The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

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.

Health News 08/02/2023

By

(Mike Camunas)

St. Luke’s opens new facility
St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute has opened a new location in Lutz, at 25232 State Road 54, near the Tampa Premium Outlets. The facility provides these services: comprehensive eye exams; Lasik; dry eye treatment; cataract surgery; diabetes and the eye; glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. For information, visit StLukesEye.com/locations/wesley-chapel/, or call 813-953-1170.

Swallowing studies
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is offering an outpatient examination for individuals having difficulty swallowing. The examination is called FEES (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) and requires a physician referral.

The procedure is done at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, and can help determine if food or liquid is getting into an individual’s airway. During the assessment, an endoscope with a small camera is passed through the patient’s nose into the top of the throat, taking a video of a patient swallowing food and liquid. The video can provide information to determine the safest way for a patient to eat and drink.

FEES also can provide information about which foods, strategies and positions may help a person swallow better. There is no radiation exposure with FEES and individuals do not need to eat or drink barium for the test.

For more information, call the hospital’s rehabilitation department at 813-443-7341.

Dr. Anand Nayee (Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

New chief medical officer
Dr. Anand Nayee is the new chief medical officer (CMO) at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. As CMO, Dr. Nayee will assist the hospital’s doctors in providing safe, effective medical care. His responsibilities include training new physicians on the hospital’s policies and keeping staff current on health regulations. He also will provide clinical oversight to physicians, to ensure regulatory compliance and evaluate quality of services.

Dr. Nayee is board certified in internal medicine and affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and BayCare Physician Partners. He has been practicing at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa since August 2010, and is familiar with the Lutz location, as he previously worked there as a hospitalist when the hospital first opened in 2010.

In addition to speaking English, Dr. Nayee is fluent in Gujarati, a language spoken in India, and conversant in Spanish.

Dr. Nayee succeeds Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, who has been CMO since April 2022 and recently named CMO for BayCare’s ambulatory surgery centers and the ambulatory division’s outpatient imaging.

Wound care recognition
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center has been recognized as a Healogics Center of Distinction, according to a news release. The award demonstrates Trinity Hospital’s continued and consistent commitment to excellence, and a focus on creating an exceptional patient experience.

New program launched
Health care workers have experienced significant disruptions, including early retirements, remote work trends, and shifting wage rates. AdventHealth Tampa launched its new Graduate Medical Education (GME) program aimed at addressing the critical shortage of physicians. The program also offers these additional advantages: 

  • Focus on patient safety
  • Lower mortality rates
  • Lower burnout rates

The program will begin with Internal Medicine residents and the opening of the new Internal Medicine Clinic. General Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology residency programs will begin in 2024. There are also plans to expand into cardiology and gastroenterology programs.

The new AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine clinic is at the AdventHealth Tampa Medical Arts Center, 13601 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 160.

(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation)

Helping to make dreams come true
HCA Florida Healthcare made a donation of $2,500 to the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc., which will establish the HCA Florida Trinity Hospital Annual Scholarship. The PHSC foundation is proud to partner with HCA and offer this scholarship to assist students in following their dreams of becoming a nurse. There are more than 93,000 nurses throughout HCA Healthcare, which believes that education is key to excellence.

Health News 07/19/2023

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Mike Murrill (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

New president/CEO named
AdventHealth has named Mike Murrill president and CEO for AdventHealth Zephyrhills, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Connerton, effective July 30, according to a news release.

Murrill started his career with AdventHealth more than 20 years ago as an administrative resident. 
He most recently served in the Southeast Region of AdventHealth, where he led AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, Georgia, through its transition into the AdventHealth system, in addition to his role as regional CEO.

Previously, he served as president/CEO of AdventHealth Gordon and AdventHealth Murray, also in the Southeast Region, as well as president/CEO of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth LaGrange and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale in the Great Lakes Region.
Murrill earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Andrews University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado and is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

“I’m honored to step into this new role and join the talented team extending Christ’s healing ministry in West Florida,” said Murrill in the release. “AdventHealth has passionate and highly skilled leaders and caregivers across its continuum of care, and I’m excited to start working with our colleagues in Zephyrhills, Dade City and Connerton.”

Luke Schmid (Courtesy of JDRF Northern Florida Chapter)

Lutz youth advocate
Eleven-year-old Luke Schmid, of Lutz, recently visited Washington D.C., to represent type 1 diabetes (T1D) face-to-face with decision-makers in the government at the JDRF Children’s Congress.

