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Press Releases
November 21, 2022 12:28:00
DOH-Marion is Providing Naloxone to Reduce Substance Abuse Deaths
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is announcing the availability of free naloxone nasal spray kits. This lifesaving medication, known commercially as Narcan, could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.
November 18, 2022 17:10:00
Marion County Reports Slight Increase in New COVID-19 Cases
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County was up slightly over the past week, according to the Florida Department of Health’s most recent summary, which was released Friday. The positivity rate in the community also increased.
November 04, 2022 17:10:00
Marion County Sees a Slight Increase in New COVID-19 Cases
Marion County recorded a slight increase in new COVID-19 cases during the past week, according to the Florida Department of Health’s most recent summary, released Friday. The community’s positivity rate was also up.
November 04, 2022 12:35:00
DOH-Marion Recognizes Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Encourages Screenings for Those Most at Risk
The Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) recognizes November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and encourages those who are considered at risk to get screened. State data show that in 2001 lung cancer killed 70.5 people for every 100,000 Marion County residents. In 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, that number had dropped to 43.2 per 100,000 residents.
November 01, 2022 15:45:00
DOH-Marion recognizes National Diabetes Awareness Month
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County recognizes November as National Diabetes Awareness Month. The Department seeks to improve education about how this disease adversely affects our community, and to promote the need for local residents to understand their status and seek medical care, if necessary.
October 27, 2022
Halloween is Fun, But Let’s Keep it Safe as Well
To help our community have a spooktacular Halloween, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers a few tips to keep children safe as they “trick or treat.” Perhaps the most important thing to understand is that Halloween can be harmful, if not fatal, for those celebrating the holiday.
October 21, 2022 17:05:00
Marion County reports decrease in new COVID-19 cases
New COVID-19 cases in Marion County decreased during the past week, according to the Florida Department of Health’s most recent summary, released Friday. The community’s positivity rate also declined.
October 20, 2022 18:05:00
Abbott issues recall of certain ready-to-feed formulas
Abbott has issued a press release voluntarily recalling certain lots of 2-fluid-ounce/59-milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed (RTF) liquid formula products.
October 20, 2022 17:10:00
DOH-Marion joins community partners to launch Red Ribbon Week 2022
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is proud to join our community partners in hosting the annual Red Ribbon Week kickoff event on Friday, Oct. 21. Held each October, Red Ribbon Week is Marion County’s yearly initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for children by encouraging them to avoid drugs and alcohol. This year’s theme is: “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.”
October 20, 2022 13:15:00
DOH-Marion promotes breast cancer awareness with ‘Wear It Pink’ Day
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourages our community to “Wear It Pink” on Friday, Oct. 21, to mark the occasion.
October 13, 2022 14:35:00
DOH and DCF leadership visit Marion County CORE network
Today, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, and Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris, alongside community partners, visited the expansion of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) in Marion County - a comprehensive network of addiction and opioid treatment.
October 10, 2022 16:40:00
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County decreases
he number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County continues to decrease, according to the Florida Department of Health’s latest summary, released Friday. The community’s positivity rate also continued to decline.
October 06, 2022
DOH-Marion recognizes National Dental Hygiene Month
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) seeks to encourage our community to adopt good dental hygiene practices to improve and maintain good health in the mouth and throughout the body.
September 26, 2022 12:05:00
Early prescription refills permitted under State of Emergency
On Sept. 24, 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-219, expanding the State of Emergency statewide, as Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Ian. The Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a State of Emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills regardless of typical limits.
September 23, 2022 17:05:00
New COVID-19 cases in Marion County decrease again
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County has decreased again, according to the Florida Department of Health’s newest virus summary, released Friday. The community’s positivity rate also declined.
September 21, 2022
DOH-Marion invites adults to learn more about improving teens’ mental health
In an effort to help adults better understand issues affecting the mental health of our community’s youth, BRAZEN, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s risk-avoidance team, is inviting local parents and guardians to a vital and potentially life-saving event. BRAZEN is hosting a free dinner workshop featuring Joshua Wayne, a nationally certified counselor who has spent more than two decades working with troubled young people.
