The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 11/01/2023

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Health Resource Center opens
The Hudson Community Health Resource Center has opened its doors to Pasco County students and the community, at 14540 Cobra Way, on the Hudson High School campus.

The facility offers free medical, mental health, and dental services, as well as provides a food bank, clothing bank, and access to computers and printers. 

The services are dedicated to local residents, but are free to all visitors, with no eligibility requirements. The only information collected includes names, zip codes, family size, and the number of children in the household.

Community partners such as Premier HealthCare, Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries’ NeighborHope Project, Molina Healthcare and Saint Leo University have joined forces to provide residents with the tools they need to address the root causes of poverty.

For more information, visit hpa.pasco.k12.fl.us/hudson-community-health-and-resource-center/.

Melissa Proctor was named an AdventHealth Goal Getter. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Breast cancer survivor honored
Melissa Proctor, a nursing educator at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and a survivor of breast cancer, was recently celebrated and honored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an AdventHealth Goal Getter, at Raymond James Stadium. The recognition is the culmination of Proctor’s journey of resilience, spreading awareness and inspiring hope in the face of adversity.

The honoree consulted her doctor in June 2021 and underwent tests, leading to a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis. A month later, she faced a mastectomy and began chemotherapy, according to a news release. 

The care team at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel guided her through her journey from diagnosis to reconstruction, providing support and compassionate care.

Today, Proctor stands cancer-free for two years, attributing her positive outcome to the care she received from Dr. Nicole Figueredo and the entire team at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

She now advocates for regular screenings and self-breast exams, emphasizing their life-saving potential. She firmly believes in being a voice for others, spreading awareness about early detection and the importance of timely health care.

Premier benefits from donations
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices featured Premier Community HealthCare as its charity of the month in September and raised a total of $5,013.61 for the organization. Premier is the primary nonprofit agency that provides health care to the uninsured and under-insured of Pasco County. The money raised will benefit Premier’s expansion of medical services across the county.

For information about Premier, call Cheryl Pollack, community engagement officer, at 352-518-2000, ext. 9012, or visit PremierHC.org.

For more on the tax collector’s office promotional and charitable giving programs, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179 or PascoTaxes.com.

A ‘company that cares’
BayCare has been ranked nationally among the 2023 People “Companies That Care” list for the third year since 2020. Great Place To Work and People magazine highlighted BayCare’s efforts to support the well-being of its team members, expand behavioral health services and partner to build healthier communities.
The People Companies That Care list is based on over 1.3 million employee survey responses and data from companies representing the experience of more than 7.5 million employees. Of those surveys, 1.1 million came from employees at companies eligible for this year’s list and these rankings are based on that feedback.

BayCare ranked 75th on the list of 100 companies and was the top-ranked health care system in Florida. BayCare is the parent of two local hospitals — St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel.

Companies also submit essays that are validated by employee survey data to give a complete picture of the way an organization cares for its employees, its community, and the planet. To be considered for the list, companies must be Great Place to Work Certified and have at least 10 U.S. employees.

Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine named BayCare one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For from 2018-2021, one of the Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma 2019-2021, and one of the 2022 Best Workplaces in Health Care.

Happiest states
The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2023’s Happiest States in America. To determine where Americans have the highest satisfaction with life, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 30 key indicators of happiness. The data set ranges from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate.

Florida ranked eighth overall, with these results (1=happiest; 25=average):

  • Second — percentage of depressed adults
  • Ninth — income growth
  • 14th — share of adults feeling active and productive
  • 15th — suicide rate
  • 17th — percentage of civilian labor force unemployed 15 weeks or longer

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959.

A leader in robotic surgery
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital is a leader in robotic-assisted surgeries for the community, as more than 7,500 robotic-assisted procedures have been performed for thoracic, colon-rectal, gynecologic oncology, urology, gynecology, urogynecology, bariatrics and general surgery, according to a news release. 

“With seven robots and a comprehensive panel of surgeons experienced in robotic-assisted surgeries, we are able to provide our community with minimally invasive options, which may result in less pain, shorter hospital stays and recovery,” said Mike Irvin, CEO HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, in the release.

“We are honored to provide these advanced surgical options to our community and the Tampa Bay area,” said Irvin. 

HCA Florida Trinity Hospital continues to focus on technology and developing programs that allow the community to stay close to home for health care. Key services include 24/7 emergency care, obstetrics including NICU and maternal fetal medicine, advanced surgical oncology, spine and orthopedics, minimally invasive surgical specialties, and women’s imaging center with comprehensive breast care.

Best of the Best
AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills top the Tampa Bay Times “Best of the Best” list in 2023, voted on by the Tampa Bay community. More than 410,000 votes were cast, according to a news release. The awards are a celebration of excellence and a recognition of the businesses and organizations that have gone above and beyond to meet the needs and expectations of the Tampa Bay community, the release said.

AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills topped not just one, but three categories:

  • Diagnosis Excellence. This category is a testament to the hospitals’ state-of-the-art technology and expertise in providing accurate and comprehensive diagnostic services.
  • Cardiology Care at its Finest. This recognition underscores the hospitals’ attention to cardiovascular health, with a team of experienced cardiologists, advanced treatment options and a patient-centric approach.
  • Orthopedic Excellence. This win reflects the hospitals’ commitment to musculoskeletal health, with a focus on precision, innovation and personalized care orthopedic surgeons give to help patients regain mobility and quality of life.

Health News 10/25/2023

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Children’s camp receives donation
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club President Elayne Bassinger, right, and Vice President Peggy Andrews, left, presented a $5,000 donation check to GFWC Florida President Linda O’ Toole, to benefit Camp Boggy Creek. The camp was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for children with serious illnesses to safely enjoy a carefree camp experience at no cost. O’ Toole chose this charity for the statewide Florida Federation to support during her term in office.

Pasco health department moves
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is on the move. Its offices at 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey and 5640 Main St., Suite 100, in New Port Richey are moving to the Summit Professional Building at 7509 State Road 52 in Hudson. Services will start at the new location as follows:

  • Oct. 19: Healthy Start, Environmental Health
  • Nov. 20: Family Health Services (Clinical), Vital Statistics, HIV/AIDS
  • Dec. 4: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Clinic

All services will still be provided at the health department’s Dade City, Wesley Chapel and Hudson offices. For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

(Courtesy of Southport Springs Golf & Country Club)

All Children’s Hospital benefit
Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills recently hosted a baked potato dinner (sit-down or take-out) to benefit Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Cancer Units. The event included dinner, a raffle and a 50/50 drawing for 160 residents and guests. In addition to the $2,500 check (as seen in the photo), an additional $850 was raised at the door, for a total of $3,350. 

 

Stomping out suicide, a trail run at a time

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They stomped through the woods — for a great cause.

More than a couple hundred runners and bystanders came out on Oct. 7 to the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department, at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City.

Iren Taylor, left, and Sarah Gruber, share a laugh while running on the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department. The run — that included a 10K, 5K, a fun run and a dog run — is part of the department’s ‘RECreate Your Mind’ initiative, which hosts events to bring attention to suicide prevention. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24. (Mike Camunas)

The event is held to raise awareness to suicide prevention and related mental health issues.

The run was started three years ago as part of the department’s “RECreate Your Mind” initiative, which hosts events to shed light on this taboo and often stigmatized topic.

Department officials and event organizers said the event was created after three suicides in a short span that affected the department and provided more than enough motivation to create the trail run, as well as other events.

Suicide is a national health problem and the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24.

The event included a 10K, 5K and mile fun run, all through the trails near the Withlacoochee River.

Each runner received a finisher medal and T-shirt.

Participants also could do a “Double Stomp” of the 5K and mile run or do a 5K Dog Run. Nearly 10 participants brought their furry companion.

Additionally, race officials encouraged participants to take a blank bib and write down a person and/or reason for why they were out at the event.

Many participants proudly displayed their reasons for being there during the early-morning run.

RECreate Your Mind
Details: The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department hosts events that bring awareness to suicide prevention. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24. The department holds the event with the hope of shedding light on this taboo and often stigmatized topic.
For more information on upcoming events hosted by the department, visit secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl or the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PascoParksFL.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Published October 18, 2023

Fran Garner, left, and Stephane Sorbel make their way down the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department, on Oct. 7.
Sharaya Hairston writes on a blank bib prior to the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run on Oct. 7. Runners were encouraged to write why they were running the 10K or 5K at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. The event is held to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
A couple hundred runners, of all ages, participated in the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department on Oct. 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alise Minichino, who finished second in the 5K with a 23:52, tries to catch her breath as she receives her finisher medal from Dade City Mayor Pro Tem Normita Woodard.
Gamora, and her owner, Jessica Sohngen, finish up the Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run 10K in 54:16 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City on Oct. 7.
Each participant received one of these medals for completing either the Stomp Out Suicide 10K or 5K or both trail runs at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City.

Health News 10/18/2023

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This conceptual rendering provides a colorful view of what the new St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa could look like. (Courtesy of BayCare)

New hospital facility
Baycare has announced its plan to build a new specially designed facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital (SJCH) in Tampa by 2030, as part of a strategic effort to increase the region’s access to high-quality, state-of-the-art pediatric health care, according to a news release.

BayCare is the region’s largest provider of pediatric services and SJCH is the largest-volume pediatric hospital, the release says.

