Gasparilla Bowl teams volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay
TAMPA – Student-athletes and staff from the NC State Wolfpack and Memphis Tigers volunteered alongside AdventHealth and TECO team members Dec. 16 at Feeding Tampa Bay.
They packaged and sent HeroBoxes to deployed military members as part of the Gasparilla Bowl Gives Back initiative. The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl was held Dec. 19 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Together, the teams built more than 100 boxes – enough to sponsor an entire military unit. Team members also packed bulk produce to serve families in need this holiday season.
Sebring VA Clinic expands, improves care for veterans
BAY PINES – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has opened its new Sebring VA Clinic to patients.
The 14,600-square-foot facility, located at 2931 New Life Way, is projected to serve more than 5,000 veterans annually.
“Today, Bay Pines VA marked a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to providing veterans with world-class health care,” said Dr. Derek Szafranski, interim director of Bay Pines VA, on Dec. 8. “We are proud to welcome veterans to our new, state-of-the-art clinic that is a worthy replacement for the facility that currently serves this community.”
The clinic features an area for home-based primary care services and includes an expanded area for mental health services, with space for shared group therapy. The design allows for the integration of clinical pharmacists, social workers and dietitians in a space that accommodates the Patient Aligned Care Team model of care.
On the web: baypines.va.gov
Hospital offers breastfeeding support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.
Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
Get answers on Medicare
- PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs:
- Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
- Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
