Health

Demand high for nursing degrees

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College reports strong outcomes for its Nursing and Health Programs in 2024-25, highlighted by exceptional licensure performance and continued enrollment growth. 

The associate degree in nursing for registered nurses (ADN-RN) program achieved a 97.27% first-time NCLEX pass rate, above the national average of 90.63%, while the practical nursing program recorded a 100% pass rate. 

Enrollment totaled 409 students across PHSC’s core nursing programs, with ADN-RN tracks making up the largest share with 75.8%. Graduation numbers were strong at 195 students. 

The new academic year opens with 327 enrolled nursing students.

“At a time when the demand for skilled nurses and health care professionals has never been greater, PHSC is proud to prepare graduates for the field who are not only highly competent but deeply committed to patient care,” President Eric Hall said. 

 

Heritage Arts Center Association receives gift

DADE CITY – The Heritage Arts Center Association has received a $4,000 gift from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to fund four $1,000 scholarships to Pasco County seniors. 

Two awards will support top performers in the Spotlight on Talent competition. Two Nereim Fine Arts Awards will recognize visual arts students. 

The Heritage Arts Center Association was struggling each year to raise money for its goal of giving two $1,000 scholarships for the arts, so the association was thrilled to receive four scholarships.

Suncoast Credit Union founded its foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the foundation to fund local initiatives. The foundation has raised and donated over $55 million since 1990.

“We are pleased to be able to offer these funds to allow talented students to continue their educations and sharpen their skills,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union. “Our mission to serve children enables this gift and doing so through arts education infuses the communities we serve in important and transformative ways.”

 

Sen. Burgess wants to highlight Washington, Lincoln

ZEPHYRHILLS – Florida Senator Danny Burgess (District 23) filed Senate Bill 420, which directs portraits of American Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be displayed in select classrooms.

Portraits would go in all classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade and social studies classrooms in sixth through 12th grades.

“For years, Florida’s classrooms proudly displayed portraits of George Washington, our first president, and Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president,” Burgess wrote in The Burgess Bulletin newsletter. “These portraits weren’t just on display to echo civic lessons to our students; they served as a symbol of the foundation of America and our democracy. However, over time and as classroom designs and curricula evolved, these historic figures were slowly removed from classrooms.”

 

Santa surprises AdventHealth Tampa patients

TAMPA – Youth at AdventHealth Tampa received a festive surprise when Santa and his elves delivered gift packages that included tickets to Busch Gardens Christmas Town and a Little Adventurer’s shirt. 

The visit marked the start of Busch Gardens Christmas Town and celebrated the partnership between AdventHealth and the park.

“It brought comfort and joy to our young patients, helping them feel whole and supported, while offering their siblings and parents a moment of light during a challenging time,” said Erica Brissette, pediatrics nurse manager. 

 

BayCare hits behavioral health milestone

TAMPA  – The State of Florida has designated St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa as the BayCare Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital at St. Joseph’s.

The new teaching hospital designation supports training future providers and expanding access to mental health services. It was made possible through a partnership with Florida State University College of Medicine’s Center for Behavioral Health Integration, 

The designation is renewable every two years.

BayCare offers inpatient, outpatient, residential and specialized programs. Recent investments include a behavioral health urgent care center, a Central Receiving Facility expansion and a psychiatry residency program.

“We know there’s no health without mental health,” said Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare Health System. “This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to improving the health of all we serve and to building a stronger, more resilient community.”

 

Castor reintroduces Frack Pack

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and others reintroduced the Frack Pack, a set of five bills they say close loopholes that allow the oil and gas industry to skirt key environmental and public health protections. 

Bills include:

• CLEANER Act: Make oil and gas companies responsible for cleaning up and disposing of hazardous waste generated by their operations.
• FRAC Act: Require fracking companies to disclose the chemicals they are pumping into the ground and give the EPA the authority to regulate the process.
• FRESHER Act: Closes a loophole in the Clean Water Act and establishes a study to better understand the effects of stormwater runoff from oil and gas operations.
• SHARED Act: Require testing for water contamination near fracking sites.
• CLOSE Act: Reduce toxic air pollution from oil and gas exploration and production activities and add hydrogen sulfide to the list of hazardous air pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act.

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. 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 Basics programs: 

• Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
• Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576
• Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214

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.

 

Report: Florida ranks 45th in for untreated lung cancer cases

TAMPA – The American Lung Association in Florida released its 2025 State of Lung Cancer report, revealing that Florida ranks 45th in the nation for untreated lung cancer cases. 

