3/20/23 @ 12:45 p.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau was notified this morning that the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida is hosting a virtual meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. to discuss "Medicaid Unwinding". 

For those that are not familiar with this matter, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Act required that Medicaid programs keep people continuously enrolled in exchange for enhanced federal funding "until the end of the month in which the public health emergency ends in order to receive enhanced federal funding". 

As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law on December 29, 2022, the continuous enrollment provision will end on March 31, 2023, meaning that millions of individuals could lose coverage. To learn more about this "Medicaid Unwinding" and to find out what you need to do to renew your coverage, please consider registering for the webinar at https://bit.ly/3KXcGG4. Once you've registered, you will receive an email confirmation containing the Zoom link and access code. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Barb Baptista, Community Engagement and Health Equity Liaison for the Department of Health-Nassau at (904) 557-9168 or via e-mail at Barbara.Baptista@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

3/17/23 @ 10:50 a.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release reminding Floridians and tourists to be safe and healthy this spring break. It includes safety tips on sun protection, preparing a health kit, avoiding heat exhaustion and more. 

Click here to view the Press Release. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast at (904) 832-2644 or via e-mail at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/6/23 @ 4:30 p.m. - The Nassau County Department of Health has been working hard to make Nassau County an age-friendly community. Part of this effort includes an initiative for local businesses to be age and dementia friendly. 

According to the Department of Health, life expectancy is increasing. People are living longer and staying healthier as they age. Additionally, the number and percentage of the population aged 65+ is rapidly increasing. Older adults are the faster-growing population in the United States. It is anticipated that by 2030, 1 in every 5 Americans will be 65 or older. This means that as the older population grows, so will their spending power. People age 50 and over contribute $8.3 trillion to the U.S. economy each year. To put into perspective, in terms of direct spending, $0.56 of every dollar spent in the U.S. in 2018 was attributable to the 50+ population. That amount is expected to increase to $0.61 by year 2050.

Businesses that adapt their services and environment to be age-friendly can expand their customer base, revenue, and help older adults remain active and live independently. Do you feel your business is age and dementia friendly? Would you consider exploring all angles to have your business recognized as age and dementia friendly by our community? 

To help expand your knowledge on making your organization age-friendly, please consider joining this webinar co-hosted by AARP and the Nassau County Department of Health on Tuesday, March 14th at 3:00 p.m. (eastern time). To sign up, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Bar Baptist with the Nassau County Department of Health at (904) 557-9168 or via e-mail at Barbara.Baptista@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

1/19/23 @ 3:45 p.m. - Please see the below Press Release issued by the Nassau County Department of Health. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast at (904) 832-2644 or via e-mail at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov. 

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County, in partnership with Healthy Start of Northeast Florida, has started offering free parenting meetings which are open to anyone in Nassau County. These meetings are held on the first Friday of every month at 1 P.M. at 45401 N. Mickler Street, Callahan, FL 32011, and on the 3rd Friday of each month at 1 P.M. at 1620 Nectarine Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Topics for these meetings will vary each month, but will include education on stress management, self-care for parents, family yoga, doula services, and safety education, just to name a few. For more information, please contact Jamesha Moment at Jamesha.Moment@flhealth.gov or call 904-557-9129.

Although it is not necessary to be a client of Healthy Start to attend these meetings, it is helpful to know what becoming a Healthy Start client can offer. The Healthy Start coalition leads a cooperative community effort to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of children, childbearing women and their families in Northeast Florida. Healthy Start clients must reside in Nassau County. They also must be pregnant, have custody of a child under three years of age, or have experienced pregnancy loss within the last three years. Services are free and can be provided in your home, at any county health department site, at your local doctor appointments, or any other location in Nassau County. In addition to offering these parenting meetings, Healthy Start also offers breastfeeding education and support, childbirth education and support, information on baby care and safety, education and screening for your baby’s milestones and additional opportunities for parenting education and support.

Enroll in the Healthy Start Program at any time by calling 904-557-9125 and select option 2.

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.

12/22/22 @ 8:30 a.m. - The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (DOH-Nassau) has issued a rabies alert for the Yulee area in response to a raccoon that tested positive. The alert will remain in place for 60 days. During this time, residents are urged to ensure that pets and live-stock are up to date on vaccinations and to not let pets run freely. 

Attached is a copy of the Press Release for your information. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast with DOH-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via email at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/1/22 @ 1:15 p.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release regarding World Aids Day which is observed today around the world. Full details below. 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

DOH-NASSAU RECOGNIZES WORLD AIDS DAY 2022

Contact: Jennifer Bothast
Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov
904-832-2644

Nassau County, Fla. – Each year on December 1, World AIDS Day is observed around the globe, serving as a memorial for those lost to HIV and as an opportunity to make people aware of enhanced HIV prevention and treatment options. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV," which encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment that are holding back progress on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The Florida Department of Health in Nassau stands in solidarity with people and communities across the globe on World AIDS Day, especially our local community and partners that work every day to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Florida has made great strides to reduce HIV transmission and continues to work toward eliminating HIV-related deaths by providing equitable access to HIV prevention and care services. The rate of HIV deaths among all persons diagnosed with HIV in Florida has declined by 31% over the last decade, but there is still more progress to be made. In 2021, there were 120,502 people living with HIV in Florida, 4,708 of whom were newly diagnosed. In Nassau County, there were 152 people living with HIV in 2021.

