In the United States today, seven of ten deaths and the vast majority of serious illness, disability, and health care cost are caused by chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease. Underlying these serious diseases are several important risk factors that can be modified years before they contribute to illness and death.

In 2003 the Miami-Dade County Health Department recognized the need for the community to join forces to combat the increasing rates of chronic disease in our community. A meeting of community partners was called in September 2003 and the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade (Consortium) was established.

The guidance for the Consortium comes from Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010) which is the blueprint for health in the United States. It has a comprehensive, nationwide health promotion and prevention of illness, disability, and premature death. The two main goals of HP 2010 are to increase the quality of years of healthy life and eliminate health disparities.

The Consortium works in a committee structure that allows the participants to work within their areas of interest and expertise. Committees meet monthly and each has a strategic plan and goals.  General membership meetings are held every other month. During the meetings, we have presentations on current community projects, research findings and committee chair reports.

Consortium members are provided with information on a regular basis. Information provided includes current information on chronic disease prevention and control along with information on community events; opportunities to promote the activities of their organizations; and opportunities to partner with other organizations to better serve the community. 

Mission

To be a major catalyst for healthy living in Miami-Dade.

Vision

 “Healthy Environment, Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Community”

The Executive Board provides oversight for the Consortium. Membership consists of representatives from the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Health Council of South Florida, Inc. and all committee chairs.  Together the board developed the strategic plan for the consortium.

The three main community goals are: 

1. Stakeholders, providers and residents are well educated on the cost-effective benefits of healthy lifestyles and health promoting environments.
2. Public polices and funding at the local and state levels support healthy lifestyles and health promotion environments.
3. Miami-Dade is collectively working on jointly prioritized goals to achieve community health.

The Executive Board provides oversight for the Consortium. Membership consists of representatives from the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Health Council of South Florida, Inc. and all committee chairs. Together the board developed the strategic plan for the consortium.

The Consortium works in a committee structure that allows the participants to work within their areas of interest and expertise.

Elder Issues Committee
The Elder Issues Committee works to help elder community members live a safe and healthy lifestyle.  Members are currently serving as the planning body for the Mayor’s Initiative on Aging: To Life! This initiative is the result of a public and private partnership of organizations dedicated to the well-being of Miami-Dade County residents 55 and older.

Health and the Built Environment
The Health and the Built Environment Committee addresses issues related to the impact the environment has on health in the community.  This committee will be identifying methods for potential zoning ordinances, building codes, design principle and/or policies that encourage active living.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Committee addresses chronic disease prevention through the promotion of healthy lifestyles including good nutrition, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco products.  The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Committee has made as its goal the development of two projects to help decrease disparities in our county by providing a mechanism to improve screening activities and health services throughout all of Miami-Dade County.  In addition, there are two chronic disease prevention programs targeting the underserved communities of Miami-Dade County. 

Marketing and Membership
The Marketing and Membership Committee works to keep the community informed about Consortium activities and events.

Oral Health
The Oral Health Committee reviews and implements, where possible, best practices for programs and policies that improve access to oral health care services for the uninsured and underserved in Miami-Dade.

Children Issues
The Children Issues Committee promotes health and wellness in the schools by promoting activities implemented through the Healthy School Initiative and advocating for creation and/or expansion of policies to promote greater health and wellness among Miami-Dade County students. 

Worksite Wellness
The Worksite Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles through worksite activities by sharing information on best practices and by creating partnerships to implement worksite wellness activities.

Committees meet monthly. General membership meetings are held every other month.

The Consortium is open to all who are interested.  

For more information on the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade visit the Consortium Web site at www.healthymiamidade.org.