The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) created the Healthy Okaloosa Faith-Based program to share health information and resources with local faith organizations. DOH-Okaloosa believes that faith-based organizations are essential elements to building healthy communities. This is because congregation members who feel supported by their place of worship are more likely to reach their goals in adapting healthier lifestyles. Joining the Healthy Okaloosa Faith-Based program is easy and has many benefits! It includes free health education resources, health toolkits, trainings, and a variety of activities on different topics like older adult health, nutrition, exercise, and more!
DOH-Okaloosa publicly celebrates organizations which are committed to a Healthy Okaloosa culture, where we all benefit from lower healthcare costs, healthier employees and families, and a happy, healthy lifestyle in Okaloosa County! Contact us today to learn more about the Healthy Okaloosa Faith-Based program.
Current Participating Faith-Based Organizations:
- Beulah First Baptist Church
- Church of the Epiphany
- Cinco Baptist Church
- First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach
- Grace Lutheran Church
- New Zion Tabernacle
- Our Lady of Victory Parish
- Rosemont Baptist Church
- Shalimar United Methodist Church
- St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church
- Striving for Perfection Ministries
- Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
- Village Baptist Church of Destin
Application Process
Faith-Based partners will receive a level of certification based on activities they complete. Below are the levels of certification:
- Silver – 1 Health Promotion Activity and 1 Observance Day
- Gold – 2 Health Promotion Activities and 2 Observance Days
- Platinum – 3 Health Promotion Activities, 2 Observance Days, and 1 Policy Creation
Is your organization interested in joining? Please contact the Healthy Okaloosa Faith-Based team at HealthyOkaloosa@FLHealth.gov or 850-344-0661 for more information!
Resources
Monthly Newsletters
The Healthy Okaloosa Faith-Based team develops an e-newsletter each month. The e-newsletter is sent to all program participants and includes information, health tips, and upcoming events. It can be forwarded to congregation members and posted in public areas.
To sign up for the newsletter, email HealthyOkaloosa@FLHealth.gov!
Health Observances
One way to complete health promotion activities at your organization is by celebrating health observances! Visit the National Health Observances website to view options.
Need assistance? Contact the Healthy Okaloosa Worksites team at HealthyOkaloosa@FLHealth.gov!