Florida's 2022-2026 State Health Improvement Plan

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia among the senior population. African Americans are twice as likely and Hispanics are one and a half times as likely as the older White population to have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Prevalence is higher among women compared to men; two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. There is no known cure, however, innovative research may provide hope for effective and novel treatment for this incapacitating disease.

• Strengthen the capacity to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Ensure a competent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias workforce.
• Enhance support for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers.

Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer and illnesses related to tobacco use are among the most common health problems affecting people of all ages, socioeconomic statuses and ethnicities. Risk factors —lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, the environment and social and economic factors—cause much of the illness, suffering and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions.

• Reduce new cases of cancer and cancer-related illness, disability and death.
• Improve cardiovascular health by reducing new cases, disability and death from heart disease, stroke and other related illnesses.
• Increase palliative care access and use.
• Reduce the burden of diabetes and improve quality of life for all who have or are at risk for diabetes.
• Improve respiratory health.
• Promote the attainment and maintenance of health through nutrition, physical activity and supportive lifestyle behaviors.
• Increase access to, and utilization of, oral health care to reduce the burden and disparities of oral diseases and its impact on overall health among all Floridians.

Unintentional injuries such as falls and motor vehicle crashes, and intentional injuries such as intimate partner violence are a major cause of death for people ages 1 to 44; however, most events are predictable and preventable.

• Prevent or reduce childhood injuries.
• Prevent or reduce adult injuries.
• Prevent or reduce injuries in vulnerable populations.
• Increase mitigation of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a statewide prevention strategy.

The well-being of women, infants, children and families determines the health of the next generation. Events over the life course influence maternal and child health risks and outcomes. Differences in health outcomes such as infant mortality, by race and ethnicity, can predict future public health challenges for families, communities and the health care system.

• Increase access to quality primary, preventative and sub-specialty care for infants, children and adolescents.
• Reduce infant morbidity and mortality.
• Reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
• Improve preconception and interconception health.

Mental and emotional well-being enables individuals to realize their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to his or her community.

• Reduce the impact of adult mental, emotional and behavioral health disorders.
• Reduce the impact of pediatric mental, emotional and behavioral health disorders.
• Reduce substance use disorders and drug overdose deaths.
• Reduce suicide behaviors and death.

Social and economic conditions impacting health are the conditions in the environments where people live, work and play that influence health throughout the lifespan. These factors, including but not limited to income, employment, social supports, literacy skills and transportation have a major impact on people’s ability to lead long, healthy lives.

• Expand access to high-quality educational opportunities for all across the lifespan.
• Improve access to high-quality health care services for all across the lifespan.
• Support communities to promote healthy, interconnected and safe environments.
• Enhance opportunities to foster economic vitality and resilience for all people.

Infectious organisms that are primarily acquired and transmitted through sexual activity cause many harmful, often irreversible and costly clinical complications in reproductive, fetal and perinatal health. Other emerging infectious agents pose the threat of disease outbreaks. Prevention, treatment and diagnostic strategies are essential.

• Eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related deaths.
• Reduce sexually transmitted infection rates.
• Reduce vaccine preventable diseases across the life span and for all people.
• Improve population health by preventing, detecting and responding to existing and emerging health threats.