LEE COUNTY— The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is honored with three 2015 Prudential Productivity Awards for creating and applying innovative cost saving and efficiency measures in Epidemiology, Environmental Engineering and Environmental Health. The combined cost savings to the agency is estimated to be $19,603. DOH-Lee was one of 28 Florida county health departments to earn awards this year.

“These employees made processes faster and easier for the public while saving tax dollars,” said Administrator Robert Palussek. “The Lee County community is proud to have such talented and dedicated public health workers.”

The local awards included one cash award to Epidemiologist Jennifer Roth. She created a policy requiring new employees, without proof of immunizations, to have blood drawn to determine immunity to vaccine preventable diseases. Since the blood draw, also called a titer, is a fraction of the cost of immunizations, the program saved a total of $1,908 last year.

The award to Environmental Engineering was granted for expanding the bacteriological water testing methods to include an 18-hour expedited test for a fee, and adding Saturday test readings. The award to Environmental Health was granted for expansion of online permit renewals to include payment of all invoices. Both Environmental award programs were developed in response to public requests for improved client services.

Staff members on the Environmental Engineering Team receiving the award include Nelica Krekic, Zuleika Colon Vazquez and Ray Schneider. Staff members on the Environmental Health Team receiving the award include Jim Love, Rita Ciamillo, Lynn Davis and Johanna Whelan.

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