The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has identified its six top public health priorities aimed at making the community healthier and safer in 2011.
Described as “Winnable Battles” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by OCHD, the areas of focus are those where public health can make a significant impact in a short period of time to improve health outcomes, save money and save lives, the department said.
The “Winnable Battles” identified are:
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
- HIV
- Motor Vehicle Injuries
- Obesity, Nutrition and Food Safety
- Teen Pregnancy
- Tobacco
Director of the Orange County Health Department, Dr. Kevin Sherin, in a statement on Tuesday said, “All of us can take steps to help fight these battles. For example, everyone should get a routine HIV test, don’t text and drive, and if you smoke, try to quit. These three pieces of advice can save lives.”
The OCHD said it has long been focusing its programs on the six areas identified as “Winnable Battles”, but will seek to identify optimal strategies and rally resources and partnership to accelerate a measurable impact on health and the economy.
