Since 2010, The University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have released annual rankings that assess the overall health of counties in the U.S. using a standard method to measure how healthy people are and how long they live.  This year, of the 67 Florida counties, Indian River County ranked as 11^th healthiest county - an improvement from ranking 13^th last year.

The county health rankings, along with other health assessment tools, help to identify priorities for action.  Health factors represent what influences the health in the county; health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic, and physical.  Indian River County Health Department works to meet the health care needs for the uninsured and underinsured through our primary and dental care programs. 

For more information on county health rankings, visit the county health rankings website or read the Indian River Press Journal article (dated 4/3/12) on the rankings.

2011/2012 Flu Information

Each year, a seasonal flu vaccine is routinely distributed to protect against the flu viruses that are expected to be most common that year.  This year's flu vaccine will protect against 3 influenza strains, including the H1N1 virus.

Due to the wide availability of flu vaccine in Indian River County, the health department no longer offers flu shots to the general public.  If you are a patient of the health department, please call the clinic for information on getting your flu shot.  If you are not a patient of the health department, please contact your health care provider, local pharmacy or the Visiting Nurse Association for information on getting a flu shot.  For more information about the seasonal flu vaccine and who should be vaccinated, visit the CDC's 2011 - 2012 Flu Season information web page.
 

Emergency Preparedness

What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service next month, next week or even tomorrow?  How would you and your family cope? In Florida, this situation became a reality for many residents in the 2004 - 2005 hurricane seasons, and it can become a reality again.  In addition to hurricanes, other emergencies may provide no forewarning and can happen at any time.  This is why it is important to prepare now and not wait until the last minute when stores are crowded and supplies quickly run out leaving you without basic needs.  Get prepared now and don't wait until it's too late. Visit FloridaDisaster.org to create your own personalized family preparedness plan.
 

Indian River County Health Department is proud to announce the opening of its new Fellsmere WIC site  - relocating and expanding services from its former location inside Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) in Fellsmere to its new location at 21 South Cypress Street in Fellsmere. 

Open Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 11:50am and 1:00pm to 4:15pm (closed 12:00pm to 1:00pm for lunch), this newly renovated site is centrally located in Fellsmere and is a short drive for Sebastian residents as well.  Call WIC Fellsmere at 772-794-7488 for more information.

Product Safety

Concerned about unsafe, hazardous or defective products?  Six federal agencies have joined together to create www.Recalls.gov, a "one stop shop" for U.S. government recalls, in an effort to alert the American people of unsafe, hazardous or defective products.  Whether you're looking for recalls related to consumer products, vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics or environmental products, this site will provide you with the latest recall information.

Health Statistics

The Florida Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set (CHARTS) provides statistical data for a wide variety of health indicators in Florida, including:

• Communicable Diseases

• Chronic Diseases

• Maternal and Child Health

• Environmental Health

• Injury and Violence

• Social and Mental Health

• Health Availability Resources

• Population Characteristics

• Births/Deaths

CHARTS also has information on health care facilities, nursing homes and more.  Use CHARTS to find Florida health statistics in your community.