Sarasota County's Department of Health on Monday became the first local health department in the nation to receive recognition as an age-friendly public health system. The honor was granted by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, which works to promote optimal health for every person and community. Sarasota County was recognized after completing 10 action steps created as part of the nonprofit's Age-Friendly Public Health Systems Recognition Program.

As part of this program, the department conducted several assessments, including: a citizens' opinion survey, a county-wide multi-agency program to provide food to residents during the pandemic and a multi-year Community Health Improvement Plan. The county also recently completed its fifth-year cycle as a member of AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.