Health

 

Pasco observes Hospital Week 

PASCO COUNTY – County commissioners proclaimed May 11 to 17, 2025, as Hospital Week in Pasco County. 

This declaration recognizes the service of the more than 3,000 physicians, nurses and staff across AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

AdventHealth’s ongoing community investment, which surpassed $200 million in 2024, includes charity care, public health programs and contributions to community organizations. 

As part of National Hospital Week, commissioners encourage residents to take a moment to thank local healthcare workers for their compassion, resilience and role in protecting and advancing public health.

“We are honored to work with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners during Hospital Week, to recognize the healthcare heroes of AdventHealth who serve our community with exceptional care and unwavering compassion,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “Every day, our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff go above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Their commitment to health and wellness is truly inspiring.”

 

Patels give $3M to hospital

TAMPA – Vik and Sneha Patel made a $3 million gift to name the future Healing Garden at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, according to the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The Patels’ gift will be part of the hospital’s new, freestanding pediatric facility, which will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The facility is scheduled to open by 2030.

The Patels are longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. They chaired the 2024 Heroes Ball, raising $1.45 million to support the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

“From handing out donuts to team members, to bringing smiles to families, to leading our largest community event, to giving this incredible gift – their mindset has always been about sharing extraordinary generosity,” said Kate Sawa, president of the foundation. “Their gift will help create a truly special space that brings peace, comfort and joy to families during some of their most challenging moments, which is so fitting because they are all about family.”

On the web: Give2StJoesKids.org

 

Health kits help heart patients 

LAKE WALES – Heart failure patients at AdventHealth Lake Wales are taking control of their health and recovery outside of the hospital, with the help of free health supply kits. 

The kits are used to monitor patients’ progress after they are discharged from the hospital. They include a weight scale, automatic blood pressure device, instructions for home blood pressure measurements, fluid measuring bottle, pill organizer and pulse oximeters.

Before they are discharged, patients are given detailed heart failure education by the registered nurses and the heart failure team. They also get frequent calls from the heart failure team who monitor patients in the program.

 

Hospitals earn A’s

TAMPA – AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County, which include AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, have been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group.

The Leapfrog Group assigns grades based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. 

“We are thrilled and honored to have all our hospitals in Pasco County receive A grades for the second year in a row, with Wesley Chapel receiving its 20th consecutive A rating,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This award is a testament to the exceptional work AdventHealth physicians and team members do every day to keep our patients safe and how they continue to provide exceptional whole-person care to a growing community.”

 

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.

SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE Counselors do not sell anything.

SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the following times:                    

• June 5 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
• June 12 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576.
• June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.

Medicare 101

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions.

• June 4 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
• June 18 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
• June 18 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073.
• June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.

 

EKG screenings bill passes

TAMPA – Florida lawmakers recently passed legislation requiring EKG screenings for student-athletes to identify hidden heart conditions. 

“Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one medical cause of death in young athletes during sports,” said Dr. Anjlee Patel, a pediatric cardiologist with AdventHealth for Children, based at AdventHealth Tampa. “An ECG is quick, affordable, and can detect serious conditions that a stethoscope can’t. We want to make it as easy as possible for families to get this testing and prevent unthinkable tragedies.”

AdventHealth for Children offers low-cost ECG/EKG screenings for children and youth, ages 10 to 25, across Central and West Florida. 

Screening ECGs are covered by most insurance providers, but AdventHealth also offers a $15 self-pay option. The initiative is designed to make heart screenings more accessible and affordable, especially for families of student-athletes.

Pediatric cardiologists interpret the screening results that same day and use them to help detect conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and electrical rhythm abnormalities.

 

Nursing organization honors BayCare for staff programs

CLEARWATER – The American Nurses Credentialing Center has designated BayCare as the first health care system in Florida to receive its new Well-Being Excellence designation.

BayCare is one of five organizations nationally to receive the new credential. 

“We are honored that BayCare has been recognized as a national leader and pioneer in promoting well-being and resilience,” said Trish Shucoski, chief nurse executive. “This award is an exciting way to demonstrate that our team members feel supported, valued and equipped to thrive.”
The designation evaluates and enhances well-being programs within health care organizations that employ nurses. ANCC created the designation in response to the need for effective well-being programs to support health care professionals. 