September 20, 2022 11:40:00
When cooking, 'Spice Things Up' to beat the bland
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Marion County Public Library system want to show you how to boot the bland and boring from your meals by adding literal spice to your diet, as well as some worthwhile nutrition.
September 13, 2022 14:30:00
DOH-Marion hosts a free dinner to help adults learn about teen suicide
BRAZEN, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s risk-avoidance program, is offering parents and guardians an opportunity to join a frank and potentially life-saving discussion about teen suicide. BRAZEN is hosting a free dinner with a discussion about teen suicide by Joshua Wayne, a veteran, nationally certified youth counselor
September 13, 2022
DOH-Marion encourages families to do Friday night ‘right’
BRAZEN, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s risk-avoidance program, encourages families to join the team and its community partners for “Friday Night Done Right” in downtown Ocala.
September 12, 2022
DOH-Marion recognizes National Opioid and Substance Use Awareness Day, provides resources for help
Tuesday, September 13, is National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day, and a moment for residents to learn more about opioids’ continued impact on our community and one of the newest concerns — widespread fentanyl in the illicit drug supply.
September 09, 2022 17:05:00
New COVID-19 cases in Marion County continue to decrease
Marion County witnessed another decrease in both the number of new COVID-19 cases and its positivity rate, according to the Florida Department of Health’s newest virus summary, released Friday.
September 01, 2022 16:50:00
International Overdose Day: DOH to provide lifesaving Naloxone through county health departments to reduce substance abuse deaths
On Wednesday, International Overdose Awareness Day, the Florida Department of Health announced an initiative to ensure readily available access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state, through its county health departments.
August 31, 2022
Bat in Citra tests positive for rabies
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) wants residents of northern Marion County to be aware that a bat in their area has tested positive for rabies. People who live or work in the Citra area should pay close attention, especially those who live north of Northwest 165th Street, south of Orange Lake, east of U.S. 441 and west of U.S. 301.
August 29, 2022 16:40:00
DOH-Marion calls attention to National Preparedness Month
We are near the halfway point of hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. But the evidence indicates that Floridians are only now approaching the point of greatest risk.
August 26, 2022 17:05:00
Marion County reports decrease in new COVID-19 cases
The number of new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate decreased again in Marion County, according to the Florida Department of Health’s newest virus summary, released Friday.
August 12, 2022 17:03:00
Marion County reports decrease in new COVID-19 cases, positivity rate
Marion County reported a decline in new COVID-19 cases for a second consecutive report, according to the Florida Department of Health’s newest COVID-19 summary, released Friday.
August 02, 2022 15:41:00
DOH-Marion hosts breastfeeding resource fair
The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, and to help local parents understand more about the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is hosting a free resource fair.
July 29, 2022 17:03:00
Marion County reports decline in new COVID-19 infections
Marion County reports decline in new COVID-19 infections for the week of July 22-28.
July 27, 2022
DOH-Marion offers all back-to-school vaccines
Marion County schools are back in session on Aug. 10. Accordingly, the Health Department in Marion County offers local parents an opportunity to get their children vaccinated for the 2023 school year.
July 22, 2022
DOH-Marion urges mosquito-borne illness awareness
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County emphasizes the importance of Florida’s residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases after a horse in Marion County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The public should remain diligent in preventative measures like “Drain and Cover.”
July 21, 2022 11:52:00
DOH-Marion recognized for efforts to improve older adults’ health
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has been designated an Age-Friendly Public Health System by a national group that advocates for policies to promote illness and injury prevention and health equity for older Americans.
July 18, 2022 12:28:00
DOH-Marion urges our community to protect children from hot-car injuries and deaths
Last week, a 3-year-old boy tragically died in Miami Gardens after being left in his father’s car as the outside temperature climbed to 93 degrees. The incident was the 10th time in 2022 that a child somewhere in America died under such circumstances, according to NoHeatStroke.org. As the local temperature continues to swelter in our community, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County implores local residents to be vigilant about preventing such incidents.