The new facility is part of BayCare’s comprehensive plan to enhance local pediatric expertise and to create a destination hospital for high-acuity pediatric services, research and medical innovation for West Central Florida and beyond.

BayCare also is planning to expand its pediatric graduate medical education programs, including teaching, research and training to fuel continued medical innovation and help to ensure the region continues to attract the best and brightest to practice medicine here, the release says. 

Most vaccinated states
The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2023’s States That Vaccinate the Most.

In order to find out which states vaccinate most, WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics, ranging from the share of vaccinated children to the share of people without health insurance to the flu vaccination rate among adults.

Florida ranked 38th overall, with these results (1=best; 25=average):

  • Seventh — share of children ages 19 to 35 months old living in poverty with combined 7-vaccine series
  • 44th — share of children under 6 years old participating in an immunization information system
  • 46th — influenza vaccination rate in children ages 6 months to 17 years
  • 47th — share of adults age 60 and older with Zoster vaccination
  • 48th — share of adults with tetanus vaccination
  • 48th — share of civilian noninstitutionalized population without health insurance coverage
  • 48th — share of teenagers ages 13 to 17 with Men ACWY vaccination
  • 49th — share of teenagers ages 13 to 17 with up-to-date HPV vaccination
  • 50th — flu vaccination coverage rate among adults

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-that-vaccinate-the-most/66237.

Dr. Neelam Patel

Chief medical officer named
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has named Dr. Neelam Patel as its new chief medical officer (CMO). Dr. Patel has served as a staff physician in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine for Level II and Level III trauma centers across the country. She also is a member of the core faculty for the University of South Florida’s Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Program.

The new CMO most recently served as medical director of the Intensive Care Unit and as Pulmonary and Critical Care staff physician at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. 

 

Boot Drive a success

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From left: Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Capt. J.J. Martinez, Chief Deputy Tax Collector Tim Couet and Lisa Brekke. (Courtesy of Pasco Tax Collector’s Office)

Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices, in partnership with Firefighters Charities of Pasco, recently featured Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual Boot Drive as its charitable organization and raised $11,906.77 during the promotional campaign to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“For the past three years, they have lent their steadfast support to the efforts of our dedicated Pasco firefighters, collectively raising substantial funds for this tremendous cause… The Fill the Boot program continues to be a beacon of hope for those affected by neuromuscular diseases, proving that when communities unite, they can make a profound impact,” said Lisa Brekke, director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco, in a news release.

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

For more about Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities, call Lisa Brekke at 813-244-8619.

 

This program reminds you, ‘You are not alone’

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Sue Shea, the office administrator at the First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, understands the challenges of having a child with a substance addiction.

There are feelings of fear, anger and hopelessness that can lead to a host of problems for all concerned, she said.

It was her firsthand experiences that have played a role in the formation of a new group at the church called “You Are Not Alone,” or YANA, for short.

Sue Shea, office administrator at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, spearheaded the formation of You Are Not Alone (YANA), a group that aims to provide support for people whose loved ones are experiencing substance abuse disorders. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church)

Pastor Kevin Grills said the ministry is one that addresses a widespread need.

“I believe that things that need to happen within the church are naturally born.

“We walk through the doors that God opens,” Grills said.

Right now, the program is very small.

But Grills said, the need is very big.

The problem, Grills said, is there’s a high likelihood that the people who need YANA the most, won’t respond.

Parents of children with addictions often feel conflicted, Shea said.

“They’re adults now, but we gave birth to these babies. We’ve loved them from the very, very beginning and we still love them. But they’re not only hurting and destroying themselves, but they’re eroding relationships around them,” she said.

Parents of children with addictions often feel like they’ve failed their children, Shea said.

They also get caught up in a cycle of shame and guilt that prevents them from seeking help for themselves, Grills said.

But YANA hopes to help people lower their guard and seek the support they need.

Pastor Kevin Grills, who leads the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, estimates there are thousands of people who need the help that You Are Not Alone can provide, but he’s not confident that a single person will step forward to take advantage of the program.

The program provides a confidential setting, where people facing similar circumstances can gather.

“There’s a great level of comfort when we get together on Tuesday evenings. We bring comfort to each other, even though we’re not solving the problems that our children – our adult children, in this case, have,” Shea said.

She added: “It sometimes lightens the load, lightens the stress level, so we can actually look at our addictive loved one through different eyes.”

“We do not do a lot of cross-talking, and we certainly don’t say, ‘Well, what you need to do is this. And, what you need to do is that,’” Shea said.

The church wants to spread the word about the program, and asked The Laker/Lutz News to help raise awareness.

“I would not be shocked if there were not 10,000 people (living within the newspaper’s circulation area) who have this exact same struggle. I also would not be shocked if we don’t hear a peep from this,” Grills said.

The group doesn’t promise magic solutions.

