The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health officer’s contributions praised by Pasco County Commission

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When the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting everything down, Mike Napier and his team were ramping up.

The recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County led efforts during the pandemic, building on partnerships the health department had already established within the community, to help prevent the spread of COVID and to respond to those sickened in the pandemic.

Napier collaborated closely with Pasco County, Pasco County Schools and a network of local health providers and community organizations.

Mike Napier, the recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, played a pivotal role in helping Pasco County government, businesses and residents navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was honored for his work recently by the Pasco County County Commission. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He was immersed in the work of keeping the public informed and creating strategies for making vaccinations available and responding to ever-changing conditions.

Napier’s efforts were acknowledged by the Pasco County Commission during its Aug. 22 meeting, when it adopted a resolution honoring Napier.

The resolution noted that Napier focused on organizational performance and fostered community collaboration.

He worked to provide the first Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services on a school campus in Pasco, according to the resolution.

The resolution also cited Napier’s selection as the “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors, in 2022, “bestowed upon him for his exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the BOCC (Pasco County Commission) and Pasco County School District to provide testing and vaccines.”

Also, the resolution adds that Napier “demonstrated his leadership outside of Pasco County, having been the President of the Florida Association of County Health Officers, President of the Florida Public Health Association, and President of the Florida Association of County Health Department Business Administrators, and accepting the added responsibility of interim Health Officer for Osceola County in 2018 while still maintaining his duties as Health Officer in Pasco County.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey brought forth the resolution for the board’s action.

“What an inspirational leader you were for this county,” Starkey said, mentioning that Napier was so highly regarded, he was temporarily on loan to the state, in Tallahassee, because of his expertise.

“You were such a leader during COVID. I don’t think any of us will forget, or will ever want to go through again, what we did for that year, or year and a half.

“I’m just grateful that you were here during that time,” Starkey said.

“I just want to congratulate you on such a successful career,” she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “Mike, you’ve done a great job. You’ve done so much for us.”

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano heaped on praise.

“The things you’ve done — not only COVID, but hepatitis, when we had outbreaks,” Mariano said.

Napier’s public awareness campaign led to a significant reduction of hepatitis cases, the county board chairman said.

“You’ve had a great career. You’ve worked hard all of your life. You’ve been very successful. Now, it’s time to enjoy it all,” Mariano told Napier.

Napier responded by sharing the credit for his success with the 160 employees at the health department.

“A leader is only as good as those who follow,” Napier said.

He reminded commissioners that the health department continues to need the county’s support.

“COVID was the latest (major health concern). There is going to be something else,” Napier said.

He told commissioners that much of what goes on at the health department never reaches public view because it works with hospitals, day cares and other places on disease interventions and to prevent outbreaks from getting worse.

He thanked the county board for its support and also voiced appreciation for the help his department has received from the Pasco community.

“We have a great county in Pasco County, and they’re willing to partner, whether it’s the sheriff’s office, or whether it’s the tax collector, the property appraiser. Everyone’s been very supportive of what we do here,” he said.

County board members told Napier they’re confident that his successor, Trang L. Chitakone, who was his assistant county health administrator, will perform well in the role.

Published September 20, 2023

New Community Initiative

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The Alliance for Healthy Communities, Incorporated (AHC) has partnered with The Hope Shot (THS), A Recovery Community Organization, to create an essential initiative to Pasco County residents.

The partnership of the two organizations, aptly named The Alliance for Hope Project (TAFHP), is a one-year project funded by a Congressional Appropriation sponsored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis. The project will lead efforts to prevent substance misuse, while also providing pathways to treatment, recovery resources and prevention initiatives. Supports will include (but are not limited to): recovery and mental health peer support specialists; navigation specialists; prevention education, individual support, and classes; peer support meetings; overdose prevention education; medication safety and Narcan.

