Health Department

The Escambia County Health Department (DOH-Escambia) is committed to protecting and improving public health in the Escambia County area, located in the panhandle of Florida. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the services, resources, and initiatives offered by the Escambia County FL Health Department, helping residents and visitors navigate their healthcare needs, from vital statistics and immunizations to disease prevention and environmental health.

Overview of the Escambia County Health Department

The Escambia County Health Department, part of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), plays a vital role in delivering health services across the county. The department provides a wide range of services to individuals, families, and communities, including clinical services, immunizations, wellness programs, and much more. As part of its mission, the department works to ensure the health and safety of the public by addressing issues like disease control, environmental hazards, maternal and child health, and emergency preparedness.

Escambia County residents benefit from multiple service centers located in Pensacola, where they can access the department’s health programs, obtain certificates, and find information about upcoming health events.

Key Services Provided by the Escambia County Health Department

Clinical and Nutrition Services

DOH-Escambia offers several clinical and nutrition services designed to meet the healthcare needs of local residents. These services include:

Immunization Clinics: Ensuring that individuals of all ages have access to necessary vaccines to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Providing nutritional support and health education to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

STD & HIV Testing: Offering testing and prevention education to help reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Dental Services: Providing essential dental care to children and adults through clinics and outreach programs.

For more details on these services, you can visit the department's programs and services page.

Environmental Health Services

The Environmental Health division of DOH-Escambia ensures that local communities maintain a healthy and safe environment. Services provided include:

Food Safety Inspections: Regular inspection of local food establishments to ensure that they meet health and safety standards.

Water Quality: Monitoring and ensuring that drinking water sources meet the necessary safety guidelines.

Onsite Sewage Disposal: Managing and overseeing septic systems to ensure that they are functioning correctly and not polluting the environment.

Vector Control: Providing mosquito control and monitoring for vector-borne diseases to keep the community safe.

The department plays a critical role in ensuring the community’s health by addressing potential environmental hazards. To learn more about environmental health services, visit the Environmental Health page.

Vital Statistics and Certificates

DOH-Escambia assists residents with the acquisition of important certificates, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. These records are essential for various legal, financial, and personal purposes, such as obtaining a passport or completing insurance claims.

Birth Certificates: Available for those born in Escambia County, these certificates are crucial for enrolling in school or applying for government benefits.

Death Certificates: Essential for legal and financial matters, such as settling an estate or claiming insurance benefits.

Marriage and Divorce Certificates: Required for various legal purposes, including name changes or applying for financial benefits.

Certificates can be ordered online, in-person, or by mail. For more information on how to request a certificate, check the Certificates and Registries page.

Disease Prevention and Control

The Escambia County Health Department plays a crucial role in disease prevention and control, offering services related to:

Infectious Disease Reporting: Residents are encouraged to report diseases like tuberculosis, COVID-19, and hepatitis A.

Epidemiology Services: Monitoring and investigating health patterns within the community to prevent outbreaks and promote public health education.

Vaccination Services: Offering a range of immunizations to protect against diseases such as flu, measles, and COVID-19.

For disease-related services, residents can access information via the Infectious Disease page.

Special Programs and Initiatives

RESET: Small Steps, Big Change

The RESET program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, aimed at reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This program offers a structured, evidence-based approach to health and wellness, helping individuals make gradual changes to their lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, to reduce their risk of diabetes.

The department provides resources to help residents take small steps toward achieving big health benefits. To find out more about this program, visit the Diabetes Prevention Program page.

Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Access

Escambia County has been affected by the opioid epidemic, and the health department is actively working to reduce overdoses and promote recovery. This includes distributing naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, and offering education on overdose prevention.

For more details, visit the Overdose Prevention page.

Tobacco-Free Florida

Through the Tobacco-Free Florida initiative, the Escambia Health Department works to reduce tobacco use in the community by offering smoking cessation resources, education, and support. This program aims to reduce smoking rates and prevent related health issues, such as lung cancer and heart disease.

5-2-1-0 Northwest Florida

This initiative encourages healthy lifestyles by promoting the 5-2-1-0 message: five servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time, one hour of physical activity, and zero sugary drinks each day. The program is aimed at children and families to help them develop lifelong healthy habits.

For more information on these community health initiatives, visit the Wellness Programs page.

Health Department Locations in Escambia County

The Escambia County Health Department operates several service centers where individuals can access health services, attend events, and obtain certificates. These centers include:

Fairfield Service Center
1295 West Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: 850-595-6500
Services: Clinical and nutrition services, immunizations, women's health, and more.
Learn more about Fairfield Service Center

Downtown Service Center
1300 West Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-6700
Services: Environmental health, food safety inspections, and water quality monitoring.
Learn more about Downtown Service Center

Northside Service Center
8390 North Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32534
Phone: 850-484-5121
Services: WIC services and clinical and nutrition services.
Learn more about Northside Service Center

Health Alerts and Community Events

The Escambia Health Department also issues health alerts to inform the public about potential health risks. For instance, the department recently issued a Blue Green Algae Health Alert for Admiral Mason Park Pond, cautioning residents about water safety. These alerts help ensure that the community stays informed about emerging public health concerns.

Additionally, the health department hosts numerous community events throughout the year, such as cooking demonstrations, wellness classes, and support groups. These events are designed to help residents improve their health and well-being in a supportive environment.

Stay up to date with local health news by visiting the Escambia Health Department Newsroom.

Escambia County Health Department FAQs

How do I obtain a birth certificate from the Escambia County Health Department?

To request a birth certificate in Escambia County, you must provide the full name of the registrant, their date of birth, city or county of birth, both parents' names (including the mother's maiden name), a valid photo ID, and the necessary fee. Birth certificates can be ordered in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Be sure to include payment, which can be made by cash, money order, or debit/credit cards.

What services are available for women, infants, and children at the Escambia County Health Department?

The Escambia County Health Department offers the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional assistance and health education to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. The program aims to promote healthy eating and lifestyle practices, offering food vouchers for healthy food items, breastfeeding support, and education on child nutrition and development.

How can I report an infectious disease to the Escambia County Health Department?

Residents can report infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and hepatitis A to the Escambia County Health Department. The department monitors and investigates health patterns to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. If you need to file a report, you can contact the health department directly or use their online resources for disease reporting.

Where can I get immunizations in Escambia County?

The Escambia County Health Department offers immunization services for children and adults. The department provides routine vaccinations, including those for flu, measles, and COVID-19. Immunization clinics are held at various service centers across the county. Check the department's website or contact a local center to find out the schedule and availability of these clinics.