Contact:
Wendi Jackson
386-281-6423
Chd64pio@flhealth.gov

Daytona Beach - In April, public health entities throughout the country, take the time to remind everyone of the important issues impacting diverse communities year-round during National Minority Health Month. In celebration of the month, the Florida Department of Health is also planning a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 25, at our Keech Street location in Daytona Beach.

National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority populations and encourage action through health education, early detection and control of disease complications. In 1915, Booker T. Washington established National Negro Health Week. Later in 2002, National Minority Health Month received support from U.S. Congress with a resolution that encouraged "all health organizations and Americans to conduct appropriate programs and activities to promote healthfulness in minority and other health disparity communities."

In early 2019, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County took its health services to the heart of Daytona Beach by opening a location at 421 S. Keech St. In 2019, a committee of volunteers organized by Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry named the clinic the Southside Health Zone. The location made it much easier for clients to access DOH services. The Keech Street location is near the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, Halifax Health's Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Care and the East Volusia Educational Center Head Start. Campbell Middle School is located adjacent to the property.

Most clinical services available in other Department of Health locations in Daytona Beach, Orange City and New Smyrna Beach are available at the Southside Health Zone. This includes the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program which offers supplemental nutrition and education to pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women and children up to age 5; clinical services including birth control for men and women; pregnancy testing; breast exams and Pap smears; immunizations for children and adults, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Because of the pandemic, DOH-Volusia was unable to host a proper grand opening or officially welcome the community to the facility.

Our planned Family Fun Day features an expo of various services available in the community, rock painting, scooter giveaways, grocery giveaways, grocery vouchers, arts and crafts, food, music, games and a kid zone. Families will be able to learn more about WIC, health screenings, immunizations and dental services offered by the Florida Department of Health.

The event compliments Volusia County's Strive to Thrive - Partnering for Prosperity initiative. The County's Animal Services division will provide tips on responsible pet ownership with information on low-cost pet services. Mobile hotspots and other services available from Volusia County Library Services will also be available. The County's Community Assistance division will provide information on utility and housing assistance, summer programs for children and more.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyVolusia or @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.