Nurse burnout is a significant issue in health care, with 46% of health care workers reporting feelings of burnout in 2022, up from 32% in 2018, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North excels at patient safety

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earned a top grade for the sixth consecutive time in ratings from a national not-for-profit organization that evaluates patient safety. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received an A grade in the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades released May 1. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North also earned A in grades dating back to the Fall 2022 grades. 

The six consecutive A grades has earned Leapfrog’s elite Straight A status for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“Our patient care practices are rooted in providing the safest and best care,” hospital president Sara Dodds said. “The Leapfrog grades are a way that our consistent quality care is illustrated publicly to the community.”

 

BayCare earns A’s for safety

CLEARWATER  – Ten of BayCare’s acute-care hospitals received an A in the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades. 

The Leapfrog Group collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals. In the spring and fall, the Leapfrog Group assigns them letter grades ranging from A to F.

Hospitals that earned an A include Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

“Patient safety is the foundation of care at BayCare. It is woven into our culture and the care we deliver every day,” said Dr. Laura Arline, BayCare’s chief quality officer. 

 

Hospitals across region highlight Power of Nurses

TAMPA – Several hospitals in the Tampa Bay area partnered with the American Nurses Association May 6 to 12 to  illuminate buildings as part of its #NursesLightUpTheSky initiative.

The campaign is designed to honor the more than 5 million registered nurses whose contributions power health and healing.

“Nurses are essential to the health of our families and communities-and this week, we honor the impact they make across every corner of Florida and the nation,” said Dr. Marie Etienne president of The Florida Nurses Association. “Lighting up our skyline is just one way we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work nurses do every single day.”

Participating hospitals included Bartow Regional Medical Center, BayCare HomeCare, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Gandy Bridge, Joseph’s Hospital-North, Madonna Ptak Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center, Mease Countryside Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Selmon Expressway, South Florida Baptist Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, Winter Haven Hospital, 

On the web: nursingworld.org/nursesweek

 

County celebrates 75 years of mosquito management

TAMPA – For 75 years, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services has worked to control the mosquito population in Hillsborough County.  

Residents were scheduled to celebrate the milestone at a family-fun event with the team that works around the clock to eliminate mosquitoes and stop the spread of deadly mosquito-borne diseases. 

The event was scheduled for May 10, which is after the newspaper’s deadline, at 6527 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa.

On the web: HCFL.gov/Mosquito

 

Exec gets marketing role

CLEARWATER – Keri Eisenbeis, chief of staff and chief communications officer at BayCare Health System, is adding marketing to her role as she oversees the not-for-profit health system’s marketing efforts. 

“Keri has proven, over and over during her tenure at BayCare, her ability to take on new challenges and make a big impact for our communities,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “Adding marketing to her portfolio is a natural synergy with her role overseeing our communications.”

Eisenbeis joined BayCare 16 years ago. 

“The voice of our patients and the community at large motivates me,” Eisenbeis said. “I look forward to channeling that voice in my work to ensure BayCare’s tradition of being the best place to work, provide and receive care.”

PHSC grads celebrate success

NEW PORT RICHEY – Kendall Childers is set to graduate from Pasco-Hernando State College on May 8 with her Associate in Science degree in nursing, earning her qualifications as a registered nurse. 

Childers is from Dunnellon and moved to Tampa in 2020, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. During her studies at USF, she learned her passion lay in nursing. 

“Choosing to attend Pasco-Hernando State College’s Registered Nurse program was an easy decision, thanks to the program’s strong reputation and the supportive learning environment,” Childers said. “I’m incredibly thankful for the knowledge, guidance, and clinical experiences I’ve gained throughout my time at PHSC.”

She is moving forward with her career goals and has already accepted a position at Tampa General Hospital, where she plans to work in the transplant unit. At the same time, she is planning to continue her education this fall at PHSC to earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Childers is one of two student speakers during commencement. The other is Sarah Summers, a dual enrollment student from Zephyrhills High School. 

Summers has been in dual enrollment since her sophomore year, but this last year she became the collegewide president for Phi Theta Kappa and the secretary in the Student Government Association at PHSC. 

“I have learned a lot through these programs, and it is an honor to be a commencement speaker,” Summers said.

 

Hospital builds beds for kids

PALM HARBOR – Volunteers from AdventHealth North Pinellas joined forces with the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children in need across Pinellas County. 

The bed build event took place April 25 at Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation.

