Welcome to our website!

Welcome to the Hernando County Health Department / Nature Coast Community Health Center website!
“Building partnerships within our community is the key to successfully achieving our mission of providing a safe and healthy environment for our residents and visitors. The Nature Coast Community Health Center, Inc. (NCCHC) is one such partnership. The NCCHC is a collaborative project with the Hernando County Health Department (HCHD). Together they focus on the provision of primary health care, the prevention of communicable disease, promotion of healthy lifestyles and the elimination of health disparities. Health promotion and wellness continue as our number one objective as we work toward Healthy People 2010 goals of reducing the incidence of chronic disease, cancer, child and spousal abuse and the promotion of good nutrition and positive lifestyle changes."

Elizabeth A. Callaghan, M.S., L.D., Administrator / CEO

Please visit The Nature Coast Community Health Center, Inc. (NCCHC).

For more information please view the 2007-2008 HCHD/NCCHC Annual Report (PDF - 3MB)

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS READY TO RESPOND TO SWINE FLU

Recently cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the United States.  Although no cases have been identified in our state, the Florida Department of Health has increased surveillance and is ready to respond should cases arise. 

There are steps you too can take to help protect our community.

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Local information:

• Hernando County Information Line 352-754-4111
• Florida residents 1-800-342-3557.
• Swine Flu Testing Guidelines

For more information on swine flu:

• Visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• Call 1-800-232-4636
• Call the Swine Flu Info Line 1-800-775-8039.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Please tell us about your visit with us today.

For commom local resources please check out our
Community Resource Sheet (PDF - 129KB)

2006 Community Health Needs Assessment

This document includes a comprehensive profile of the “health” of Hernando County and includes a demographic and socioeconomic profile, health status indicators, health resource availability and access information, findings from the 2006 community health assessment survey and more. Learn more about the 2006 Community Health Needs Assessment. (PDF - 2.57MB)

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
The purpose of our program is to give patients with diabetes the information needed to better manage diabetes. Instructors are Jan Musick, RN and Sandra Dixon, RD, CDE. Education is provided through weekly classes over a 4-week period, an individual assessment with an educator and a three-month follow-up class. This program is recognized as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Education by the American Diabetes Association. Learn more about the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program.

Health Department Emphasizes Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
The Special Needs Shelter is set up during natural disasters when residents are encouraged or ordered to evacuate. It provides medical care to persons with physical or mental disabilities, or serious medical conditions that require observations, assessment, or maintenance and are not ill enough for hospitalization. Learn more about Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs

Septic Tank System Reminder

If your commercial or residential building is on a septic tank system, please contact the Hernando County Health Department at (352) 540-6812 prior to occupancy. Insuring that your system is adequate for the home or business(es) you have will save you possible delays and added expense in the future. Learn more about Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems (OSTDS)

Ready to Quit Smoking?

Visit our Smoking Cessation Resources page for more information.

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