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths statewide and nationally.

The report shows Florida ranks 22nd for new cases, 42nd for early diagnosis and 29th for screening, with only 18% of high-risk individuals screened annually.

“In the last decade, we have seen incredible progress, including increases in lung cancer survival and early detection rates across the nation,” said Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy. “While this progress gives us hope, Florida still has higher than the average rate of residents diagnosed with lung cancer who are seeking no treatment.”

The Lung Association urges policies requiring comprehensive biomarker testing coverage.

Learn more at Lung.org/solc or register for the Fight For Air Climb Tampa at FightForAirClimb.org/Tampa.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding support  

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class during December. 

Both events are open to all no matter 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, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Dec. 11, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding: This class provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held Dec. 11, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

Get answers on Medicare

1. 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 Basics programs: 

• Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel; 813-788-6375
• Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City; 352-567-3576
• Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday; 727-834-3204.

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.

 

Twin pulmonologists work for AdventHealth

LAKE WALES – Twin sisters Valeria and Daniela Trelles have joined AdventHealth’s network, bringing their pulmonology and critical care expertise to Polk County. 

Originally from Cuenca, Ecuador, the sisters were inspired to become physicians by their community’s deep respect for doctors. After advanced training in Florida, they opened a clinic in Lake Wales to help patients with COPD, asthma and other respiratory issues. 

“We really want to be the friend or part of the family that these patients need,” Dr. Daniela said. 

 

Opioid task force seeks new member

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Opioid Task Force is seeking applications from experts and citizens to fill a vacancy.

The non-paid, volunteer advisory board recommends expenditures of the opioid funds and identifies strategies being utilized to respond to the opioid epidemic in Pasco County.

Requirements to apply include the following:

• Be a subject-matter expert in public health or addiction
• Be retired
• Be nominated by the county administrator
• Be appointed by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners

Apply at mypas.co/AdvisoryApplication

On the web: mypas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees

 

Grant supports opioid recovery, workforce development

TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay has received a Fostering Opioid Recovery Grant to help individuals affected by substance use disorder rebuild their lives through job training and career services. 

The program offers on-the-job training, occupational skills courses and supportive resources for long-term employment. It also assists those pursuing careers in addiction recovery, mental health, emergency response and public safety. 

“Through this grant, we can provide meaningful employment, specialized training and the support needed for long-term success,” said Saleema Bennett, director of programs. 

Interested participants can complete a pre-screening form at CareerSourceTampaBay.com.

 

License plate revenue supports autism programs

SUNRISE – The Autism Services Council announced it is awarding $158,000 in grants to 18 nonprofits across Florida, bringing direct services to 2,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities. 

Funding for the grants comes from sales and renewals of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate.

Programs the grants will fund include: 

• Arts4All Florida, Tampa – upgraded iPads essential for its Animation Gets Real summer camp, where teens with autism build artistic, creative and social skills through animation and digital music.
• Spectrum Sailing, Sarasota – free three-day sailing camps in Sarasota that use sailing instruction to help autistic youth build confidence, teamwork and social skills in an inclusive outdoor setting.
• Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa – Art on the Spectrum, a monthly sensory-friendly museum program that offers neurodiverse families inclusive access to the arts through tailored experiences and resources.

 

Hospital reaches stroke milestone

HUDSON – HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has performed more than 700 stroke thrombectomies since launching its stroke care program in 2019. 

The procedure removes clots from the brain’s blood vessels, restoring blood flow and preventing long-term disability. 

“Our stroke team works with precision and urgency because we know that time is brain,” said Erin Rona, interventional radiology supervisor. 

CEO Sally Seymour called the milestone “a testament to extraordinary skill, dedication and teamwork.” 

The hospital’s focus on rapid response and continuous improvement continues to deliver life-saving results for stroke patients across the region.

 

Challenge coins promote mental health 

1. PETERSBURG – On World Mental Health Day, St. Petersburg Police officers received custom challenge coins designed to reduce stigma and encourage conversations about mental health in law enforcement. 

Created by graduates of St. Petersburg College’s Applied Mental Health Certificate program for first responders, the coins read “First to Respond, Last to Ask for Help” and link to mental health resources via QR code. 

“They represent connection, courage and compassion,” said Detective Rachel Hunter of the St. Petersburg Police Department. 

Funded by the Pepin Family Foundation, the initiative aims to inspire officers across Tampa Bay to view seeking help as strength, not weakness.