According to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 7,361 children in the Tampa area are sleeping without beds. Over the years, the organization has delivered 4,428 beds to families in need across Tampa Bay.

“Last year, AdventHealth volunteers built beds for more than 50 children who had been sleeping on floors,” said Andrew Santos, hospital CEO. “This bed build is one of the ways we can show our support for our North Pinellas community, and it goes a long way in making both our team and our community feel whole.”

 

Initiative trains hospice and palliative care nurses

TAMPA – The University of South Florida College of Nursing and Empath Health are partnering to invest in the next generation of hospice and palliative care nurses through the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education funding initiative.  

The collaboration will provide $10,000 scholarships to three Accelerated Second Degree students – Brianna Barton, Jaelynn Burton and Brianna Temes – helping complete their final semester and join Florida’s nursing workforce.

While hospice is often viewed as simply “end-of-life care,” Empath Health is working to redefine it as “Full Life Care”—a holistic, patient- and family-centered approach that emphasizes dignity, comfort and quality of life at every stage. 

On the web: empathhealth.org

 

Caucus focuses on American-made medicines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and others have launched the American-Made Medicines Caucus.

The group promotes policies to onshore and friendshore pharmaceutical manufacturing as well as reduce America’s reliance on adversarial countries for essential medications.  

The U.S. imports 90% of all generic drugs and ran a $127 billion trade deficit in pharmaceuticals in 2024.

“With our overwhelming reliance on Chinese pharmaceutical products and ingredients, it’s imperative that we find ways to increase domestic manufacturing capacity and preserve consumer access to these important and lifesaving products,” Bilirakis said. “Public health and wellness should not depend on our foreign adversaries and I look forward to finding ways to address this threat through the caucus.”

 

BayCare breaks ground

 

Quick Hits

• HART has unveiled a new Autism Awareness wrapped bus. The bus will remain in service for an entire year to promote awareness and inclusion throughout the community.
• BayCare broke ground April 30 on BayCare Hospital Manatee, its 17th hospital, and BayCare HealthHub (Manatee). The $563 million hospital is expected to open in 2028 with 154 beds.
• AdventHealth Lake Wales Wound Care Center has been honored with three awards by Healogics: the President’s Circle Award, the Center of Distinction Award and the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Clinical Excellence Award. 

 

 

Moffitt Cancer Center cheers construction milestones 

LAND O’ LAKES  – Moffitt Cancer Center celebrated progress April 22 at SPEROS FL, its 775-acre global research park in Pasco County. 

About 300 people gathered to celebrate two key milestones: the topping out of the Moffitt Discovery & Innovation Center and the installation of the cyclotron that will power its proton therapy system.

The campus is projected to create more than 11,000 quality jobs over the next decade.

“The research center and proton therapy program are central to our vision for Speros, which will become a global destination for cancer breakthroughs and a place where world-class care and discovery are happening side by side in one place,” said Patrick Hwu, Moffitt president and CEO. 

The highlight of the event was the installation of the cyclotron, a particle accelerator that traveled more than 4,600 miles from Belgium and will serve as the heart of the ProteusONE proton therapy system. 

This technology offers precision in cancer treatment, reducing side effects and improving outcomes by targeting tumors with millimeter accuracy. 

Moffitt broke ground on Speros in January 2023 and will welcome its first patient on opening day in January 2026.

 

County using sterile mosquitoes to prevent disease

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is releasing sterilized male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in selected areas of Pasco County.

The goal is to reduce populations of this invasive species known to spread serious diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Officials describe this as an “environmentally safe and scientifically proven method.” This comes after the county saw a cluster of locally transmitted Dengue Fever cases last year. 

“The Sterile Insect Technique is an exciting addition to our integrated mosquito management program,” said Adriane Rogers, executive director of the district. “It’s a non-genetically modified organism, non-toxic  method that has been used for decades around the world to control agricultural and public health threats and now, for the first time in our district’s nearly 75-year history, we’re bringing it to Pasco County to explore its potential as an additional long-term public health tool.”

 

Report explores air quality

TAMPA – According to the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report, released April 23, Tampa Bay residents are being exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone smog. 

The report grades exposure to unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, also known as “smog,” and particle pollution, also known as “soot,” over a three-year period (2021-2023). 

