The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, formerly known as the Seminole County Health Department, is a vital part of Florida's statewide public health system. Under the leadership of the State Surgeon General, headquartered in Tallahassee, we strive to protect, promote, and improve the health of all Seminole County residents.

Our mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

What Do We Do for Seminole County?

We work to ensure the health and well-being of Seminole County residents through three core areas:

1. Protecting You and the Community from Disease
   
   • Immunizatizing to prevent disease outbreaks.
   • Ensuring clean and safe drinking water.
   • Treating and controlling the spread of diseases.
2. Promoting Healthy Behaviors
   • Educating the public on hand-washing and hygiene.
   • Advocating for health-focused public policies.
   • Providing community-wide health education.
3. Improving the Quality of Life in Seminole County
   
   • Delivering quality healthcare services.
   • Collaborating with community partners to meet health needs.
   • Ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents.

Learn more about how we serve Seminole County.

Timeline of DOH-Seminole

1940s

• 1941: Seminole County Health Department established on Commercial Street, Sanford.
• 1941: Dr. Leland H. Dame appointed as Health Officer.
• 1946: Dr. Frank Quillman appointed as Health Officer.

1950s-60s

• 1953: Dr. Terry Bird appointed as Health Officer.
• 1958: Dr. John H. Thurmond appointed as Health Officer.
• 1960: Health Department moved to French & 9th Street, Sanford.
• 1963: Public health home nursing services began.

1970s

• 1972: Dr. Julian Freid appointed as Health Officer.
• 1974: School Health services started.
• 1979: Dr. Jorge Deju appointed as Health Officer.

1980s-90s

• 1985: Health Department moved to the current Airport Boulevard location.
• 1989: Tobacco Prevention Program began.
• 1990: Casselberry location opened.
• 1991: Front desk became automated.
• 1992: Healthy Start Program began.
• 1996: Dr. Jane Polkowski appointed as Health Officer.
• 1997: Flu surveillance system implemented.

2000s-Present

• 2000: Dr. Jennifer Bencie appointed as Health Officer.
• 2003: Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program began.
• 2004: Michael J. Napier appointed as Health Officer.
• 2013: New name "Florida Department of Health in Seminole County".
• 2013: Dr. Swannie Jett appointed as Health Officer.
• 2014: 125 years of Public Health in the State of Florida.
• 2016: Achieved accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board.
• 2016: Donna Walsh appointed as acting Health Officer.
• 2017: Donna Walsh appointed as Health Officer.
• 2023: Dr. Ethan Johnson appointed as Health Officer.

Did You Know?

• 21 Exam Rooms
• 257 Parking Spaces
• In 2023, Seminole County ranked #3 out of 67 counties in Florida.
• Holds a Guinness World Record for most flu shots given in one day – 3,271!