“This is not a, ‘Hey, how do we solve the problem of our addict?” Grills said.

It’s more of an “I’m baring my burdens and I’m recognizing that I’m not alone,” the pastor added.

Shea said has come to realize that: “My loved one’s addiction doesn’t define me.”

And, she added: “For me, this helps keep the guilt at bay.”

The church’s prayer is that people who most need YANA will respond.

YANA is the acronym for a program at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church whose members aim to support each other, as they care for themselves and their loved ones who are experiencing substance abuse disorders.

Grills said he wants to encourage people to overcome that voice in their heads that is discouraging them from doing what they need to do.

He hopes they will walk through the door, to have these conversations.

The first step, the pastor said, is taking that first step.

For more information about YANA, call the church at 813-996-3533, or email Shea at .

You Are Not Alone (YANA)
A program at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church aims to allow its members to support one another as they care for themselves and help — but avoid enabling — loved ones who are experiencing substance use disorders.
The group, called You Are Not Alone, is based on biblical principles coupled with 12-Step guidance. It is working to build a community of people who want to be there for their loved ones, but also take care of themselves along the way.
The free group, which abides by confidentiality, meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesdays, in Room 103, at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Published October 11, 2023

 

Health News 10/04/2023

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Schedule a mammogram
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and BayCare, the parent of local hospitals St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, encourages women to schedule a mammogram. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women.

Getting a mammogram screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early. BayCare has imaging locations throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

For more information or to schedule your mammogram screening, visit ItsInOurHands.org.

Breast Cancer Foundation
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office during the month of October.

The foundation’s main objectives are to advocate on behalf of patients, educate the public on all aspects of breast cancer, and to provide funds for research seeking new treatments and ultimately a cure for breast cancer.

Proceeds from the “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag promotion will go directly to the foundation. Additionally, customers can choose to use the voluntary check-off box on their registration form and donate directly to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. The tax offices also will accept cash donations at any of its five locations (visit PascoTaxes.com). 

Online donations may be made through GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.

For information, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179.

For more about the foundation, visit FloridaBreastCancer.org, or call Cathy Cruz, marketing communications manager, at 305-631-2134.

New Gastroparesis tool
AdventHealth Dade City is the first hospital in Pasco County with the FDA-approved Enterra treatment for patients suffering from nausea and vomiting due to gastroparesis, a chronic condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying, according to a news release.

Enterra acts as a pacemaker for the stomach and helps when the stomach muscles are not working properly, or at all, to digest food.

AdventHealth Dade City doctors are bringing attention to this condition, which can have several causes including type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as post-surgical complications.

According to the International Foundation for Gastroparesis Disorders, approximately 10 men and 40 women have gastroparesis out of 100,000 people.

AdventHealth is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and compassionate care to its patients when it comes to managing and overcoming gastrointestinal disorders.

For more information, visit AHDadeCity.com.

Health News 09/27/2023

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A new Walmart Health center has opened in Lutz at 1563 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (Courtesy of  Walmart Health)

A total health care commitment
Continuing its commitment to making quality health care more convenient, accessible and affordable for customers, Walmart Health has expanded in the Lutz, Hudson and New Port Richey communities, according to a news release.

The Walmart Health centers, adjacent to their respective supercenters, will deliver primary care, labs, X-ray and EKG, behavioral health, dental, select specialty services, and community health all in one facility.

The health centers will offer care seven days a week with weekend and evening hours, as well as telehealth options on Sundays.

The new Lutz center is at 1563 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., adjacent to Store No. 988 Supercenter.

The other centers are at 12582 U.S. 19 in Hudson and 8901 State Road 54 in New Port Richey.

Senior centers tapped for vaccine
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is contracting with up to 150 senior centers to administer 15,000 updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall, as part of its Vaccine Uptake Initiative, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, according to a news release.

“New strains of COVID and flu are already circulating, and we know that older adults continue to be at higher risk of getting ill from these viruses,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA president and CEO, in the release.

“Seniors centers are trusted messengers in their communities, and they have what it takes to make sure older adults stay protected this respiratory season,” said Alwin.
Participating senior centers will receive $10,000 each and will be required to administer a minimum of 100 COVID-19 and/or flu shots to older adults and people with disabilities.

The centers will target diverse and hard-to-reach populations, including communities of color, rural individuals, and Spanish speakers.

The 150 senior centers will join the 180 community-based organizations that NCOA selected earlier this year as grantees for the Vaccine Uptake Initiative. The 180 grantees will administer a total of 317,000 COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

For more information, visit NCOA.org and click on the “Older Adults” tab.

Achievement Award
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately 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. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts — part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die, the release said.

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

Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

HCA Florida Trinity Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Elite Plus award.

In addition, HCA Florida Trinity Hospital received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Published September 27, 2023

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.