July 15, 2022 17:01:00
Marion County reports increase in new COVID-19 cases
The Florida Department of Health’s newest COVID-19 summary, released Friday, revealed the following data for Marion County for the week of July 8–14: New cases: 1,199. That was up from 964 cases recorded in the last state report, published on July 1. The county’s cumulative case total as of July 14: 91,631. Positivity rate: 18.8%. That was up from 18.1% as noted in the state’s July 1 report. Statewide positivity rate: 21.2%. Vaccines: 155. That was up from 115 vaccines noted in the state’s July 1 report. Overall ratio of county residents who have been vaccinated: 60%. This section of the state’s report now includes all county residents 6 months or older who have been vaccinated.
July 13, 2022 17:12:00
DOH-Marion hosts free school Tdap vaccination event
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering local parents another opportunity to obtain required non-COVID-19 vaccinations for their children.
July 01, 2022 17:01:00
Latest report shows uptick in new COVID-19 cases in Marion County
The number of new COVID-19 cases increased in Marion County during the more recent reporting period.
June 20, 2022
Marion County reports an increase in new COVID-19 cases
Ocala, Fla. — Newly reported COVID-19 cases rose during the more recent reporting period. The state’s most recent summary, released Friday, revealed the following key points for Marion County for the week of June 10–16: New cases: 791. That was up from 662 cases recorded in the last state report, published on June 3. The county’s cumulative case total as of June 2: 87,552. Positivity rate: 13.9%. That was up from 12.4% as noted in the state’s June 3 report. Statewide positivity rate: 17.2%. Vaccines: 48. That was down from the 64 vaccines noted in the state’s June 3 report. Overall ratio of county residents 5 or older who have been vaccinated: 63%.
June 17, 2022
DOH-Marion encourages heat safety as temperatures rise
As the temperature soars, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is urging our community to take precautions against possible heat injuries.
June 13, 2022 14:25:00
DOH-Marion hosts free school vaccination event
Although the school year in Marion County recently ended, it’s not too soon to think about the necessary non-COVID-19 vaccinations your child will need before classes resume in August. Accordingly, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering free vaccinations for school-age children.
June 13, 2022 11:45:00
DOH-Marion issues a health alert for Lake Weir
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County issues a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Lake Weir in Ocklawaha. This alert is in response to a water sample taken on June 7 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that indicated toxins were present. The sample was taken near the center of the lake.
June 03, 2022 17:05:00
Marion County sees increase in COVID-19 cases
Marion County’s number of newly reported COVID-19 cases increased from the previous reporting period.
May 27, 2022 15:10:00
DOH-Marion offers our youth a summer event they won’t want to miss
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is hosting a free, fun summertime event that will entertain, enlighten and educate our community’s young people about finding success in our increasingly complex world. DOH-Marion’s BRAZEN team is holding Brazen Bash ’22, featuring the dynamic Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ restaurants in Ocala and a star of the Food Network.
May 18, 2022 17:36:00
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides an update on the current national infant formula shortage
The Department of Health in Marion County is monitoring the current infant formula shortage and takes this life-threatening issue very seriously. On May 12, 2022, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo sent a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf regarding the formula shortages affecting some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations. DOH-Marion wants to ensure our community is kept up to date on this issue and has the correct information on how to protect your family.
May 17, 2022 10:02:00
National organization recognizes DOH-Marion staff for pandemic response
A national public health membership group has recognized several Department of Health in Marion County personnel for the innovative ways they tackled problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Association of County and City Health Officials, or NACCHO, also has invited these DOH-Marion staffers to present their projects at the group’s national conference, scheduled for July 19-21 in Atlanta.
May 16, 2022 17:12:00
DOH-Marion encourages the public to ‘BE FAST’ with stopping strokes
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County recognizes May as Stroke Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the importance of knowing risk factors, symptoms, and prevention tips of stroke. Nationally as well as for Florida, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a major cause of serious disability for adults. Although stroke risk increases with age, a stroke can happen at any age.
May 09, 2022 14:03:00
The Marion County Community Health Survey is underway
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County and its partners at AdventHealth Ocala and the WellFlorida Council are seeking the community’s input for our new health survey. As of today, we are inviting the Marion County residents to visit tinyurl.com/MarionHealthSurvey to help us learn which health and wellness issues are most important to them.
