ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Located on the Atlantic Ocean halfway down the Florida Peninsula, St. Lucie County has become a haven for tourists and new residents along its beautiful shoreline. Citrus and truck crop production continue to be prevalent in the interior of the county. The Indian River separates the mainland from Hutchinson Island. St. Lucie County's population has grown 72 percent over the past ten years, nearly double the rate of the rest of Florida. Major employers include health care, communications, retailing, and citrus concentrate. Major highways into the county include I-95, the Florida Turnpike and US 1. The Palm Beach International Airport is located 60 miles south. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West and St.Lucie Village. St. Lucie County land area is 626 sq. miles with a 1998 population of 185,336, 22% percent of the population is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. In 1998, St. Lucie County had 256 medical doctors, 16 osteopathic physicians, 60 dentists, and 1,713 registered nurses actively licensed.

Status of Volunteer Efforts:

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Each year, the St. Lucie County Health Department kicks off the school year with the Back to Schoolfest. They provide free childhood immunizations, hepatitis (B) series shots and school physicals. This year the Youthfest was held at the Orange Blossom Mall. School supplies were given away to all children in attendance. Events included a talent show and assorted games. Co-sponsors included the St. Lucie County WIC Program, St. Mark’s Baptist Church, Ft. Pierce Kiwanis Sunrise, Florida Community Health Centers, Healthy Start Coalition of St. Lucie County, Children’s’ Services Council, Positive Alternatives, Lawnwood Regional Hospital, Tropicana, Publix, Robinson Fruit, Winn Dixie, Attorney Margaret Benton and World Travel. Over 600 participants attended this event.

This year the St. Lucie County Health Department took a lead role in planning and sponsoring the third annual Farmworkers Health Fair. Collaboration included the Farmworkers Health Services, Inc., Healthy Start of St. Lucie County, and Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. Testing was performed for diabetes, TB, pesticides, HIV/AIDS, high blood pressure, dental, nutrition, eye care and first aid. This event was held at Martin Luther King Park and was attended by over 500 participants.

The Healthy Start Coalition of St. Lucie County partnered with the St. Lucie County Health Department, Planned Parenthood, Juvenile Assessment Center, Florida Community Health Centers, Inc., and Orange Avenue Charter School to receive a grant from the Florida Commission on Responsible Fatherhood to sponsor Fatherfest ‘98. It was held to celebrate and honor the contribution of fatherhood in the community. Sponsors included Central Florida Cellular, Walmart, The Tribune, Winn Dixie, Riverside National Bank, Harbor Federal Bank, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Publix, Sam’s Club, Crystal Springs, and was held at the Ft. Pierce Amphitheater. There were over 500 participants.

During 1999 a new WE CARE network initiative was undertaken by The State of Florida Volunteer Services, St. Lucie County Health Department, county health care providers and Lawnwood Regional Hospital. This network of health providers continues to grow from the initial core of professional volunteers which volunteer their professional services in the County Health Department and their private offices to serve the uninsured indigent population of the county.

Contact Information: Contact Arlease Hall, B.S., Volunteer Services Coordinator, St. Lucie Health Department 714 Avenue C., P.O. Box 580, Fort Pierce,FL 34954, Voice: 561.462.3866 or Fax: 561.462.3824.

The St. Lucie County Health Department is seeking professional volunteers for the following positions: general practice physicians, specialty physicians of all types, advanced registered nurse practitioners, radiologists, registered nurses, medical social workers, home visitors, clerical, etc.