

	GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST ANNOUNCES BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TALLAHASSEE – Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, Secretary for the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and State Surgeon General, praised the Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget recommendations announced today by Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp. The budget includes $63.9 million for DOH to introduce the Cover Florida Health Care Access System, an innovative approach to providing health care for the uninsured. The total proposed budget for the Department of Health is slightly more than $2.8 billion. “Governor Crist and I are committed to ensuring that Floridians have appropriate access to health care and to vital health prevention services,” Dr. Viamonte Ros said. “Personal responsibility for one’s health is critical, but we understand that access to services is an important part of prevention as well. I applaud the Governor’s proposed budget, and it has already received widespread support from administrators at county health departments across the state.” The Department of Health budget priorities enhance the progress made over the last several years to promote, protect and improve the health of all Floridians. Even in a tight economic year, DOH is committed to preserving critical services that protect and assist our most vulnerable populations, including children, the disabled and the elderly. The agency’s top priority is for funding to implement a unique collaborative model to improve access to care for Florida’s uninsured population. The proposal calls for $63.9 million for the implementation of a pilot program in 14 counties where County Health Departments will partner with community providers, including regional hospitals and other resources, to assist the uninsured in finding a family medical home. The pilot will include targeted door-to-door outreach into neighborhoods and provide access to care to families who currently have no health insurance. The County Health Departments and community partners will team up to assist with primary care, prescription pharmaceuticals, access to specialists, chronic disease management, and even help identify other potential health care coverage such as Medicaid, KidCare or Children's Medical Services. The program will provide for local after-hours and weekend clinics, as well as mobile units, in targeted neighborhoods to prevent unnecessary and costly use of emergency rooms. Other highlights of the department’s budget include the following: $1.8 million for an automated statewide pharmacy system that will electronically integrate patient medication history and pharmaceutical screening information; $8 million to maintain current levels of school health services and staffing across the state; $3 million for the early identification and intervention of developmental problems in infants and toddlers; and $6.6 million (an increase to the current budget of $52.9 million) as required by the Florida Constitution for the tobacco amendment to continue with education, outreach and prevention measures regarding the negative health impact of smoking and other tobacco products. All of the agency’s budget priorities will continue to support health promotion and education initiatives and strengthening partnerships with community organizations to address health outcome disparities. DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information about DOH programs, visit www.doh.state.fl.us.