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 diverse voices and needs of the communities we represent.
WHAT WE DO
The Northwest Florida Health Council (NWFLHC) works closely with local partners to strengthen community health through planning, research, and collaboration.
In our early years, we supported the Florida Department of Health, state agencies, and community organizations in developing health plans and launching important initiatives like Tobacco Prevention and Diabetes Self-Management Education.
By the early 2000s, our role expanded to include support for statewide programs, such as the State Health Improvement Plan, where we contributed valuable research, data collection, and analysis to help shape evidence-based health strategies across Florida.
Today, NWFLHC is focused on state, regional, and community collaboration, data-driven planning, and local action. We work with residents, organizations, and health providers to identify critical health needs in the region. From there, we design tools and processes that support targeted interventions and long-term strategic planning.
As a regional health information center, we actively collect and analyze data on health trends, disparities, and outcomes. This evidence-based approach ensures that our efforts are grounded in the realities of the communities we serve—guiding smarter decisions and driving better health outcomes throughout Northwest Florida.
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.