Schmid called on members of Congress to renew the Special Diabetes Program, a federal program funded at $150 million per year to support research to prevent, cure and treat T1D. The program is set to expire in September.

The youth shared his experiences about living with T1D and why research to fund life-changing therapies until a cure can be found is critical.

Schmid loves to play soccer and read, and is a part of his school’s engineering club.

Schmid previously met with members of Congress through Promise to Remember Me meetings with his mother.

Mental health services
Christie Campus Health, a provider of mental health and well-being support services to colleges and universities nationwide, has announced a partnership with The University of Tampa (UT) to offer its students access to the 24/7 Clinical Support Line, according to a news release.

“We are delighted to partner with The University of Tampa to help them expand mental health services for their students,” said Kaitlin Gallo, Ph.D., Christi Campus chief clinical officer, in the release.

“The 24/7 Support Line gives students instant access to licensed clinicians at any time, anywhere. The resource will be a great asset to not only students, but faculty as well,” said Gallo.

Students also will be connected to next steps, if required, to ensure they receive the mental health support they need.

Christie Campus currently offers its comprehensive mental health platform to more than 100 colleges and universities, supporting more than 700,000 students nationally and internationally.

To learn more, visit ChristieCampus.com.

Hospital Honor
The American Heart Association recently recognized AdventHealth Zephyrhills with the Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Award. The hospital team also achieved Stroke Honor Roll Elite, which recognizes the facility for administering the life-saving drug TPA to stroke patients within 45 minutes of arriving at the hospital. This honor highlights the AdventHealth Zephyrhills’ efforts in applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes in the community.

Cutting-edge technology
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel announced the purchase of cutting-edge technology for its hematology department that aims to significantly expedite the turnaround time for cancer test results, according to a news release. The AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Foundation provided more than $400,000 in donations for this addition to the lab.

The new Sysmex and Cellavision technology allows one scientist to complete about three to five times as many patient samples at a time.

The new Sysmex performs a complete blood count, makes a slide if needed, stains the slide, and transitions the slide to the Cellavision.

The Cellavision then captures many microscopic pictures and uses mathematical formulas to categorize the blood cells, the release said.

Scientists then review the images, reclassify them as necessary, and provide results quickly.

The new lab technology also will cater to the growing demand for oncology services in Pasco County, while easing the workload of the health care team, through a more integrated and automated diagnostic process.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel expanded its oncology services just over two years ago, recognizing the increasing and crucial need for cancer treatment in the county.

Health News 07/05/2023

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AdventHealth teamed up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ operations staff for a no-cost CPR training and certification class. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Learning life-saving techniques
AdventHealth provided no-cost CPR training and certification to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ operations staff, a result of NFL player Damar Hamlin’s collapse during a January game due to cardiac arrest, according to a news release. Cardiac arrest is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes.

In addition to the team’s trained medical personnel, certification training was open to all members of the Buccaneers’ operations staff, including coaches, trainers and additional staffers who may be present during a medical emergency situation.

The CPR program provides hands-on training and instruction on how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

“We are thrilled to work with our valued partners at AdventHealth to provide all members of our football operations staff with the opportunity to participate in this critical training that could save a life someday,” said Brian Ford, chief operating officers for the Buccaneers, in the release.

“Player safety is always our top priority, and this type of additional certified training provides us with yet another level of preparedness should an emergency situation arise in the future,” said Ford.

Water safety education
Now that summer has begun, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) encourages citizens to educate their friends and family on water safety. As the summer heat draws people toward pools, lakes and oceans, the threat of water-related incidents increases.

The PSO offers these suggestion to prevent water incidents:

  • Learn to swim
  • Know your swimming limitations
  • Know the water conditions ahead of time
  • Do not leave children unattended in or near water
  • Keep a fully charged phone and first aid kit poolside
  • Learn to perform CPR
  • Don’t swim farther than or hold your breath longer than you are able to.
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Complete a safety inspection on your boat
  • Ensure your vessel has safety equipment, including life jackets and flares
  • File a float plan before boating

Funding available to fight opioid addiction
The Pasco County Opioid Task Force is seeking applications for treatment, prevention and recovery programs aimed at serving people who are affected by the opioid crisis in Pasco County. The application period for funding has been extended through July 14. The funding available exceeds $8 million and can be used to provide opioid and substance-use disorder services in our community.

Applicants are required to watch a one of these two informational sessions before applying:

For more information, visit MyPas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees.

Best Maternity Hospitals named

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Tampa have both been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2023, according to a news release.