Findings for the Tampa Bay metro area include:

Ground-level Ozone Pollution:

• Number of Unhealthy Days per Year: 1.3 days (1.3 days in 2024 report)
• National Ranking: 115th worst out of 228 (71st worst in 2024 report)

Short-Term Spikes in Particle Pollution:

• Number of Unhealthy Days Per Year: 0.3 days (0.3 days in 2024 report)
• National Ranking: 177th worst out of 223 (124th worst in 2024 report)

Year-Round Average Level of Particle Pollution:

• Grade: Passing grade, pollution levels below the federal standard (passing grade in 2024 report)
• National Ranking: 155th worst out of 204 (99th worst in 2024 report)

 

Hospital lauds Cardiac Warriors 

DAVENPORT – More than a dozen graduates of AdventHealth Heart of Florida’s cardiac rehabilitation program and their loved ones were honored during the hospital’s first ever Cardiac Warriors luncheon.

Fourteen graduates and one current patient attended the event. Several graduates spoke about their experiences with the cardiac rehab team and how it’s helped them in their recovery and their lives.

In August 2024, an expanded cardiac rehab unit opened at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, doubling the number of patients that can be treated and reducing wait times for new patient enrollment. Before the expansion, the unit treated an average of 56 patients a month. The new space allows for double that number.

 

AdventHealth hosts job expo

TAMPA – Hundreds of job seekers attended the AdventHealth Career Expo on April 9 and 10 at Raymond James Stadium. 

All AdventHealth hospitals, clinics and services in the West Florida Division were on site looking for a variety of positions, including registered nurses, imaging professionals, surgical services personnel and respiratory therapists. 

The healthcare industry added 54,000 jobs in March according to the U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics. Health Care jobs are also projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations with about 1.9 million openings each year, on average, due to employment growth and workers retiring.

 

BayCare highlights impact 

CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has released its 2024 Report to the Community, illustrating its impact on the health and well-being of the communities of West Central Florida.

BayCare dedicated $467 million in community benefit to care for uninsured or underinsured patients and to improve the health and well-being of residents in its primary service area of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. 

BayCare in 2024 broke ground for the region’s first proton therapy center to enhance cancer treatment options and continued investing in facilities at multiple campuses. BayCare invested another $855 million in benefits, training, rewards and recognition for its workforce of nearly 33,000.

BayCare continued rapid expansion of its Graduate Medical Education programs, created six Clinical Institutes, participated in nearly 500 health research projects and made multiple workplace lists, such as the PEOPLE Companies that Care, Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care and Fortune Best Workplaces for Women.

Read the report at baycare.org/annual-report.

 

Bill addresses senior hearing 

Washington – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and others re-filed the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act to expand seniors’ access to audiology and hearing services.  

Under current Medicare rules, seniors are unable to access the full range of services that independent audiologists provide under their existing scope of practice. The legislation will allow independent audiologists to directly bill Medicare for services that are already covered under the law and within their existing scope of practice.  

“Medicare reimbursement policies should be patient-centered and maximize patient choice whenever possible,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Updating these policies to allow licensed audiologists to fully participate in Medicare will bring greater parity and provide seniors with improved access to hearing health and balance care.”

 

BayCare named a Top Workplace  

CLEARWATER – BayCare has been awarded the 2025 Top Workplaces in the USA award by USA Today and Energage for the second year in a row. 

BayCare was ranked No. 30 out of the Top 100 companies recognized nationwide. 

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. Over 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners are chosen based on employee feedback gathered through an employee engagement survey issued by Energage.

Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“Being named a Top Workplace again in 2025 highlights our exceptional team members and our ongoing dedication to being the best place to work,” BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “We are grateful to our team members whose insights and dedication make this possible, continually earning us recognition in both national and local workplace awards.”

 

BayCare sees demand for residency programs

CLEARWATER – All of BayCare’s sponsored Graduate Medical Education programs received a 100% match for Match Day. 

More than 170 health care leaders of the future, including resident physicians and fellows, have made BayCare their Graduate Medical Education home. This brings the total to nearly 300 doctors currently in BayCare Residency programs.  

“We are thrilled to achieve a remarkable 100% match for our 12 BayCare-sponsored residency programs this year, including seven new programs,” said Chief Physician Executive Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan. “Choosing BayCare for their residency education ensures we can guide these students, who bring fresh perspectives about the latest medical innovations from the classroom. We are eager to welcome these resident physicians and support their educational journey.”

 

Bilirakis seeks to expedite veterans appeals claims

WASHINGTON, D.C.–  U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) re-introduced March 25 the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act.

