Highlands is a rural Florida county in the central part of the state known as the Heartland. Adjacent to Polk, Hardee, Okeechobee, and DeSoto Counties, Highlands is considered a medium-sized county with a population of approximately 105,000 full-time residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This count does not include seasonal residents, such as winter visitors or migrant labor groups, who significantly increase the population at certain times of the year.
Highlands County demographic data for 2020, according to FLHealthCharts, show that 79.3% of the population is White, 9.5% Black or African American, with categories for Other Races and Two or More Races totaling 9.6%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicities comprise 20.4% of the population. The population is closely divided between men, at 48.5%, and women, at 51.5%. The largest age groups represented in Highlands County are seniors from 65 to 74, at 17%, and those aged 75 to 84, at 13.7%. Median household income is $43,708 and high school graduation/GED attainment is 37.2%. The main cities in Highlands County are Avon Park to the north, Sebring in the center, and Lake Placid to the south. Sebring also serves as the county seat.
The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (DOH-Highlands) provides all essential public health services to residents and visitors, including primary care, in this designated health professional shortage area. Using 3 locations and a staff of about 55 people, DOH-Highlands offers clinical, WIC, Environmental Health, Immunizations, Epidemiology, and Vital Statistics services. We also provide school health nurses and a comprehensive dental sealant program in the schools. The website for DOH-Highlands is https://highlands.floridahealth.gov.
Being able to read is crucial to health. Health literacy is essential for everyone to advocate for and make informed decisions about health care for themselves and their families. Data from the Florida Department of Education shows that the average 3rd-grade reading level for Highlands County elementary-aged children is 44%. This practice was designed to improve the reading level of elementary-aged children in Highlands County, thereby building a foundation for future health literacy. It is hoped that this practice will also encourage adults with reading challenges to improve skills by reading with their children.
The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (DOH-Highlands) has been awarded $14,207 in Maternal Child Health and Healthy Babies (MCH) grant funding annually for several years. The Health Education team decided that a new approach to improving health was needed, and so designed a project to address reading as a social determinant of health, adding a health equity lens to this practice. Since foundational reading skills are built in elementary schools and through programs that encourage reading, it was decided that this practice would purchase and provide books to all children in Highlands County through partnerships with Highlands County schools, the public libraries, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) program. Other organizations and schools will be added as this practice develops over time, given continued funding.
For FY 2021/2022, this practice provided over 5,890 books free to organizations and one elementary school in Highlands County, as listed above. Unlike books borrowed from the library or school, each child is given a book to take home and keep. It becomes their personal property, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and pride. As they read and share this book, it is hoped that each child, and the adults around them, will discover the adventure and excitement of reading while building literacy skills that will improve health for a lifetime.
Objectives for this practice will be realized long-term, but measured annually by monitoring reading level data provided by the Florida Department of Education. With the benchmark of 44% of elementary students at a 3rd-grade reading level, as measured in 2022, we can continue watching trends for the duration of this practice to gauge outcomes. While it is anticipated that the results from this practice will result in gradual improvement over time, we must be prepared for any negative outcomes and adapt accordingly. DOH-Highlands' practice coordinator will provide periodic reports to CHD Administration to allow oversight and input from senior leaders. Grant funds will be monitored quarterly for proper and timely expenditure. Health equity will be a constant consideration during this practice. As more organizations are added to the list of participants, analysis of the ability of this practice to impact children who speak languages other than English will be documented and included in ongoing analysis.
This practice has resulted in building new relationships with community partners who might not otherwise have engaged with DOH-Highlands. It has opened doors to further collaborations and shown us to be an innovative and committed partner. This practice will also build trust and open communication channels with other county agencies and the public. The broad scope of this practice will allow it to reach children and families from all socioeconomic levels and cultural groups, thereby fostering health equity.