TAFHP is an inclusive community resource for prevention services and recovery resources that aims to increase community protective factors, reduce use, reduce overdose rates, encourage long-term sobriety, and promote engagement with systems of care. TAFHP will serve all ages from birth to older adults, with a specific reach toward at-risk populations in “hot spots” as identified by population health indicators, and overdose, arrest, and Intelligence Lead Policing data. While TAFHP will exist as its own entity, the program also will serve to uplift already established initiatives such as its collaborator, The Hope Shot, the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) and the STAND youth coalition. 

Pasco county has experienced a 378% increase in overdoses since 2017. The 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) revealed community risk factors of laws and norms favorable to drug use and perceived availability of drugs by middle and high school students to be higher in Pasco County compared to their peers around the state.

“While I am no proponent of big government spending, I have a duty to ensure my community receives its fair share of allocated federal resources and to be transparent about my efforts to prioritize important local projects,” said Bilirakis, in the release.

The Alliance for Hope Project is slated to serve 848,800 individuals and families all around Pasco County and will continue the efforts to make Pasco County a stronger and healthier community. 

For more information and for resources to get help for addiction, visit EmpoweredCommunities.org.

For more on The Hope Shot and its vision, visit TheHopeShot.org.

Pasco joins lawsuit regarding insulin pricing

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Pasco County is joining a lawsuit relating to the pricing of insulin, a life-saving medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

The Pasco County Commission approved an agenda item on Aug. 8 to join in insulin litigation, after the county was approached by the law firm of Magazine & Light Law Group, which is the local counsel to a team of lawyers, Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty et. al., Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton, Seeger Weiss and Baron & Budd.

The board’s Aug. 8 agenda item explains that “the price of insulin has skyrocketed over the last 20 years.”

The background materials also note that diabetes has become the seventh-leading cause of death in the country.

“The main premise of this litigation is that insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers have artificially inflated the price of insulin at the expense of self-funded health plans,  such as the one operated by the Board of County Commissioners for its employees,” the agenda materials say.

“A handful of manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), control the insulin market. Sanofi, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly comprise 96% of the global insulin market by volume and 99% by value, Pharmacy Benefits Managers, Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and Optum RX control 89% of the PBM market,” the materials say.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder and Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended the engagement of outside counsel to seek compensation “for the overpayment of costs” through the county’s health insurance program.

Under terms of the contract, the county will not pay outside counsel, unless there is a monetary recovery. If money is recovered, the county will pay costs and fees out of the recovery made.

Published September 13, 2023

Health News 09/06/2023

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Prostate surgery alternative
An enlarged prostate, also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common health issue in men over the age of 50 that can significantly impact a man’s health and quality of life. 

A BPH Aquablation surgery is simulated by Dr. Timothy Weber seated at the console with the surgical table in front of him. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, performs an innovative procedure that does not use an incision to remove prostate tissue. The procedure uses the power of water rather than cutting away prostate tissue, according to a news release.

The hospital uses Aquablation therapy by Procept Robotics, an advanced treatment that uses water delivered with robotic precision to provide long-lasting BPH relief with low rates of irreversible surgical complications. The procedure uses a heat-free waterjet controlled by robotic technology that combines camera and ultrasound imaging to create a real-time detailed map avoiding sensitive areas. Aquablation can be performed on prostates of any size and shape.

The cause of BPH is unknown and BPH is not prostate cancer, the release said.

BPH’s can impact men in ways that can include:

  • Ability to hold urine, causing men to search for bathrooms throughout the day or waking up several times a night. This can lead to incontinence.
  • Difficulty in emptying the bladder, causing men to push or strain when urinating or having a weak stream that starts and stops.
  • Can cause urinary tract infections, problems with kidney function or stones in the bladder
  • Issues with sexual functions of erections and ejaculations

Charitable giving
The offices of Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature Premier Community HealthCare’s efforts to expand health services to those in need as the featured charitable organization for the month of September. All proceeds from the promotional effort will benefit Premier, which is the primary nonprofit agency to provide health care to the uninsured and under-insured in Pasco County.