• Photo 2: Attendees listen to speakers at the grand opening, seated under the porte cochere of the new Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
• Photo 3: Dr. Jay Weil speaks at the grand opening, with Carla Armstrong, Director of Philanthropy (foreground in blue) and Linda Ward, president and CEO, looking on. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
• Photo 4: Guests tour the new Gulfside care center. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
• Photo 1: Leigh Massengill, former chair of Gulfside’s board and former CEO of Trinity Hospital, with Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services
• Photo 5: Guests enjoyed appetizers and beverages while celebrating the grand opening. Photo courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services

 

Center provides hospice care options

NEW PORT RICHEY – Gulfside Healthcare Services celebrated the opening of its newest inpatient care facility Sept. 19 in New Port Richey. 

Guests not only toured patient rooms and family areas but also applauded the announcement of a gift by Dr. Jay Weil. The new care center will be called the Dr. Jay Weil Center for Hospice Care in honor of his generosity.

The new Gulfside Center for Hospice Care features 24 private patient rooms designed for comfort and dignity, as well as private gathering spaces where families can spend time together in peace and privacy. The grounds also offer a memorial butterfly garden with a serene fountain and a covered pergola, providing a tranquil space for remembrance and reflection.

The center provides specialized, round-the-clock services for patients who require a higher level of care, as well as respite care for families of hospice patients. It also offers programs such as The Gift of Time, a compassionate extubation program that supports patients and families in making the most of meaningful final moments together.

“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care to patients and families when they need it most,ˮ said Linda L. Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “We’re honored to open our doors to the community and share the healing, comfort and peace that this center will provide.”

 

AdventHealth Sebring Expands Internal Medicine Residency Clinic

SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic has relocated to a larger facility at 4421 Sun N Lake Blvd., Suite B. 

The new space includes 16 exam rooms, which is more than triple the previous location, allowing physicians to serve more patients. 

The clinic supports 31 resident physicians training to become independent doctors through hands-on experience and AdventHealth’s whole-person care model. 

“At our Internal Medicine residency program, every patient benefits from the compassionate care of our dedicated resident physicians, paired with the expertise of our talented and knowledgeable attending doctors,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, program director. 

 

BayCare to break ground on behavioral health building

NEW PORT RICHEY – BayCare plans to break ground this month on Pasco County’s first Behavioral Health Central Receiving Facility at 8002 King Helie Blvd.

The center will offer crisis intervention, assessment and referral services for those facing mental health or substance use crises. 

The $2 million project expands on BayCare’s Integrated Stabilization Unit and is expected to open next summer. 

 

Hospital offers free one-day childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, will host a free Comprehensive Childbirth Class on Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The one-day session is ideal for busy parents-to-be and covers labor, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care, led by RN-certified childbirth educators. 

The class also includes a tour of the hospital’s private labor and delivery, mother and baby, and NICU rooms, featuring two couplet care rooms where mothers and babies stay together. 

Registration is required at BayCareEvents.org or by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing 2.

 

Pink on Parade raises awareness and hope

SEBRING – More than 260 people dressed in pink Oct. 5 joined AdventHealth Sebring Foundation’s annual Pink on Parade 5K and 1-mile walk to honor breast cancer patients, survivors and loved ones. 

Among them was nurse and survivor Jacqueline Loney, who was diagnosed at 37 and inspired by her care team to enter nursing. 

“Some of the best nurses I had either had cancer or had someone close to them with cancer,” Loney said. “I wanted to have that same level of compassion for someone else and help in their journey.”

Since 2017, the event has raised more than $300,000 for early detection and treatment. 

Learn more or schedule a mammogram at scheduleyourmammo.com.

 

Event promotes early detection

TRINITY – Community members in Trinity attended AdventHealth’s “Her Health Matters” on Oct. 4, featuring expert panels, mobile mammography screenings and a variety of clinical and wellness vendors. 

Participants were able to speak with healthcare professionals and gain knowledge about prevention, early detection and treatment options.  

Tiffany Nieters, lead mammographer at AdventHealth North Pinellas, said getting a mammogram is a quick and easy step women can take for their health that could potentially be lifesaving. Mammograms can take about 15 minutes.

“They sometimes hear horror stories and once they get here they see it, and they realize it’s not that bad,” Nieters said. “So, events like this show exactly what they’re going to be having done and they see how easy it is.”  

