WHO WE ARE
The Northwest Florida Health Council (NWFLHC) is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing public health across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Since our founding in 1984, we have served as a trusted leader in health planning, advocacy, and education, working in partnership with local communities to build healthier, more resilient lives.
We are one of eleven local health councils established by the Florida Legislature to ensure that healthcare planning is guided by local insight and regional priorities. While the roles of these councils have evolved over time, they remain essential to identifying community health needs, supporting local and state initiatives, and informing health policy.
Our work is guided by a twelve-member board, with county government appointed representatives from each of the four counties we serve. This governance model ensures that our strategies reflect the voices and needs of the communities we represent.
WHAT WE DO
The Northwest Florida Health Council (NWFLHC) serves as a regional convener, planning partner, and community health resource for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Through collaboration, research, data analysis, and local engagement, NWFLHC works with residents, health providers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to identify health needs and support strategies that improve access, prevention, and overall community well-being.
Since its early years, NWFLHC has supported the Florida Department of Health, state agencies, and local organizations in health planning efforts, community assessments, and the development of important public health initiatives, including Tobacco Prevention, Diabetes Self-Management Education, and other prevention-focused programs. By the early 2000s, the Council’s work expanded to include statewide planning efforts such as the State Health Improvement Plan, where NWFLHC contributed research, data collection, analysis, and partner coordination to help guide evidence-based health strategies across Florida.
Today, NWFLHC continues that legacy through a modern, community-centered approach to regional health planning. Our work includes mobile health screenings, community outreach, strategic planning, grant coordination, health data analysis, regional collaboration, and support for programs that address access to care, chronic disease prevention, rural health needs, and health disparities. We help translate community needs into practical tools, partnerships, and action plans that support long-term improvements in health outcomes.
As a regional health information and planning center, NWFLHC actively collects, reviews, and applies data on health trends, service gaps, barriers to care, and community outcomes. This evidence-based approach ensures that our work is grounded in the real needs of Northwest Florida communities. By combining data-driven planning with strong local partnerships, NWFLHC helps build responsive systems, strengthen community capacity, and advance healthier, more resilient communities across the region.
HOW WE HELP
01
Health Planning and Needs Assessment:
Conducting detailed assessments to identify and prioritize regional health needs.
03
Advocacy for Health Policies:
Promoting policies and programs that foster health and wellness within our communities and region.
02
Health Education and Outreach:
Implementing programs that educate the community on various health topics and promote healthy lifestyles.
04
Access to Healthcare Resources and Information:
Facilitating access to healthcare services and disseminating important health information to the public.
05
Support for Local Health Initiatives and Programs
Providing resources and assistance to local health projects and programs to maximize their impact.
