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

8/7/23 @ 4:50 p.m. - Project Opioid Jax, Callahan First Baptist Church, LSF Health Systems, Community Coalition Alliance and the Nassau County Coalition for Community Health have partnered to bring an Overdose Awareness Seminar which will discuss the overdose crisis in Nassau County and what we can all do to help.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 31st from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Callahan Baptist Church located at 45090 Green Avenue. Guest speakers include Undersheriff, Jon Hooper; Nassau County's Assistant Fire Chief, Greg Roland; Dr. Scott Miles of Coast Community Health; and Nassau County School Superintendent, Dr. Kathy Burns. There is no cost to participate, however registration is required. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer 

6/26/23 @ 2:15 p.m. - The Department of Health- Nassau has issued a Press Release commemorating National HIV Testing Day which is observed annually on June 27th. This year's theme is "Take the Test and Take the Next Step", which emphasizes knowing your HIV status. The Release includes information on HIV prevention, as well as information on where to get tested. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast with DOH-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

6/23/23 @ 11:30 a.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release in recognition of National Cancer Survivor Month and celebrating cancer survivors. It also includes information about the Cancer Connect Collaborative, a team of medical professionals assembled in February 2023 to analyze and rethink Florida's approach to combating cancer. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast with the Department of Health-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/21/23 @ 5:00 p.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release related to Men's Health Month and the importance of regular checkup, as well as being aware of lifestyle risks that can affect overall health. Click here to learn more. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast with DOH-Nassau at (904) 832-2644 or via email at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

5/25/23 @ 9:30 a.m. - Department of Health-Nassau is conducting a Community Health Assessment (CHA) to identify factors that affect the health of our community, and to determine available resources to addresses those factors. The information gathered is also used to prioritize issues and make decisions on programs and health improvement plans that serve our county. 

Please consider taking this community health survey. The survey has about 29 questions (not all questions may pertain to you but you are able to skip them) and only takes a few minutes to complete. All responses are important, fully confidential and anonymous. And if you finish the survey and provide your email address at the end, you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad. 

If you have any questions, please contact Barb Baptista, Community Engagement & Minority Health Liaison for DOH-Nassau at (904) 557-9168 or via email at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/24/23 @ 11:30 a.m. - The Department of Health-Nassau has issued a Press Release encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend. The release includes tips on water safety, sun safety, and food safety. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Bothast at (904) 832-2644 or via email at [email protected]. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer