OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has earned recognition for meeting national standards in public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
DOH-Okaloosa received recognition through Project Public Health Ready, a training and preparedness program that helps local health departments develop and maintain core public health and emergency response capabilities.
According to the Florida Department of Health, the recognition demonstrates that DOH-Okaloosa has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place and that staff members have the training needed to protect community health during emergencies and disasters.
Project Public Health Ready establishes benchmarks for planning, response, and recovery efforts. Participating health departments must demonstrate preparedness and the ability to coordinate emergency operations with community partners.
“I am incredibly proud to see this honor awarded to our team, as it truly reflects the dedicated effort, thoughtful innovation, and steadfast cooperation demonstrated across our entire organization,” said DOH-Okaloosa Administrator Michele Shelton.
“At the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa, we embrace collaboration, constant learning, and respect for the expertise each person brings to the table. This achievement represents not just the work of individuals, but the collective strength of our partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and our residents.”
The department said the designation reflects its ongoing commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the county is prepared for emergencies that may affect residents and visitors.
Residents can learn more about emergency preparedness resources by visiting DOH-Okaloosa’s preparedness webpage.