“Premier Community HealthCare has a long history of providing medical care for those without access to primary health care in Pasco County,” said Fasano in a news release.

“…Our hope is to raise funds which will help Premier Community HealthCare move closer to their goal to provide these services to even more individuals and families in need,” said Fasano.

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations or online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate. For tax office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more information about Premier’s services, call Cheryl Pollack, community engagement officer, at 352-518-2000, ext. 9012.

Idalia Closure Updates from AdventHealth West Florida Division

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Latest Closures and Schedule Changes
As of 10:30 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023
AdventHealth Medical Group: 

  • Hillsborough County Physician Practices: Closing at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 8/29
  • Pasco County Physician Practices: Closing at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 8/29
  • Pinellas County Physician Practices: Closing at 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, 8/29
  • Polk County Physician Practices: OPEN, closures to be determined
  • Highlands County Physician Practices: OPEN, closures to be determined
  • Hardee County Physician Practices: Closing at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 8/29
  • Marion County Physician Practices: Closing at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 8/29

AdventHealth West Florida Division Care Pavilions: 

  • Imaging Centers: Closing at 12 p.m., Tuesday 8/29
  • Lab: Closing at 12 p.m, Tuesday 8/29
  • Buildings are closing at 3 p.m., Tuesday 8/29

AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens Locations: 

  • Pinellas County Express Care at Walgreens Location: Closing at 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, 8/29
  • All other Express Care at Walgreens locations will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 8/29

Open Healthcare Locations: 

Hospitals: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Heart of Florida, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth Lake Wales, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Zephyrhills, AdventHealth North Pinellas Emergency Room 

AdventHealth CentraCare Urgent Care Centers 

AdventHealth Home Health 

AdventHealth On Demand Video Visits: If you have a non-emergency health care need and would like to access care during Tropical Storm/Hurricane Idalia, AdventHealth offers On Demand Video visits. The board-certified healthcare team is available 24 hours a day and care can be accessed via the AdventHealth app through the App Store or Google Play. Visit AdventHealth.com/video-visits to learn more.

During a hurricane, AdventHealth needs to utilize and reserve its resources to provide care for patients and working staff members until the storm passes and conditions return to normal. Our hospitals are not equipped or designed to serve as a public shelter for the community, and we encourage residents to contact their county’s emergency operations center for locations of public shelters.  

While we understand the desire for family members to remain with their loved ones in the hospital during a storm, we strongly encourage potential visitors to consider the advice of emergency officials to stay off the roads and remain at home until the storm passes.

We are committed to providing the best possible care to our community during the storm, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide ongoing updates. Additional updates are being provided on AdventHealth.com/hurricane.  

Health News 08/30/2023

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Mary Partridge

New director named
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Mary Partridge as its new operations director. Partridge began her new role on Aug. 7 and succeeded Sara Dodds, who was operations director before her promotion to hospital president in April.

As the new director, Partridge will assist Dodds and share in the responsibility for integrating the hospital’s strategic plan into operations and provide oversight for the development of high-quality compassionate care.

She will have leadership to ensure efficient services, designed to meet the needs of patients, physicians, team members and the community.

Partridge has been with BayCare since 2017 in positions at its various hospitals that included: quality, safety and regulatory manager; quality improvement manager; and patient services director.

She is a registered nurse and holds a master’s degree in both nursing and business administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Relieving nursing shortage
Saint Leo University is focused on meeting the health care needs of the community through its Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

When the fall semester begins on Aug. 28, students will begin their junior year in the core nursing program classes. With hands-on learning, the juniors will learn in the skills and simulation labs and go to a clinical setting.

Members of the university’s inaugural class of juniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing took part in an orientation meeting with Dr. Deb Peterson, chair of Saint Leo University’s Nursing Program (front row, right). (Courtesy of Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

During the spring 2024 semester, nursing students will partner with AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

By the end of its first five years of operation, Saint Leo’s program is expected to add nearly 200 nurses to the workforce.

