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Changing the health landscape of Polk County.
TOGETHER.
With obesity directly linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes which are major
causes of death and preventable hospital stays, the startling statistic galvanized a movement among
stakeholders across Polk County. Working cooperatively with the Florida Department of Health, Polk Vision
convened a large cross-sector group of subject matter experts to prioritize objectives in addressing the
alarming rate of obesity in our community. This group came to be known as Building a Healthier Polk and
has been working to develop healthy habits and behaviors in key settings across our community.
Currently, three Building a Healthier Polk Teams are built on objectives targeting School Health, Primary
Care Physicians, and Worksite Wellness.
The importance of having each of these Teams focused on promoting a united message cannot be
overstated. Common language and central communication is essential to keeping these cross-sector
professionals aligned as they work towards the long-term goal of improving the healthy weight rate in our
community.
Reducing obesity rates and increasing the healthy weight rate of our citizens is a long-term effort. The
Building a Healthier Polk Teams are committed to reducing the obesity (BMI >30) rate in Polk County to less
than the state average (36.9% to 26.4% in 2013). The Florida Department of Health in Polk County includes
the work of these Teams into its 2016-2020 Community Health Improvement Plan.
Dr. Joy Jackson // Director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County
Every person should have the opportunity to make choices that allow them to live a long,
healthy life. We are proud to partner with Polk Vision - an organization that addresses
health equity through the work of all its Teams.”