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It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Meet our Health Officer

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portrait of Heather Huffman

Heather Huffman, MS, RDN, LD/N, IBCLC

As the health officer and administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, I am honored to lead a team of dedicated health professionals in our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health of all individuals in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Our vision is to become the healthiest state in the nation.

At the local level, we believe in empowering the community, reflecting our belief that healthier lifestyle choices are made in partnership with an integrated public health network that promotes and advances health in all places. We collaborate closely with the State Health Office, drawing upon their guidance and state resources to fulfill our core public health responsibilities of assessment, policy development, and assurance.

Thanks to the strong support from the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and elected officials, DOH-Clay can provide essential public health services that meet the specific needs of our community. We are resilient and remain committed to working with our numerous community partners to strengthen our local public health network and ensure a healthy Clay community for all. 

Heather Huffman serves as the health officer of the Florida Department of Health in Clay County since November 2015. Prior to coming to Clay County, she served as the WIC director in Nassau County and the obesity prevention manager in Duval County.

Ms. Huffman has served in public health leadership roles for more than 20 years including community health program development and implementation, WIC program management, clinical services to include nutrition assessment, education, direct lactation support and care for new mothers and babies, and lastly, serving as the lead and Incident Commander for pandemic response in Clay County.  

As the health officer, she has empowered our community to make healthier lifestyle choices in partnership with the integrated public health system, which promotes and advances health in all places. This is being achieved through collaborative partnerships to mobilize communities and institutions to transform policies, systems and environmental changes. 

Heather graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor and master of science in health, both with an emphasis in nutrition. She attended the University of South Florida and received a graduate certificate in public health policy and programs. 

Heather has completed a number of leadership programs, including Leadership Nassau 2006-2007, National WIC Association Leadership Academy, and Public Health Leadership of Florida 2008-2009.  She is a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist (RDN, LD/N) in Florida since 1999 and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant since 2007.