With the rapid growth of Pasco County, where Saint Leo’s University Campus is, Pasco Economic Development Council President/CEO Bill Cronin noted, in a news release, “In one of our greatest areas of need — health care — it is especially clear that we need our education partners to step up and produce the talent needed for our hospitals and other health care providers to thrive.”

Joey Resnick, CEO of Premier Community HealthCare Group, echoed Cronin in his support. “I see the urgent need for nurses to provide services for people of all ages to support health promotion, disease prevention, and illness care.

“The Saint Leo University Bachelor of Science in nursing program has a curriculum that aligns with health promotion and the needs of those with chronic and late-stage illnesses. This emphasis will support the needs of the growing population in our region,” said Resnick.

Funds from the state of Florida and private donors will be used in part to build an experiential learning space on the second floor of Benedictine Hall at Saint Leo University. 

Achievement Award
HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hospitals received 42 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality achievement awards for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, leading to more lives saved and reduced disability, according to a news release.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S., the release said. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die.

Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, received these awards this year:

  • Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus
  • Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus
  • Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Apprenticeship program builds careers
A new health care apprenticeship program at AdventHealth is helping young adults in the area to build strong careers in the medical field. 

AdventHealth and Ultimate Medical Academy were chosen to partner with CareerSource Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners to implement the first health care Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment Program (ACE), according to a news release.

Students were carefully selected from their respective communities with a rigorous interview process, and gives them the opportunity to earn a professional career certificate, gain paid work experience, and have assistance in preparation for entering the professional workforce.

These phlebotomy (taking and preparing patient blood samples for testing) students were given hands-on experience at AdventHealth Tampa on Aug. 16.

Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Florida has one of the highest employment levels for phlebotomists in the country, the release said.

Health News 08/23/2023

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Tim Tidwell

New patient services director
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Tim Tidwell as its new patient services director.

Tidwell will be a part of the senior management team and will participate in hospital planning, organizing, policy development and priority setting.

He will work closely with nursing and medical teams in providing, monitoring and evaluating patient care and services. He also will oversee nursing personnel, and will lead and evaluate the nursing team and set nursing objectives and long-term goals.

Tidwell has been a registered nurse since 2002 and with BayCare since 2008. Most recently, for the past 13 years, he has worked at Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital as a nurse/assistant nurse manager and since January 2015 as nurse manager of a 45-bed medical/surgical unit.

The new director is a member of the Florida Organization of Nurse Executive and the Tampa Bay Organization of Nurse Executives.

Rosalie Oliver

CFO makes Becker’s List
Becker’s Hospital Review has released the 2023 edition of its “Women hospital and health system CFOs (chief financial officers) to know” list and it includes three from the AdventHealth West Florida Division, according to a news release.

Rosalie Oliver, regional CFO for AdventHealth West Florida Division in Pasco, Polk, Hardee and Highland counties, was recognized. Oliver is the regional CFO for the third largest AdventHealth division. She manages the financial operations for 10 of the division’s 13 acute care hospitals.

Fran Crunk, CFO AdventHealth Ocala and Tanya Knepp, CFO AdventHealth Riverview also were named to the “to know” list.

The number of women who are chief financial officers of hospitals and health systems continues to grow nationwide and at AdventHealth, the release said.

 

Don’t let bites and stings ‘bug’ you

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Spending time outdoors is good for your health, but whether you are heading out on the water, hiking a trail, or just hanging out in the backyard — be sure to know how to protect yourself and your family from bites and stings.

AdventHealth’s Network of Care provides tips on how to avoid the most common culprits. AdventHealth also provides guidance on what to do if you get bitten or stung this warm-weather season:

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from bites and stings when spending time outdoors.

Mosquitoes: These insects are a nuisance and love warm, wet environments. Their bites can be itchy and can also carry some of the Zika virus.