May 09, 2022 10:36:00
Marion County sees another increase in COVID-19 cases, positivity rate
The number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Marion County has increased again. The community’s positivity rate was also up.
April 29, 2022 17:54:00
Raccoon in Citra tests positive for rabies
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County wants Citra-area residents to be aware that a raccoon in their community tested positive for rabies. People who live or work in that area should pay close attention, especially those who live north of County Road 329, south of County Road 316, east of U.S. 441 and west of Northeast 47th Avenue. The positive test results indicate rabies is active in that area.
April 25, 2022 10:33:00
New COVID-19 cases and positivity rate are up slightly in Marion County
Newly reported COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate rose slightly in Marion County recently.
April 20, 2022
Florida Department of Health in Marion County hosts free workshop dinner about self-discovery for young men
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s BRAZEN program, whose mission is to educate young people on risk avoidance, is helping in this endeavor by sponsoring a free workshop and dinner for adults and youth age 11 or older. The theme is “Man in the Mirror – a conversation for men, by men.”
April 08, 2022 17:45:00
Department of Health in Marion County advises on meningococcal disease and vaccines in Florida
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.
March 25, 2022 11:52:00
Marion County reaches new lows for COVID-19 cases, positivity rate
The number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Marion County and the local positivity rate both dropped to the lowest levels recorded since the state switched to a weekly reporting system last June.
March 11, 2022
Keep safe during Spring Break: For success, think 4-S
Spring Break has arrived in Marion County. Undoubtedly, many local families will travel or head outdoors for recreation. The Department of Health in Marion County and Safe Kids Marion County encourage families to stay safe during this upcoming week. One way to do that is be mindful of the “Four S” method.
March 11, 2022
Number of new COVID-19 cases drops for 8th consecutive week in Marion County, positivity rate also falls
Marion County’s number of new COVID-19 cases and positivity rate both continued their downward trajectory over the past week. According to the most recent state report, released Friday, the key points for Marion County during the week of March 4 to March 10 were: New cases: 125. That was down from 235 the prior week. Positivity rate: 2.4%. That was down from 3.6% the previous week.
The number of new COVID-19 cases and the community’s positivity rate both fell even further over the past week.
March 04, 2022 16:30:00
Health officials issue blue-green algae bloom alert for Orange Lake
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Orange Lake, near McIntosh. This is in response to a water sample taken on March 1 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The public should exercise caution in and around Orange Lake.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County and the local positivity rate both continue to drop. According to the most recent state report, released Friday, here are the key points for Marion County for the week of Feb. 18-24: New cases: 419. That was down from 708 the prior week. New cases have plunged 92% since Jan. 13, when a record 5,536 new cases were reported. The county’s cumulative total as of Feb. 24: 82,669. Positivity rate: 6.9%. That was down from 10.3% the prior week. The rate is at its lowest level since Dec. 23. Statewide positivity rate: 5.6%. Vaccines: 128. That was down from 161 the prior week. Percentage of county residents 5 or older who have been vaccinated: 63%.
February 23, 2022 09:30:00
The ‘World’s Greatest Baby Shower’ happens Saturday
New parents or soon-to-be parents have an opportunity to grab some swag and some advice on boosting their parenting skills by attending the annual “World’s Greatest Baby Shower” on Saturday. The event is scheduled 1–3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Kingdom Revival Church, 3318 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, adjacent to the Publix in the Forty East Shopping Center.
February 16, 2022 10:45:00
New COVID-19 testing site in Ocala is closed
Statlab Mobile, a mobile clinical testing service, has stopped offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the campus of the former Evergreen Elementary School in Ocala, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced on Thursday.
New COVID-19 cases in Marion County continue to wane, according to the most recent state report, released Friday. For the fourth consecutive week, Marion County reported fewer COVID-19 cases than it did the week prior, the report indicates. The local positivity rate also declined again.
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Local Articles
DOH-Marion is Providing Naloxone to Reduce Substance Abuse Deaths
Marion County Reports Slight Increase in New COVID-19 Cases
Marion County Sees a Slight Increase in New COVID-19 Cases
DOH-Marion Recognizes Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Encourages Screenings for Those Most at Risk
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