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On Monday, December 17th, the Hamilton County Health Department was visited by Florida’s new
State Surgeon General,
Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros as part of her 3 P’s tour (Prevention, Preparedness and Personal Responsibility).
Dr. Viamonte Ros is in the process of visiting all 67 county health departments.
Dr. Viamonte Ros began her tour with a visit to the school clinic at Hamilton County High School. As part of her visit
she was treated to a puppet show on the 3 P’s put on by the (YEAH) Youth Empowered Ambassadors for Health team
at the high school. She was so impressed by the students and the show that she asked it be videotaped so that it could
be shown on her website. As part of the Hamilton County Health Fair 3rd grade students submitted art on the 3 P’s.
Dr. Viamonte Ros, who is an advocate for children health care, was again, so impressed with the students efforts she
requested that copies of the art also be provided for her web site.
After the school tour she returned to the health department and toured the main clinic building and met with County Health
Department Administrator, Hugh Giebeig to discuss local issues. She then participated in a round table discussion with health
department staff. When asked her top priority for county health departments, her response was being sure that they remain
inancially viable in these tough budget times. Other issues discussed were the Hamilton County Health Care Strategic Planning
Committee, the efforts of the Chronic Disease Program and the indigent drug program. Dr. Viamonte Ros promised to take back
to Tallahassee the issue of lack of access to specialty care for the indigent and medicaid population of Hamilton County. Much
time was spent discussing the teen pregnancy issues in Hamilton County.
The staff were impressed with Dr. Viamonte Ros, finding her to be a good listener who had a genuine interest in Hamilton County
health care issues. The staff looks forward to working with Dr. Viamonte Ros in achieving accessible, affordable, and quality health
care for all Hamilton Countians.
Dr. Viamonte Ros expressed how impressed she had been during her visit to the county health department, as this is where the real
core public health activities take place. She also expressed her appreciation to the health department staff for all that they are doing. | 
