1/21/25 @ 9:00 a.m. The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (DOH-Nassau) issued the attached Press Release last week regarding an upcoming human trafficking prevention training they are offering to the community. The event will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 9am-12pm at the FL Department of Health-Nassau located at 1620 Nectarine Street. This course is designed to learn the signs of human trafficking, what to say and how to help. 

Registration is required. To register or ask questions, please reach out to Community Engagement Liaison Barb Baptista at (904) 753-1258. ​

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

1-3-25 @ 11:00 a.m.-

​Family Support Services is hosting a FREE online class on Human Trafficking on January 15, 2025 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Human Trafficking Vulnerability and recruitment is everywhere and remains a serious issue in northeast Florida. The region is actively addressing this complex situation and exploitation through collaborative efforts among law enforcement, non profit organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Common themes in the anti-human trafficking field are "This Can Happen to Anyone" and "It's Happening in Your Backyard."  Victims could be your clients, patients, students, congregation members, and community members that you see and interact with on a regular basis. 

Residents are invited to join this learning opportunity where you can become more vigilant, learn to recognize the signs, and learn how to report any suspicious activities and/or potential victims. 

Register today by clicking here. Questions/ call (904) 402-4684. All information including the Zoom link and log-in ID can be found in the attached flyer. 

This World AIDS Day, join the Nassau County Health Department to raise awareness, get educated, and take action. It's a day to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and honor the people living with HIV. Speak out against HIV stigma and GET TESTED ON DECEMBER 10TH.

They are offering confidential HIV testing and a chance to learn more about HIV prevention, treatment, and resources available in the community. Please see flyer for locations. 

Questions? Call the Health Department at (904) 753-1264.

11/8/24 @ 3:00 p.m. -The State of Florida, through its Attorney General, and certain Local Governments, through their elected representatives and counsel, were engaged in litigation seeking to hold many of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Participants accountable for the damage caused to the State by their misfeasance, nonfeasance and malfeasance ("Opioid Lawsuits").

On July 26, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took action to participate in the Opioid Lawsuits by Resolution 2021-156 and beginning in January 2022, the State of Florida Attorney General negotiated settlement agreements of the Opioid Lawsuits with multiple parties requiring settlement payments be made over an 18-year period. Proceeds from the settlement agreements with the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Participants must be used to increase the amount of funding presently spent on opioid and substance abuse education, treatment, prevention and recovery services.

Nassau County's Opioid Settlement Task Force was created by Resolution No. 2024-040 in April 2024​. It is comprised of individuals and stakeholders with knowledge, direct or indirect experience with Opioid substance abuse, and a vested interest in the reduction of Opioid misuse. Their purpose is to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the most efficient use of settlement funds in accordance with the Core Strategies and Approved Uses as dictated by the settlement agreements. 

In September 2024, the BOCC issued a Press Release notifying the community of an opportunity to apply for opioid settlement funds. On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Opioid Settlement Task Force met to review Opioid Settlement Project Submission Packets that had been received from Starting Point Behavioral Health, The Coalition for Community Health, and Rise, all totaling $615,497 in funding requests.  Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman notified the Task Force that settlement funding for the year is $386,748. 

Each organization made presentations at the November 7th meeting to provide information on their organization and projects designed to offer additional opioid education, treatment and recovery programs to the community using the settlement funding. In order to be considered, each project must align with Core Strategies as dictated by the settlement agreements. No formal decision was made at the November 7th meeting, however the Task Force will meet again on December 14, 2024 at 2pm to continue the discuss related to the funding requests. These meetings are open to the public and are held in the County's Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL. 

If you would like to watch the November 7, 2024 meeting of the Opioid Settlement Task Force, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

11/7/24 @ 1:20 p.m. 

In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, Nassau County Parks & Recreation was able to obtain 3 outdoor fitness pods consisting of 5 Greenfield Fitness components.  These were purchased utilizing a grant secured by the Florida Department of Health- Nassau.  These outdoor fitness pods will serve areas throughout the County with installation taking place at the Bryceville Ballpark, Yulee Ballpark and Hilliard (location to be determined).  The Bryceville Ballpark pod installation began in late October as part of additional upgrades to the playground area.

​We trust that the new outdoor fitness equipment will increase the physical, social, functional, cognitive and psychological well-being of Nassau County residents. We are very grateful to the Florida Department of Health- Nassau for securing the equipment on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and the community. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer 

10/8/24 @ 11:00 a.m. - The Nassau County Health Improvement Coalition has created "No Wrong Doors", a community resource guide to help individuals find support when in need. 

Individuals trying to access new services and support find themselves challenged by misinformation or inability to tap into agencies and meet requirements at a time when they may be vulnerable or in crisis. Imagine having to go to or call several places to get information on needed services to be told “Not here” … and nothing else. 

The “NO WRONG DOOR” Resource Guide For Local Support exists to assist a greater number of  community members find resources available for Nassau County resident, and be a “Keymaker”.  NO WRONG DOOR partners will be able to use this guide, so that no one seeking help will leave without understanding their options, and knowing how to access the services they need. Expected result is a better-served community, and improved quality of life and health outcomes. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Nassau County Health Department at (904) 875-6100.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/13/24 @ 8:30 a.m. - Several residents have inquired about how to care for their septic tank system following the heavy rains. The Florida Department of Health has provided the attached Stormwater Preparedness and Response sheet from FloridaDisaster.Org. If you have any questions, the Department of Health can be reached at (904) 875-6100, Division of Environmental Health. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

7/16/24 @ 8:45 a.m. - 33 local community organizations, including the Nassau County Department of Health, have partnered to bring the 2024 Bounce Back to School Event. It takes place on Saturday, July 20th from 9am-1pm at the Peck Center Gymnasium located at 510 S. 10th Street, Fernandina Beach. 

This event will include health screenings, school physicals, TDAP vaccines, vision screenings, and free school supplies. The overall purpose is to support families and promote a home and family environment that helps students flourish. 

There is no cost to participate, however the ECG heart screenings do require advanced registration. Sign up by scanning the QR Code or by visiting www.whoweplayfor.org. 

If you have any questions, please contact Barb Baptist with the Nassau County Department of Health at (904) 753-1258 or via email at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Please see the below Press Release from the Department of Health-Nassau. 

Contact: Michael Godwin
[email protected]
904-557-9150

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (DOH-Nassau) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Nassau County.

Several sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus infection. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Amelia Island Mosquito Control and DOH-Nassau continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

DOH-Nassau reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and Cover”:

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent.

• Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
• Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
• Tips on Repellent Use
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate:
• Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.

DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.

• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
• Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.

For more information, visit the Department’s website or contact DOH-Nassau at 904-875-6100.

10/27/23 @ 10:45 a.m. -  Kerry Waldron with the Florida Department of Health attended the October 23, 2023  Board of County Commissioner's meeting to introduce Ms. Cara Gluck as the new Administrator of the Nassau County Department of Health. He stated, "We think we have a great candidate for Nassau County. She comes with 20+ years of experience, ranging from local, statewide and regional management positions and has a strong background in emergency management and planning. Ms. Gluck also has a Masters Degree in Public Health and ." 

Though the Florida Department of Health interviews and selects the person for this position, pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 154.04(b) requires that the Board of County Commissioners provide concurrence on the position. The Board approved the appointment with a 5-0 vote. She will begin as the new Administrator in early 2024. 

"I am excited about this opportunity and to working with you to ensure we're providing the best services from a public health perspective for all of the residents", stated Ms. Gluck. 

The Board looks forward to working with Ms. Gluck and supporting her in her new role as Administrator of the Nassau County Department of Health. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer