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

  • Strategy 2: To assess infrastructure and policy needs in relation to pedestrian and pedalcyclists-related injuries and deaths.

  • Strategy 3: To assess funding opportunities related to infrastructure needs.

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

  • Strategy 2: To assess policies and procedures associated with fall-related injuries and deaths.

  • Strategy 3: To assess funding opportunities related to older adult needs.

• Objective 3: By December 31, 2027, reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths from 61 per year to 55 per year.

  • Strategy 1: To educate community leaders about opioid and fentanyl-related safety risks.

  • Strategy 2: To assess and improve policies and procedures associated with opioid overdoses and deaths.

  • Strategy 3: To identify funding opportunities related to the opioid crisis.

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

• Objective 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 1: To identify opportunities to share information on strategies and partnerships to leverage funds.

  •  Strategy 2: To assess funding opportunities related to infrastructure needs.

  •  Strategy 3: To identify policy opportunities to reduce rent cost burden and increase workforce housing.

  • Strategy 4: To identify barriers impacting the development of workforce housing in the local market.