The legislation would help the Board of Veterans’ Appeals recruit and retain the staff necessary to address the significant 200,000-case backlog it currently faces. This bill will be heard in the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee this Wednesday.

“Too often, the Board of Veterans Appeals continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “The Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation’s heroes from accessing the benefits they’ve earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies.”

 

Castor tries to save EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and others reintroduced March 25 the Children’s Health Protection Act of 2025.

The legislation codifies into law the only office within the Environmental Protection Agency dedicated to children’s health, the Office of Children’s Health Protection. 

This office would be responsible for rulemaking, policy, enforcement actions, research and applications of science that focus on prenatal and childhood vulnerabilities, safe chemicals management, and coordination of community-based programs to eliminate threats to children’s health where they live, learn and play.

The legislation would also make the EPA Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee a permanent advisory committee. It aims to ensure no President will be able to remove such safeguards that help shield children from environmental harms to their health.

 

Hospital offers newborn support groups

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, offers free in-person support groups and classes during April about breastfeeding and newborn care. 

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your babies. All events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms.

• Infant and Child CPR – Learning CPR and rescue skills can help parents and caregivers save a child in an emergency. The class, which is useful for parents, teachers and babysitters, includes learning choking rescue methods, CPR and home safety education based on American Heart Association guidelines. The class costs $25. Offered April 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• 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. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 10 and 24 from 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. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 10 from 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. There is no cost to attend. Offered April 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter. You can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

SHINE offers Medicare programs

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will have volunteers available to answer Medicare questions at the following dates and venues in Pasco and Pinellas counties: 

• Medicare Basics: 10 a.m. April 3 at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• Medicare 101: Noon April 2 at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive. Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
• Medicare 101: 10:30 a.m. April 3 at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375

SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel makes Best Hospitals list

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has made Newsweek’s list of the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 for the fourth consecutive year.  

The award list was announced Feb. 26. Newsweek and Statista awarded the best hospitals based on hospital quality metrics, recommendations from medical experts and surveys.

Newsweek also recognized the hospital as a leader for infection prevention.

“Being awarded World’s Best four years in a row is a testament to the expertise of our committed team members and physicians and our dedication to deliver world-class health care services in a growing Pasco County community,” hospital CEO Ryan Quattlebaum said. 

 

Doctor to discuss gut health

LUTZ – Dr. Jonathon Tsai, a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon, will give a free presentation and discussion about the importance of gut health and how to prevent and manage diverticulitis. 

The event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. April 4 in the Garden Classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road. A light lunch will be provided.

Learn about symptoms, treatment options and lifestyle changes that can improve your digestive well-being. 

Register for the free event at BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll down to the April 4 date. 

Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number 2 at the prompt. 

 

Bill increases access to molecular diagnostic testing 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Gus Bilirakis and others have introduced legislation to increase access to molecular diagnostic testing for rare cancer patients. 

The Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act would ensure patients on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can receive testing at the time of first diagnosis, rather than only for recurrent or metastatic cancers. The legislation is named after a 3-year-old who died from rhabdomyosarcoma in 2018.

“The targeted reforms in our bipartisan, bicameral bill will have a meaningful impact on accelerating the development of treatments for rare cancers and will remove bureaucratic hurdles that currently keep cancer patients from accessing diagnostic screening and effective treatments by qualified specialists,” Bilirakis said. “Every cancer patient deserves the best chance of survival, and we must create a streamlined regulatory system and payment model to realize this important goal.”

 

SHINE offers Medicare programs

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will have volunteers available to answer Medicare questions at several dates and venues in Pasco and Pinellas counties. 

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas offer the free program.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. 

Medicare Fraud

• April 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727- 834-3204

Medicare Basics

• April 3 at 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• April 19 at 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• April 24 at noon at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

Medicare 101

• April 2 at noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
• April 3 at 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• April 16 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
• April 16 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport.  727-893-1073

SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

Clinical trial could expand robot tech

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has begun a clinical trial using the Da Vinci SP robot to remove cancer, as well as non-cancerous masses, from the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder and more.

Currently, the robot is FDA-approved for urology and head and neck surgical procedures. This trial, which began in summer 2024, seeks to pave the way for FDA approval of the robot’s use in HPB and Foregut operations.

