Clay County health department presents 2023 community health assessment; behavioral health and access remain top priorities

Heather Huffman, Health Officer for Florida Department of Health in Clay County, briefed the commission on the county's 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHA) and the resulting Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

Huffman said primary and secondary data — surveys, focus groups and morbidity/mortality statistics — showed persistent priorities: behavioral health (including substance misuse and suicide prevention), lifestyle behaviors (notably overweight/obesity and youth vaping) and health-care access, especially in southern parts of the county where specialty care is less available.

"We conducted in 2023 a community health needs assessment," Huffman said, summarizing the data collection and explaining the community-led process for setting priorities and forming workgroups. She described the CHIP as a three- to five-year community-led implementation effort and highlighted partnerships with UF Extension, Baptist Health and community coalitions for prevention and access work.

Huffman and partners said emerging issues include rising congenital syphilis cases and concerns about domestic violence and child abuse, which have been folded into behavioral-health planning. Staff also outlined prevention and access measures including screening availability (the health department provides testing and services on a sliding-fee scale), community paramedicine, and plans for improved co-location of clinic services.

Commissioners asked about the November ballot referendum on adult-use marijuana and whether county-level health planning would consider potential downstream effects on substance misuse; staff said prevention and monitoring activities would continue through existing coalitions and partners.

No board action was required; Health Department staff encouraged commissioners to share CHIP materials and to invite constituents to participate in workgroups.