10/16/19 @ 4:45 p.m. - At today's Board of County Commissioner's meeting, the Board approved a Resolution declaring October 16, 2019 at "Age-Friendly Day" and expressing intent to join AARP's Age Friendly Community Network to make our community more livable for people of all ages.

Attached is a Press Release from the Nassau County Department Health regarding their Age-Friendly Community initiative.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

9/23/19 @ 4:30 p.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health has issued the attached Press Release regarding National Falls Prevention Awareness Day which promotes public awareness that falls prevention is essential for healthy aging. The Press Release contains information on preventing falls and risk factors that increase the likelihood that falls may occur.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary von Mohr at (904) 875-6100 or via email at Mary.vonMohr@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

9/3/19 @ 10:15 a.m. 

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Ememergency

HIGHLIGHTS

• Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper – or even outside near an open window.
• Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detector’s batteries should be checked at least twice annually, at the same time smoke detector batteries are checked.

Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.
• When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
• If CO poisoning is suspected, call 911 or your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or consult a health care professional right away.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.When power outages occur during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

Every year, more than 400 people die in the U. S. from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning.CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

How to Recognize CO PoisoningExposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

Other Carbon Monoxide ResourcesFor educational materials, flyers, public service announcements, clinical guidance, and other resources, see Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After a Disaster.

6/20/19 @ 2:00 p.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health is reminding the public of the importance of preventing vector-borne diseases which are spread through bites from mosquitoes and ticks. Please click here to read the Press Release which contains information on protecting yourself and your pets.

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Godwin at (904) 875-6100 or via email at Michael.Godwin@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

6/3/19 @ 3:25 p.m. - The Florida Department of Health has issued the attached Press Release reminding residents and visitors to prepare for hurricane season which began June 1, 2019. The Press Release contains information on determining risks to your home, property or business, and recommendations on updating your emergency plans and supplies before Florida is threatened by a storm.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Geib@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/30/19 @ 3:30 p.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health is hosting a "Bootcamp for New Dads" on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. which will focus on caring for the mother of your baby. You will learn how to work as a team with the mom, about your role as the protector, and will have an opportunity to ask questions about your new duties as a father.

Lunch will be served and participants will be entered into a raffle for a $25 VISA gift card. You must RSVP by May 24th.

Please see the attached Press Release for all the details of this event.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

4/11/19 @ 11:50 a.m. - Press Release from the Nassau County Department of Health:

Contact:                                                                                                       Mary von Mohr
mary.vonmohr@flhealth.gov
904-557-9133

Fernandina Beach, Fla. —The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County is recruiting volunteers to help with two workgroups of the Nassau Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The Community Support workgroup is developing an intergenerational program for Nassau Seniors and Teens to come together and share talents, resources and support.  “Bridging the Years - Teens and Seniors Mixing It Up!” is slowly coming together.  We hope to launch this new program in the Fall of this year.  We need your ideas and suggestions for implementation.  We also need persons to coordinate.

The Health Disparities workgroup is focused on reducing health disparities across our county.  This workgroup will provide targeted health education to various sectors, including Nassau faith-based organizations. The workgroup is also seeking volunteers to champion the “Best Babies Zone” community project.  This new project will focus on reducing infant mortality by following the framework of the national model. Volunteers need to be passionate about improving the health of infants, women, and families located in targeted areas of Amelia Island.

All volunteers are welcome regardless of experience or education. Health is everyone’s responsibility. Working together, everyone can make Nassau County a healthier place to live, learn, work and play. To learn more about the CHIP workgroups call Mary von Mohr at 904-557-9133 or email at mary.vonmohr@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

 4/2/19 @ 9:30 a.m. -  Public Health Week takes place April 1-April 7, 2019. This year's theme is "Creating the Healthiest Nation: For Science. For Action. For Health". The Nassau County Health Department works in collaboration with local governments, non-profit organization and many other stakeholders to improve the health of all people in Nassau County by creating policies and programs to encourage healthier lifestyles.

For more information on National Public Health Week and the initiatives of the Nassau County Health Department to provide opportunities for healthier lifestyles, please see the attached Press Release.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary von Mohr at (904) 557-9133 or via email at mary.vonmohr@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/23/19 @ 8:20 a.m. - The Department of Health issued the attached Press Release yesterday after a cat near Kings Ferry tested positive for rabies. The alert will remain in affect for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Nassau County:

• St. Marys River to the North
• Prospect Landing, Murrhee Road and US Highway 1 to the West
• Lessie Road to the East
• W. County Road 108 to the South.

The press release includes information on how to protect yourselves and your pets, as well as signs to look for that may indicate an animal has been exposed.

If you have any questions, please contact Emily Cason with the Department of Health at (904) 875-6100 or via email at Emily.Cason@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office

1/18/19 @ 8:15 a.m. - The Health Department has issued a Press Release regarding Partnership for a Healthier Nassau's new Community Health Improvement Plan for years 2019-2021. The unveiling of the new plan will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Red Bean Center.

At the meeting, there will be a special presentation by guest speaker, State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who will share her vision of health for our community. Other key leaders will speak on the progress that has been made to improve the health in Nassau County and will also introduce a new project, Nassau Age-Friendly in Public Health.

What: Unveiling of New Community Health Improvement Plan
When: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: FSCJ Red Bean Center, Nassau Room (Building 30, Room T-126), 76346 William Burgess Blvd., Yulee, FL 32097

If you have any questions, please contact Mary von Mohr with the Nassau County Department of Health at (904) 557-9133 or via e-mail at Mary.VonMohr@flhealth.gov.

-Sabrina Robertson
 County Manager's Office