 

Get answers on Medicare

1. 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 you with your Medicare, Medicaid and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs: 

• Medicare Fraud Prevention: Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.
• Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at Clearwater Countryside Library, 2642 Sabal Springs Drive, Clearwater. 727-562-4970.
• Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at AdventHealth North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. 
• Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Aging Well Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater. 727-562-4904.
• Medicare Part C Advantage Plans: Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525.
• Medicare Basics: Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel.  813-788-6375.
• Medicare Basics: Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
• Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Advent Health North Pinellas, 1395 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs.
• Medicare Basics: Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St, Dade City. 352-567-3576.
• Medicare Basics: Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.

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.

Pasco Extension kicks off wellness program

PASCO COUNTY –  UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County is now offering Let’s Walk Florida, a six-week online program designed to improve your health through physical activity.  

Walk or exercise anywhere you choose, while tracking your progress for accountability and support through a virtual community.

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more. Everyone is welcome to participate in the program aimed at promoting physical wellness among Floridians.

The program spans from Sept. 29 to Nov. 12. Register by Sept. 29 at mypas.co/LetsWalkFlorida2025 

Choose from health and maintenance tracks within the program, including optional Wednesday check-ins with dietitians and personal trainers, while pursuing goals on your own time. 

Program registration costs $10. All ages are welcome. Team up with friends, register solo or ask to be matched with a group. Then get ready to compete for prizes and connect with others in the community.

 

Pasco County opens Dade City Senior Center

DADE CITY – Pasco County Senior Services has opened the new Dade City Senior Center.

“We love our senior community,” said Brian Hoben, community services director. “The new look and location opens the door for our seniors looking for a convenient place to engage with others in food, fun and fellowship.”

The Dade City Senior Center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 13900 4th St., Dade City. It replaces the 15th Street location in Dade City.

Adults 60 and older can register for activities and a free weekday meal by calling 352-521-5151. 

The center offers several activities, including arts and crafts, bingo, birthday celebrations, games, holiday celebrations, karaoke, live entertainment and volunteering.

On the web: mypas.co/SeniorServices.

 

Hospital offers breastfeeding, newborn support 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes during October about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your baby. All events are 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, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Thursdays, Oct. 9 and 23, 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. Offered Thursday, Oct. 9, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Thursday, Oct. 23, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

BayCare makes workplace ranking

CLEARWATER – Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have selected BayCare Health System for the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care list, ranking No. 22 in the large category. 

This marks BayCare’s ninth consecutive year earning a spot on the national list.

“To be named one of the best workplaces in the health care industry for nine straight years is not only an incredible honor, but a powerful validation of our people-first approach to health care,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO. “I’m so proud of our team members for making BayCare the best place to work, receive and provide care.”

Great Place To Work determines its lists using its proprietary Trust Index Survey to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations. 

 

AdventHealth hospital earns Best Hospitals Award

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a High Performing hospital for Knee Replacement. 

This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings. It is the second year in a row that AdventHealth Heart of Florida earned this award.

“This distinction reflects the dedication of our entire care teams and their commitment to delivering exceptional orthopedic care and ensuring our patients receive the highest quality outcomes to help live pain-free, active lives,” said Dr. Angela Alfaro, interim chief medical officer.

 

BayCare building emergency care facility

CLEARWATER – BayCare is expanding access to its emergency care with plans to build a new freestanding emergency department in Davenport.

The 12,000-square-foot facility at the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Ridgewood Lakes Boulevard will house 15 spaces for treating patients.

In September 2024, BayCare announced plans for a freestanding emergency department in partnership with Metro Development Group’s master-planned Connected City community in Wesley Chapel, followed in December by plans for another location in South Lakeland. Last month, BayCare also unveiled plans for a facility in Valrico.

“At a freestanding emergency department, we can often see patients within just a few minutes of their arrival,” said Todd Jones, BayCare’s chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer. “We know that patients are seeking out that level of convenience and efficiency for their care.”

The Davenport freestanding emergency department will have its primary affiliation with Winter Haven Hospital. 

Construction of the freestanding emergency department in Davenport is slated to begin in 2026.

 

Bill seeks to reauthorize transplant programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce legislation to reauthorize more than $280 million over five years for national cord blood and bone marrow transplant programs.

These initiatives provide lifesaving treatments for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other serious diseases. The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 5160) ensures two federally funded programs do not expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Specifically, the bill would:

• Reauthorize the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program at $33 million annually for five years.
• Reauthorize the National Cord Blood Inventory at $23 million annually for five years.

“These programs represent our nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing life-saving medical research and providing hope to millions of Americans battling chronic and life-threatening illnesses,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “By reauthorizing this legislation, we ensure continued federal support and oversight for adult stem cell research conducted under the highest ethical and scientific standards.”