PRIMARY CARE
Penny Borgia, United Way of
Central Florida
Ermelinda Centeno, Central
Florida Health Care
Sheryl Cooper, Florida
Department of Health in Polk
County
Tammy Durden, Florida
Department of Health in Polk
County
Kim Eubanks, Polk County BoCC
Carol Fox, Lakeland Regional
Health
Joy Jackson, M.D., Florida
Department of Health in Polk
County
Colleen Mangan, Florida
Department of Health in Polk
County
Paula McGhee, Polk County BoCC
Holly Vida, Bartow Regional
Medical Center
Suzanne Wright, Florida
Department of Health in Polk
County
BUILDING A HEALTHIER POLK
Building a Healthier Polk is a group of community partners brought together by
Polk Vision who have been working on the goal of reducing the obesity rate in
Polk County. Primary Care, School Health and Worksite Wellness Teams are all
currently creating and
implementing tactical
plans to improve the
health of Polk County
residents and are
working towards the
long-term goal of
reducing the obesity
(BMI >30) rate in Polk
County to < the state
average (36.9% to 26.4%
in 2013.)
5-2-1-0 launch
PRIMARY CARE LEAD TEAM
Pediatricians and other primary care providers play an important role in educating
families about healthy lifestyle choices. They are in a position to assist families
with identifying risk factors such as being overweight or obese that can adversely
affect health.
The Primary Care Team is focused on preventing and reducing childhood obesity
by partnering with pediatric practices across Polk County in a healthy habits
campaign. Physicians are provided with literature and prescription pads used
to facilitate conversation with patients and families regarding healthy eating
and active living. These prescriptions include a place for the child to designate
which healthy habits they will commit to work on and a place for the physician to
document the age and BMI percentile of the child. At intervals the prescription
data will be collected and compiled for tracking and comparison.
“The Florida Department of Health has enjoyed a strong partnership with Polk Vision. Over
the years. Our agency has been able to connect and collaborate with a strong cross-section
of professions throughout Polk County. We have furthered our mission to improve health
through active engagement with new partners on health and quality of life efforts.”
– Joy Jackson, M.D., Florida Department of Health in Polk County
22
“We are grateful to have wonderful Polk Vision partners from many different industries and
organizations who share our commitment to strengthen this community. Together, we are
sharing resources and insights in order to make positive, long-lasting changes in the health
and wellbeing of the citizens of Polk County.”
– Elaine Thompson, Ph.D., CEO, Lakeland Regional Health
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