It is important that people know their options when it comes to HIV prevention and treatment. Medication-based HIV prevention—called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP—and HIV treatment are both based around antiretroviral therapy. Until recently, these medications were only available in pill form. Now, HIV prevention and treatment has evolved to include long-acting injectables. These medications are as effective as daily pills and provide individuals with additional options. Ensuring every single person
has an HIV prevention or treatment option that works for them is key to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what’s next.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and treatment. People can reduce their risk for HIV by using appropriate prevention strategies, such as taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), using protection, and getting tested regularly. Contact a health care provider to find out if PrEP is recommended for you. If you test positive for HIV, seeking HIV treatment is critical. Antiretroviral therapy can help people live longer, healthier lives. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Both PrEP and HIV treatment medications are now available as pills and long-acting injectables.

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. Visit the Know Your HIV Status website to learn about testing options near you or order a free at-home HIV testing kit mailed directly to the address of your choice. For more information, call 1-800-FLA-AIDS, or 1-800-352-2437; en español, 1-800-545-SIDA; in Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.

To learn more about DOH-Nassau’s prevention and treatment options or to schedule an appointment for a no-cost HIV test, call (904) 875-6100 or visit the DOH-Nassau Florida Department of Health in Nassau (floridahealth.gov) or https://hivcarenow.com

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

11/10/11 @ 10:30 a.m.  - The Florida Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release regarding an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities. Please see details below.

Florida Department of Health Addresses Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Florida

Contact: Jennifer Bothast
Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov
904-832-2644

Nassau, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities. This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years.
RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

Follow these important steps to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
4. Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick.
5. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Infants are the most affected by RSV. Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability.
Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems.

For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

10/25/22 @ 3:30 p.m. -Please see the below Press Release from the Department of Health Nassau. 

Contact: Jennifer Bothast
Jennifer.Bothast@FLHealth.gov
(904) 832-2644

[NASSAU, FL] — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Florida Department of Health, Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in Nassau encourages all women to receive regular breast exams and mammogram screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. According to Dr. Danso-Odei, Nassau County Department of Health Administrator and Health Officer, “This program helps us better meet the needs of uninsured women who would otherwise not be able to afford to receive these life-saving cancer screenings.” He further explained, “physician referrals are not needed, and women aged 50-64 interested in participation should call the Health Department at 904-875-6110, option 1 to receive information and make an appointment for these services. If a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, this program will follow through with immediate entry into care. Our department promotes awareness through a variety of outreach efforts and collaborations with area churches and other community- based organizations through participation in local events and developing cooperative partnerships with community health care providers.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.2 The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 21,000 new cases will be diagnosed in Florida this year alone. In 2022, it is estimated that 3,150 women in Florida will die from breast cancer.1 According to FL CHARTS, the rate of breast cancer incidence was 150.9 per 100,000 females in Nassau County in 2019, which was the most recent data year available, and is much higher than the Florida state rate which was 128.0 during this same year.

Over the past ten years, breast cancer mortality rates in Florida have decreased by 14.8%. Early detection of any cancer is critical to supporting a long and healthy life. Breast cancer is no exception and getting routine screenings is vital to your health. Women are urged to talk to their health care provider about possible individual risk factors and the frequency of mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings.

The Florida Department of Health provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings statewide to women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet the program eligibility requirements. For more information about the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program please visit MakeTimeForScreenTime.com.

Additionally, visit Florida Cancer Connect, a centralized resource hub for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Florida Cancer Connect provides tools to access a centralized resource of trusted information to help you and your family make informed decisions when it matters most.

About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, 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. To learn about resources in your area, contact your county health department.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

9/27/22 @ 2:20 p.m. - Below is a Press Release issued by the Department of Health-Nassau regarding special needs sheltering. Attached is a version en espanol.

​Please note that this release includes information on registering for special needs sheltering and items you should be prepared to take if an evacuation is ordered. At this time, no shelters have opened but this is good information to have to make sure you're ready if/when they open. 

September 27, 2022

HURRICANE IAN: SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS
Contact: Communications Office NewsMedia@flhealth.gov (850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. – In response to Hurricane Ian, the Florida Department of Health has prepared for Special Needs Shelter operations to begin in areas of anticipated landfall.

If you know or care for an individual with a disability or a special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, it is important that you pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry. The Florida Special Needs Registry registers those in need of services with your local emergency management office, so you can be assisted quickly during an emergency.

You can access the Florida Special Needs Registry here. You will need to log in with an existing account or create a new account.

In an emergency, such as an evacuation for a hurricane, you may need to go to a special needs shelter. By signing up through the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry, you will receive important information from local emergency management officials about evacuation and sheltering options available to you.
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If you are eligible for a special needs shelter your kit should include the following:
• List of medications and dosage
• A 30-day supply of medications
• Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent
• Backup energy sources for essential medical equipment
• Any special dietary needs or food
• Personal information including a photo ID, insurance card, emergency contacts, and your primary care
  provider’s contact information

After completing the Florida Special Needs Registry, additional information will be provided by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available to you.
For more information on your local shelter status, please visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/.

Health Care Providers
If you are a health care provider, please contact SNR@flhealth.gov to obtain a login for the special needs registry to ensure you are able to use all health care provider functions.
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.

9/6/22 @ 4:20 p.m. - The Nassau County Health Department has coordinated a community event for families. The event will include information centers focused on childbirth education, breastfeeding support baby care, car seat safety, health screenings and more. There will also be fun, organized games and activities for the kids. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

The event will take place at Ewing Park in Callahan on Saturday, September 17th from 9am-12pm. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast, Public Information Officer for the Florida Department of Health-Nassau, at (904) 832-2644 or via email at Jennifer.Bothast@flhealth.gov. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer