Bradenton, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is pleased to announce its participation in the Florida Age-Friendly Public Health Collaborative and Action Network, facilitated by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) with generous funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation. The department and TFAH aim to identify and enhance the role of public health in improving the health and well-being of the older adults in our community.

“With nearly one quarter of Manatee County’s population over the age of 65, developing programs to help residents live fuller, healthier lives is a critical need,” said Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Health Officer with DOH-Manatee. “This effort will enhance our coordination with other agencies and government organizations on how we serve our older population, helping them achieve the best possible health outcomes as they enter this rich and vibrant time in their lives.”

In October 2017, TFAH brought together 30 experts in public health, aging, research and policy in Florida to explore how public health could contribute to the health and well-being of older adults. Convening participants developed a Framework for Creating an Age-Friendly Public Health System to advance public health’s role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of an aging society at the local, state and national levels.

Through the Florida Age-Friendly Public Health Network, the department will be working with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and community partners to identify priority health issues among our older adults. DOH-Manatee will receive tools, training resources, and technical assistance based on our unique needs. TFAH will be sharing the results of this initiative with public health stakeholders and policymakers across the country. This collaborative effort will help Florida meet the unique public health needs of older adults.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Contact:
Thomas Iovino, Communications Director
Thomas.Iovino@flhealth.gov
(941) 708-8445