We are the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (formerly known as the Seminole county health department). We are an integrated organization under the leadership of the state surgeon general headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. Each county in Florida has a health department to carry out the core public health services as mandated by Florida statute.

WHAT DO WE DO FOR SEMINOLE COUNTY?

WE PROTECT YOU AND THE COMMUNITY FROM DISEASE
Examples: vaccinating, ensuring clean drinking water, and treating or controlling the spread of disease.

WE PROMOTE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS
Examples: promoting the importance of hand washing, health education and public policy.

WE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SEMINOLE COUNTY
Examples: providing quality healthcare, collaborating with community partners, and ensuring access to healthcare.

Timeline of the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County

1941 -Seminole County Health Department was established and located on Commercial Street in Sanford.
1941 - Dr. Leland H. Dame, MD, Health Officer
1946 - Dr. Frank Quillman appointed as Health Officer
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 in Sanford
1963 - Public health home nursing services started
1972 - Dr. Julian Freid appointed as Health Officer
1974 - School Health services started
1979 - Dr. Jorge Deju appointed as Health Officer
1985 - Health Department moved to current Airport Boulevard location
1989 - Tobacco Prevention Program started
1990 - Casselberry location opened
1991 - Front desk became automated
1992 - Healthy Start Program started
1996 - Dr. Jane Polkowski appointed as Health Officer
1997 - Flu surveillance system implemented
2000 - Dr. Jennifer Bencie appointed as Health Officer
2003 - Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program started
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 - Achieves 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 appointment as Health Officer

Fun Facts

• 21 Exam Rooms

• 257 parking spaces

• In 2023, Seminole County Florida was ranked #3 of 67 ranked counties in Florida.

• 2006 inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for most flu shots given in one day - 3,271!