Meet our Health Officer

As the Health Officer/Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, I am proud to serve together with other public health professionals in our mission to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.  Our vision is to be the Healthiest State in the nation.  Our local motto is “Our community is empowered to make healthier lifestyle choices in partnership with the integrated public health system which promotes and advances health in all places”.

The Health Department draws upon guidance and state resources from the Florida Department of Health to conduct our core public health roles of assessment, policy development, and assurance.  Likewise, with strong local support from the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and Elected Officials, the Health Department is able to provide essential public health services to meet local needs.  We remain resilient and committed to working with our many community partners in strengthening our local public health system to assure a healthy Clay community.

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

Heather Huffman started her career in public health at the Duval County Health Department, following 12 years with the Nassau County Health Department.  She became the Clay County Administrator and Health Officer in November 2015.  The Health Department serves as a key connector within the local public health system through community engagement and strong partnership building to improve overall health for all residents in Clay County.  

During her years of service in public health, Ms. Huffman has been responsible for championing many health improvement accomplishments including maternal and child health outcomes, breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, the development of a community health resource guide, and childhood obesity projects.  Heather has served as a public information officer for the Health Department in Nassau County and created the Northeast Florida Breastfeeding Collaborative, which continues today.

Ms. Huffman is a registered and licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Florida and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and a Master’s of Science in Health from University of North Florida, Jacksonville, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Policy & Management from the University of South Florida, Tampa.