AEDs help when ever second counts
SEBRING — AdventHealth has donated three portable Automated External Defibrillators to the Highlands County Family YMCA to help ensure families and visitors have quick access to lifesaving care during a cardiac emergency.
Every second counts when someone is suffering from a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association said nine out of 10 people with cardiac arrest who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute, live.
“Supporting the health and safety of our neighbors is central to our mission,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula. “AEDs are critical during sudden cardiac emergencies, especially in public places where quick action can save a life.”
Paint Dunedin Purple supports Alzheimer’s Association
DUNEDIN – Entering its eighth year, Paint Dunedin Purple has evolved from a grassroots effort into one of the city’s most anticipated annual community initiatives benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.
Steve Olson founded the initiative in honor of his mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. It has continued to gain momentum, with more than 80 local businesses participating in last year’s effort.
Paint Dunedin Purple will reach a new milestone this year with a weeklong celebration from March 21 to 28.
The celebration will feature a Glow Pub Crawl, Pickleball Tournament, Paint & Pour workshops, and a Golf Cart Parade, before culminating in the day-long, community-wide event on March 28.
Title sponsor Achieva Credit Union is helping expand Paint Dunedin Purple through enhanced programming, stronger community participation, and increased fundraising efforts.
“Paint Dunedin Purple demonstrates the power of local businesses and families coming together with purpose,” said David Oak, chief marketing officer at Achieva Credit Union. “We’re proud to support an effort that drives awareness, inspires action, and brings hope to those impacted by this disease.”
Support the effort with a donation at https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/pattibryant/paint-dunedin-purple.
Adult ‘play’ care continues to grow
TAMPA – As the need for quality senior care in Tampa grows, so does Generations Club, a nonprofit adult day care center. The organization offers fun activities that promote socialization, cognitive health and overall well‑being.
“The saying is true, things get better with age,” said Kim Kasper, CEO of Generations Club. “Over the past 12 months, we have established partnerships with University of South Florida and University of Tampa, acquired Alzheimer’s and Dementia service provider certification and expanded care with the launch of in-home services through Generations Cares.”
Generations Club also extended access to care by further strengthening its growing network of providers. Current accepted insurances include Aetna, Sunshine, United, VA, Medicaid, Simply, Aid & Attendance, and Long-Term Care plans. Military veterans also receive discounts.
Generations Club also launched Generations Cares, a homemaker and companion service designed to help seniors remain independent in their homes. The program provides daily assistance and companionship.
On the web: generationsclubs.org
Help shape Pasco’s behavioral health future
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Opioid Task Force is partnering with the University of South Florida’s Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice to kick off a Behavioral Health System Capacity and Gap Analysis Study.
The study takes a closer look at how well local behavioral health services are meeting community needs.
The University of South Florida will lead the following listening sessions:
- March 31, 6-8 p.m., Zephyrhills City Hall (Council Chambers), 5335 8th St., Zephyrhills.
- April 2, 6-8 p.m., Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (Egret Room), 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa.
Get answers on Medicare in March
- 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:
- Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
- Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare Basics: April 23, 10:30 a.m. at 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.
