and treatment, dental services, and chronic disease management.
How can I get a copy of my birth certificate from the Polk County Florida Health Department?
You can request a copy of your birth certificate from the Polk County Florida Health Department by visiting their website or contacting their office. There is a fee for this service.
Does the Polk County Florida Health Department offer COVID-19 testing?
Yes, the Polk County Florida Health Department offers COVID-19 testing. You can find information about testing locations and hours on their website.
What should I do if I need medical care but don't have insurance?
The Polk County Florida Health Department offers a variety of services on a sliding fee scale based on income. You can contact their office for more information about eligibility and services.