The first of four phases in the trial have been successfully completed with over 10 Foregut and HPB-related operations, including gallbladder removals, hernia repairs and gastrectomies at AdventHealth Tampa, by Dr. Sharona Ross and her surgical team. The next phase will involve more advanced procedures with the end goal of focusing on cancerous tumors with the Da Vinci SP robot. 

Ross says this marks a significant leap forward in surgical innovation, with the potential to save lives of those diagnosed with pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, duodenal and liver cancers.

 

AdventHealth Sebring hosts heart symposium

SEBRING — AdventHealth Sebring hosted the “Every Beat Counts” heart symposium Feb. 25 to help inform residents about available heart care options.

More than 100 community members attended. They learned about treatments, surgical technologies and the techniques used by AdventHealth Sebring when caring for heart-related conditions and illnesses. 

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death across the U.S. and in Florida. 

The U.S. Census Bureau says one-fifth of Americans live in rural areas, and data shows on average they live three years less than those who live in urban areas, largely due to heart disease and strokes. 

 

BayCare adds seven more medical residency programs 

CLEARWATER – BayCare has received approval to launch seven new graduate medical education programs, including its first emergency medicine residency program, for the 2025-26 year.

The health care system will also open four more internal medicine programs, another transitional year program and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. 
The expansion brings to 16 the number of GME programs at BayCare hospitals. 

BayCare will have about 280 residents systemwide in 2025-26, over twice as many as the current year. BayCare expects to grow to 650 residents by 2029.  

“We are excited to train the next generation of physicians to serve the families of West Central Florida,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO.

 

 

Leaders highlight women’s heart heart

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals, proclaimed Feb. 7, 2025, as Wear Red Day to bring attention to women’s heart health and the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women.

AdventHealth cardiologists stress that women’s heart attack symptoms can be different and often subtle, like nausea, fatigue, jaw pain or upper back pain.

Recognizing these signs and acting quickly is critical. If you or a loved one experience unusual symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath or lightheadedness, call 911. Doctors would rather rule out a heart attack than treat the damage of one left untreated.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet so many women don’t

realize they’re at risk,” said Dr. Doug Ross, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Tampa. “Wear Red Day is an opportunity to empower women with knowledge about the signs and symptoms of heart disease and encourage them to seek care when they need it.”

Commissioner Chris Boles sponsored the proclamation. 

“By raising awareness and educating women about the risks and symptoms, we have the power to make a real difference in their lives,” Boles said.

 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel expansion is progressing

WESLEY CHAPEL – AdventHealth leaders, alongside general contractors, Baston-Cook, came together Feb. 3 to celebrate the work completed so far on the vertical expansion of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

They specifically celebrated the final beam placed on the structure. Construction began in July 2024. The new addition is expected to be ready by late this year.
From state-of-the-art equipment to the most intricate building details, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel was designed to maximize healing, patient care and wellness. 

The expansion will feature a new three-story North Wing and a two-story South Courtyard Infill, adding 80,373 square feet of new space and renovating 8,837 square feet of existing space. The hospital’s licensed beds will increase from 169 to 193 with room to grow. 

On the web: www.AHWesleyChapel.com 

 

Crisis center supports opioid recovery

TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s TransCare Medical Transportation Division has launched a new community paramedicine program with funding from the Florida Department of Children and Families and Central Florida Behavioral Health Network.

The program provides free support to individuals struggling with substance use disorder by providing Medication Assisted Treatment. Once patients are enrolled in the program, they receive daily Buprenorphine doses to help manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Individuals enrolled in the program will receive daily visits from a TransCare paramedic in a location of their choosing to receive medication and have their vitals checked. Patients will generally be enrolled in the program for one to seven days while waiting to be accepted into an opioid recovery center. 

Once a patient is transitioned to a recovery facility, the paramedic will maintain contact to provide support as needed.

Individuals interested in receiving more information or enrolling in the program can contact the community paramedicine office at 813-969-4911 or .

 

Initiative gives women details motherhood

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health and Department of Children and Families announced Feb. 4 additional wraparound support for life from pregnancy and beyond with the launch of Strong Florida Moms. 

The new initiative supports Florida women through motherhood and provides expanded resources on Father First, where dads can seek trusted information and vital resources on fatherhood. 

Strong Florida Moms will provide information and resources such as what to expect during and after pregnancy, health care provider resources, information on child developmental milestones, and answers to many of the questions Florida moms and dads may have about parenting.