Polk County Program Recognized for Best Practices in Human Services Administration

Published: July 2, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (July 2, 2026) — Polk County’s Health and Human Services Division was recognized by the Florida Association of County Human Services Administrators (FACHSA) at the association’s annual meeting on June 24. The division received the Human Services Best Practices Award which specifically recognized the Community Health Care program for preserving the quality of life for Polk County residents through healthcare access programs.

“The work of this division is an important piece of Polk’s mission to enhance the lives of our residents,” said Marcia Andresen, Health and Human Services Director.

Joy Johnson, Health and Human Services Administrator, added, “This award is a reflection of all the hard work our team puts into this program for the betterment of those we serve.”

The Community Health Care section of Polk County Health and Human Services works to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure throughout Polk County through strategic funding initiatives. Many of its programs, such as the Polk HealthCare Plan, are funded by the voter approved half-cent sales surtax for indigent healthcare. More information about the programs administered by Community Health Care is available at www.polkfl.gov/services/community-health-care/.

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