Our History – Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

In the early 2000’s the Volusia County Health Department lead the way in creating informational videos (on CD) for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, septic tanks and swimming pool programs. In 2001, the department’s budget was $21 million and there were 400 health department employees. In 2002, Sorensen was promoted to the Department of Health’s deputy health officer and moved to Tallahassee. Dr. Alfred Adams was hired to replace Dr. Sorensen.

During this time, Volusia County Health Department worked with a number of community partners to open a public health clinic in Deltona to serve the growing population.

A partnership of citizens, leaders, and community partners worked together to improve the county’s quality of life through a community of health planning and assessment project.

In October of 2003, Howard Rodenburg, M.D., M.P.H. was named director. He left in October of 2005.

Dr. Rodenberg handled a flu vaccine shortage by directing his team to seek creative ways to obtain flu immunizations when it became available.

In 2004, the area was impacted by several storms that destroyed property and electricity was out for extended periods in some areas.

FEMA provided ice, water, tarps and insect repellent to citizens. The health department opened special needs shelters and worked closely with Volusia County Emergency Management during this time. Rodenberg and the health department led a unique relief effort along with the American Red Cross and multiple community partners who provided outreach in the Pierson area. Residents came out in large numbers to receive hot meals and relief supplies after being greatly impacted by the storm.

Thomas R. Coleman, M.D., M.S. became director in June 2005 to June 2009.

During that time, the DeLand clinic was impacted by the Groundhog Day tornado in 2007. Custodial employee Juan Cruz was the first to see the devastation as he reported to work at 6 a.m. He called his supervisor, who call the director. The tornado ripped apart the clinic, the print shop, and the Environmental Health offices located at a shopping center on Woodland Ave.

The building was destroyed. Dr. Coleman’s leadership immediately worked to relocate employees and services to make sure clients received care with minimal interruption. Florida Hospital Fish Memorial provided office space for public health services to continue in Orange City on the hospital campus.

Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, who was deputy health officer for the state of California, returned to the Volusia County Health Department in August of 2009 during the height of the H1N1 flu period. 

The health department teamed up with the Volusia County Government and a number of community partners to spearhead the “Let’s Fight Flu Together” campaign. This effort promoted the importance of getting vaccinated for protections against H1N1 influenza.

Dr. Sorenson recognized the value of public health and worked to educate staff and partners about health disparities that exists in our communities and the factors surrounding those issues.

A number of first time projects were implemented such as PACE EH, annual summit, and more. Under Dr. Sorensen’s leadership the health department worked with the hospitals to develop Community Health Improvement Plans and Community Health Assessments.