INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized Indian River County Health Department for its ability to respond to public health emergencies.
Indian River County Health Department met the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required to be recognized by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Indian River County Health Department joins a cohort of nearly 300 local health departments across the country that have distinguished their agencies’ preparedness efforts through PPHR.
“We are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness,” said Miranda Hawker, Administrator for Indian River County Health Department.
“We will continue to improve our ability to quickly and effectively respond to any public health crisis in Indian River County,” Hawker added.
“NACCHO commends Indian River County Health Department for being a model of public health emergency preparedness,” said Robert Pestronk, Executive Director of NACCHO.
“The public health system is making great strides thanks to the good work of leaders in local public health preparedness such as Indian River County Health Department,” explained Pestronk.
Florida Department of Health’s County health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review.
PPHR required Indian River County Health Department to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness in three key areas: preparedness planning; workforce competency; and demonstration of all-hazards readiness through exercises or a response to a real event.
PPHR recognition confirms that Indian River County Health Department has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place, that agency staff members are trained, and that the agency exercises the plan and uses it during public health emergencies.
The mission of the National Association of County and City Health Officials is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.
For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, please visit the website at http://www.NACCHO.org/PPHR .
Indian River County Health Department (IRCHD), under the Florida Department of Health, is located in Vero Beach, Florida.
IRCHD provides services to the county’s 142,000 residents and is responsible for assessing, maintaining, and improving the health and safety of residents and visitors within the county.
IRCHD was established to address community health needs by providing quality public health services that are equally available and accessible to all residents and visitors as needed.
IRCHD offers a wide range of public health services that include disease prevention, health promotion, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and environmental surveillance and control.
Every effort is made to promote, protect, maintain, and improve the health and safety of all residents and visitors within the county.
For more information about IRCHD’s programs and services, please view our website at www.MyIRCHD.com or call (772) 794-7400.