The Healthy Communities OCHIP group members believe that “where we live shouldn’t determine how long or how well we live. In our communities, we all should be surrounded by conditions that enable us to live the healthiest life possible” (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2022). The group’s priority areas include infrastructure, rent costs and affordable housing, social support, injury prevention, and pedestrian safety.

Chief Robert Bage, Fort Walton Beach Police Department
Mayor JB Whitten City of Crestview 

Goal 1: To reduce harmful incidents in Okaloosa County.

• Objective 1.1: By December 31, 2027, reduce the number of emergency department visits from motor vehicle traffic related injuries to pedestrians and pedalcyclists from 12.3 per 100,000 to 11.0 per 100,000. 

  • Strategy 1.1.1: To educate residents and visitors about pedestrian and pedalcyclists-related safety risks.

  • Strategy 1.1.2: To assess infrastructure and policy needs in relation to pedestrian and pedalcyclists-related injuries and deaths.

  • Strategy 1.1.3: To assess funding opportunities related to infrastructure needs.

• Objective 1.2: By December 31, 2025, reduce the number of adults ages 65 and older who are hospitalized due to falls from 7522 per 100,000 to 7347.9 per 100,000.

  • Strategy 1.2.1: To educate older adults about fall-related safety risks.

  • Strategy 1.2.2: To assess policies and procedures associated with fall-related injuries and deaths.

  • Strategy 1.2.3: To assess funding opportunities related to older adult needs.

• Objective 1.3: By December 31, 2027, reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths from 31.0 per 100,000 (2021) to 30 per 100,000.

  • Strategy 1.3.1: To educate community leaders about opioid and fentanyl-related safety risks.

  • Strategy 1.3.2: To assess and improve policies and procedures associated with opioid overdoses and deaths.

  • Strategy 1.3.2: To identify funding opportunities related to the opioid crisis.

Goal 2: To reduce the housing burden in Okaloosa County.

• Objective 2.1: By December 31, 2027, increase the number of affordable and available rental units from 83 per 100 renters up to 60% area median income (AMI) to 85 per 100 renters at 60% AMI.

  • Strategy 2.1.1: To identify opportunities to share information on strategies and partnerships to leverage funds.

  •  Strategy 2.1.2: To assess funding opportunities related to infrastructure needs.

  •  Strategy 2.1.3: To identify policy opportunities to reduce rent cost burden and increase workforce housing.

Pedestrian Safety Month 

The Healthy Communities OCHIP group kicked off Pedestrian Safety Month with a press conference on October 2, 2023. To promote pedestrian safety initiatives, the group hosted a poster contest in the schools and partnered with local public information officers to develop educational videos. They also supported local Walk, Bike, Roll to school events, where local students are encouraged to ride their bicycle or walk to school. School resource officers provide a safety briefing and community members of all ages join in on the fun! 

Public Information Officers from Okaloosa County and the Cities of Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach created three pedestrian safety videos that were shared throughout the month. They address how pedestrians and motorists should interact with each other in crosswalks, roundabouts, and school zones.

• Pedestrian Safety Month Video 1
• Pedestrian Safety Month Video 2
• Pedestrian Safety Month Video 3

The group hosted a Pedestrian Safety Poster Contest during the month of October. Students were asked to create a poster showing how they get to school safely. More than 140 students submitted a design! Winners received a certificate signed by all Okaloosa County mayors, a $100 gift card, and were recognized at the School Board meeting on October 23. 

Okaloosa & Walton Housing Summit 

OCHIP partnered with the Walton County Health Improvement Partnership (WCHIP) and the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® to host the Okaloosa Walton Housing Summit. The event was held on May 13with more than 175 elected officials, realtors, developers, and other community leaders present. Attendees learned about housing economics, community impacts of housing, updates from the recent legislative session, and more. Representatives from local government and developers participated in panel discussions to share barriers and respective solutions. The event ended with action planning sessions to further strategies from the Okaloosa County Attainable Workforce Housing Strategic Plan.