Closing the Health Gap IN Jackson County


     This minority health project is located at the Jackson County Health Department in Marianna, Florida. The “Closing the Gap” Cardiovascular Disease Program started in June 2000, and consists of collaborative projects such as faith-based organizations, community, and civic groups. Services that have been provided thus far are as follows: Body Mass Index (BMI) & weight screening, a referral & follow up networking system which includes blood pressure screening, physical activity classes, nutrition education classes and seminars, smoking cessation education, and leisure time activities. The program coordinator, Latresha Pittman and community outreach worker, Candis Williams, provide services that include: program management, partnership development and coordination of physical activity classes for the community, blood pressure and BMI in-service trainings, screenings and referral, program promotion activities including marketing and media events, and nutrition education seminars.
     The objective of the Jackson County Closing the Gap program is to achieve significant reduction in health disparities in racial and ethnic populations in the area of cardiovascular disease through educational activities, community outreach, health monitoring and referral, media campaign, and partnership development. The target population is African American adults with some emphasis on youth through intergenerational activities. This cardiovascular disease program currently consists of community groups, faith based, civic, sororities and fraternity organizations. These programs provide high access and availability to the target communities of the program.
     Other components of this grant include community outreach services through countywide contracted activities, collaboration with present partners, educational presentations in the work force & community sector and the media marketing & promotional campaign. These contracted activities specifically target high-risk populations and locations to assure that services and education reach those with the greatest need.
     The following successes have been reported for this past fiscal year 2005-2006: There were 51 physical activity sessions held; 93 nutrition education sessions held; 110 blood pressure screening sessions held; 293 individuals were referred for hypertension; 280 of the 293 were treated and currently seeing a doctor; 296 individuals were referred for having a body mass index over 25; all 296 are currently exercising more regularly and controlling their weight through nutrition education classes and diet control. A total number of 879 participants were referred through the JCHD Closing the Gap program and all have received cardiovascular education, weight management, physical activity and nutrition education services, diabetes and cholesterol self-management. Uninsured participants were also treated through the Jackson County Health Department’s referral program.

For additional information, contact:

Latresha Pittman,
Program Coordinator

3045 4th Street
Marianna, Florida 32446
(850) 526-2412 ext. 157