Try to stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you go outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin. Adults can safely use insect repellent with DEET, but children younger than 2 months old should not be exposed to the chemical. Over-the-counter remedies can soothe the sensation and redness. Avoid scratching the bite so it does not become inflamed and trigger a skin infection.

Jellyfish stings — Jellyfish stings are painful but avoidable.

Check marine warnings ahead of going in the water (a purple lifeguard station flag means there is something dangerous in the water). Keep an eye out for jellyfish that wash up on shore, too. If you get stung, get to safety and wash the area well with seawater. Remove any tentacles that are left behind, using gloves if you can. Head to the lifeguard station for a vinegar solution to pour on your skin and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Swelling and redness should go away, but if it increases, seek medical attention.

Stingrays: Check for marine warnings before entering the water.

Do the “stingray shuffle” by slowing down your walk and shuffling your feet through the top layer of sand as you wade into the water. This will alert stingrays that are buried under the sand in 10 inches or 12 inches of water. If you do get stung and a barb remains, head to the emergency room. Do not attempt to remove the barb by yourself. If there is no barb, soak the area in a bucket of hot water for about an hour, to soothe the pain. If you experience severe reactions like a rash, vomiting or trouble breathing, get medical help.

Snake Bites: If you see a snake, avoid it. Don’t try to catch, trap or kill it.

Avoid tall grasses and piles of leaves where snakes may be resting or hiding. Snakes are most active at night or early in the morning. If you are bitten by a snake, take a photo of the snake if you can. If not, pay attention to its coloring and patterns. Snake bites tend to swell, so remove jewelry around the area if you get a bite on your hand or arm. Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not suck venom from the bite wound, as it will not stop the venom from spreading.

Ticks: Though most tick bites are benign, some are associated with certain diseases, like Lyme disease.

Hiking trails are common places to pick up ticks. Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, tall socks and boots when venturing into a heavily wooded area. Tuck your pants into your socks to close any gaps and use a lotion with DEET to repel ticks. Inspect your skin when you get home. If you find a tick, remove it with sanitized tweezers and clean and disinfect the area. If you develop a rash that spreads or experience a fever or joint pain, go to the doctor.

Bees: Bees can pack a painful sting, but usually do not need professional treatment unless you have an allergic reaction.

Bees do not respond to insect repellant. Give flowers a wide berth and keep an eye out for hives. If you are stung, bees will release a stinger into the skin, which can be removed by scraping or pulling it out. Apply ice to the area to help relieve the pain. Benadryl may reduce itching. A mixture of baking soda and water can help remove the stinger. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a reaction such as trouble breathing, a rash over the entire body, swelling or vomiting. If you have had severe reactions in the past due to insect bites or stings, consider carrying an EpiPen, which can be prescribed by your doctor.

Published August 16, 2023

Health News 08/16/2023

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(Mike Camunas)

AdventHealth opens new care pavilion
AdventHealth West Florida Division and Robins & Morton, a construction firm, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the AdventHealth Care Pavilion Central Pasco, 2435 Bexley Village Drive in Land O’ Lakes, on Aug. 7. The two-story, 28,605-square-foot facility includes 24 patient beds, two procedure rooms, and an imaging suite featuring MRI, CT, X-ray, mammography, and bone density rooms. A lab and babysitting area complete the space. The pavilion is adjacent to the AdventHealth Central Pasco Emergency Department.

Safe Haven for Newborns
A Safe Haven for Newborns is dedicated to saving the lives of newborns from the dangers of abandonment and assisting pregnant girls/women in crisis. Child abandonment is escalating worldwide, according to a Safe Haven newsletter.

The Safe Haven program provides a mother with the resources she needs prior to giving birth, allowing her to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of her unborn child and hers.

The foundation does not charge for any services offered.

Safe Haven offers referrals across all 67 Florida counties, for services such as maternity homes, shelters, counseling, health-related issues, help for abuse, suicide prevention, connecting to Medicaid, and information for adoption (open or closed).

