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It's a New Day in Public Health.

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

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Wabasso Site History

Wabasso Satellite Site

Old photograph of Douglas SchoolThe Wabasso department site opened in May 2022 in a former school cafeteria, part of the Douglas school, established in the time of segregation. The community of West Wabasso is a historic African American residential neighborhood dating back to the 1880’s. In the 2000 census the median household income was $6,250. Residents struggled to be recognized, so many of the issues they were facing remained unresolved. The zip code 32970 encompassing West Wabasso has been abolished, making income, social and behavioral health, and chronic disease measurement difficult.

The Wabasso site had fallen into disrepair. DOH- Indian River leased the buildings from Indian River County and operate the facility in partnership with the county and the community. Indian River County funds our building, maintenance, and utilities, and created a fund to restore the West Wabasso facility.

Image of the stage floor at the Wabasso Satellite sitePhotograph of the floor at the Wabasso site being replaced.Photograph of the new central air conditioning system outside of the Wabasso site building.

The Department of Health Wabasso Site opened in the Spring of 2022 and served 1,584 clients in the first year. That number grew to more than 2,400 in 2023. 1,552 clients were served in the first quarter of 2024.