FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is observing National Public Health Week, April 4-10. Americans are living 20 years longer than their grandparents’ generation, thanks largely to the work of public health. Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of families and communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention, and detection and control of infectious diseases. Public health connects us all.
“Every day, DOH-Okaloosa actively works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all Okaloosa County residents and visitors,” stated Dr. Karen A. Chapman, Director of DOH-Okaloosa. “National Public Health Week is a great time for us to highlight some of the ways the health department monitors and addresses health concerns and disparities in our local communities.”
This year to celebrate National Public Health Week, DOH-Okaloosa is partnering with the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners to host a groundbreaking ceremony 1 p.m. April 5 for the expansion project at the Okaloosa Farmers’ Market in Fort Walton Beach—on Lewis Turner Boulevard beside the Northwest Florida Fair Grounds. The event is open to the public. This is a great opportunity to show Okaloosa County’s progress in helping give everyone a choice of healthy food.
For more information about the event, see http://www.HealthyOkaloosa.com or contact Ryan Mims, 833-9240, extension 2162.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Department of Health celebrates April 4-10 public health week