It also offers a 24/7 multilingual confidential helpline and information through its website, ASafeHavenForNewborns.com.

By Florida law, a newborn 7 days of age or younger and unharmed, can be surrendered at any of the participating hospitals or 24/7 staffed fire/EMS stations displaying the Safe Haven for Newborn signage and surrendered in the arms of a staff member. No questions are asked and mothers are free from the fear of prosecution.

Health care professionals also can use Safe Haven’s free web-based training, on the steps to follow when a newborn is surrendered.

For information on how to help through monetary donations, in-kind donations and the donation of time, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com.

The Florida helpline can be reached at 877-767-2229. The national helpline is 844-767-2229.

Both helplines are open 24/7 and are confidential and multilingual.

 

 

Health News 08/09/2023

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth Tampa)

Safe sleep for newborns
AdventHealth Tampa has seen an increase in infant injuries in the emergency department due to unsafe sleep practices, including five co-sleeping deaths in fall 2022, according to a news release.

This has prompted AdventHealth Tampa to launch a new initiative aimed at fostering safe sleep habits for newborns.

The new program official began July 25 and its goal is to reduce preventable sleep-related incidents among infants and promoting the best health outcomes for newborns across Tampa Bay.

Parents will receive one-on-one consultations and education, along with specially designed glow-in-the-dark bracelets, to serve as a constant reminder of the ABCs of safe sleep during the challenges of nighttime parenting, the release said.

The bracelets will play a key role in reinforcing safe sleep practices: When the parent finds themselves tired and weary in the middle of the night while doing diaper changes or feedings, the reminder on their wrist will guide them to make the right choices for their infant’s safety.

These are the ABCs of safe sleep, the release said:

  • Alone: Place babies to sleep alone in their crib or bassinet without any soft bedding, toys or other objects that may pose a suffocation risk.
  • Back: Always put babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Crib: Provide babies with a safe sleep space in a firm crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards.

Boot Drive for Muscular Dystrophy
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices will feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual Boot Drive during the month of August, to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

To learn more about Pasco Fire Rescue charities, call Lisa Brekke at 813-244-8619.

For information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

New pediatric clinic
Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) recently opened its 18th location, Children’s Medical Dental (CMD), at 19203 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. The facility caters specifically to the youngest patients, offering both medical and dental services. CMD aims to provide a patient-centered holistic approach to pediatric care with general medical services and dental care focusing on the importance of oral health from an early age.

The facility will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit TampaFamilyHC.com and click on “Locations,” or call 813-726-0360.

BEE award recipients
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital recently recognized eight of its PCTs with a BEE Award, which celebrates and honors the exceptional skills and compassion given by the PCTs and nurse externs. BEE stands for Being Exceptional Everyday.

These caregivers and recipients of the award helped to create a supportive environment for healing by assisting patients with basic needs and collaborating with other caregivers to help ensure optimal outcomes:

  • Edwin Alfaro, PCT, 4 East
  • Rocky Alfaro, PCT, 4 East
  • Joanne Calvillo, PCT, 5 East
  • Gregory Cutrone, PCT, 4 East
  • Amneris Perez Figueroa, PCT, 5 East
  • Allie Jackson, PCT, 5 West
  • Brittany Nolan, 5 West
  • Taylor Pugh, PCT, 4 East

Benefits of breastfeeding
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding and raising awareness about important resources available to mothers in honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is celebrated every August.

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both babies and mothers, said Cindy Goad, lactation consultant for the Baby Place at the hospital, in a news release.

Goad says there are five key benefits of breastfeeding:

  • Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
  • Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
  • Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
  • Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
  • Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.

In addition, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has announced its Baby-Friendly designation. This recognition is bestowed upon health care facilities that provide optimal care and support for breastfeeding mothers and their infants, ensuring that mothers receive the information, confidence and skills necessary to successfully begin and continue breastfeeding.