Jefferson County's statistics have consistently shown health disparities among citizens of different races, genders, income levels, and physical abilities.  In many cases, these disparities are related to access to health care services, access to health information, lack of health care providers and facilities, lack of transportation, and other barriers that prevent certain groups from obtaining equitable health care.  In response to these issues, the Jefferson County Health Department led an effort to form a group known as the Jefferson County Health Disparities Task Force.  This group is comprised of community leaders, church pastors, social services agencies, health care providers, and concerned citizens who come together to develop strategies and organize community support for projects that seek to eliminate health disparities in our community.  This task force has been very successful at developing community networks, leveraging resources, organizing community efforts, and laying the foundation for positive changes.  In addition, several member organizations such as the Big Bend Rural Health Network, Inc., the Healthy Start Coalition of Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor Counties, and Innovative Partners, Inc. have obtained grant funding to support health promotion and disease prevention projects that align with the mission of reducing health disparities.

Please join us for our next meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2010 in the Jefferson County Health Department Annex Conference Room, located at 1175 W. Washington Street, Monticello, Florida.