(Mike Camunas)

Three data sources were used for the evaluation:

  • Nationwide online survey — health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes, e.g., neonatal and perinatal doctors, nurses and midwives were asked to recommend leading maternity hospitals in the United States
  • Medical KPIs on hospitals with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care
  • Results from patient surveys

“Having two of our Tampa Bay area hospitals on this list is a tremendous honor and validates the exceptional quality of our maternity services across AdventHealth’s West Florida Division,” said Dr. Robin McGuinness, chief nurse executive, in the release.

“It reaffirms our commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and whole-person care to expectant mothers and their families. We are proud to be recognized among the top maternity hospitals in the nation,” said McGuinness.

Both facilities have a robust offering of resources for new and expecting parents, including lactation consultants and classes, labor and delivery rooms, and private postpartum rooms.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel also was designated baby-friendly, for having the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

AdventHealth Tampa will begin an OB/GYN Residency program in Summer 2024.

Local hospital named one of the best

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named to Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2023, an award presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, according to a news release.

An aerial view of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Four data sources were used for the evaluation:

  • Hospital recommendations from medical experts — an international online survey sent to more than 80,000 doctors, hospital managers and health care professionals
  • Patient experience — survey of patient satisfaction with hospitalization
  • Patient reported outcome measures — surveys measuring patient satisfaction with hospitals
  • Hospital quality metrics — patient safety, hygiene measures, waiting times and quality of treatment

“We are honored to be on this highly recognized list. This award underscores our unwavering commitment to deliver world-class health care services to our community,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release.

“It’s also a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our committed team members and physicians,” said Wangsness.

Health News 06/07/2023

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Connie Bladon helps to pack produce bundles for vulnerable families. (Courtesy of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel)

A beneficial collaboration
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel collaborated with Atonement Lutheran Church’s Food Pantry and Dube’s Mobile Market on May 24 in an effort to provide fresh produce to families facing food insecurity in the community.

Volunteers assembled and distributed produce bundle bags, benefiting 540 vulnerable families, according to a news release.

Atonement’s pantry currently supports more than 500 local families on a weekly basis by providing essential food items. However, due to resource limitations, fresh produce has not always been available, the release said.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel made the decision to fund the produce donation.

“AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been in this community for 10 years and we know health care is about more than just treating illnesses, it’s about preventing illness and supporting a healthy lifestyle. By providing nutritious food to those who don’t normally have access to fresh produce, we can help support our community in maintaining a healthy diet and reducing the risk of chronic disease,” said Connie Bladon, director of community outreach, in the release.

In support of this initiative, Nicole Dube of Dube’s Mobile Market contributed $2,000 worth of fresh produce. Dube is an active partner with multiple local food banks.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Pinwheels for Prevention
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members Gail Howard, left, and president Elayne Bassinger attended a seminar and meeting in Tampa regarding the ‘Putting Children First Pinwheels for Prevention’ campaign, which raises funds through the sale of blue pinwheels to aid groups working with children who have suffered abuse. Bikers Against Child Abuse, a club that is similarly working to raise funds to bring awareness to child abuse, also attended.

Health News 05/31/2023

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Tom Craigshead, left, and Tom Mahoney, right, present the check to Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy at Gulfside Hospice. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

A donation that ‘tips the scales’
The Bay Area Bassmasters presented a record-breaking donation totaling $12,710.69 to support Gulfside Hospice patients and families. The funds were raised through the fishing club’s annual Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge, which was created in 2009 to celebrate the life of former member Ina Mahoney and to support Gulfside in gratitude for the care she received. With this year’s donations, the club has now raised nearly $65,000 in support of Gulfside Hospice.

Addressing mental health
The University of South Florida (USF) is partnering with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay due to a demand for guidance on how employers can address mental health.

The USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences is offering a free, online course designed to help managers and employees become more well-versed in addressing mental health and its impact on their organizations.

Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace is a seven-session course that covers symptoms of some of the most common mental and behavioral disorders, how to identify behaviors that may suggest an impairment and how to approach the employee.

The course also will include information on available resources to help businesses attract and retain top talent.

A new, two-hour sessions will be released each week starting on June 12, with all sessions becoming available at the end of July. 

The course features 40 speakers from organizations and corporations across the country, such as Tampa Electric, Bealls and USAA.

The group of professionals includes executive coaches, intervention specialists and several USF faculty and staff members who have an expertise in mental health and human resources.

Registration is required, at tinyurl.com/339thefu. For more information, visit USF.edu/MHWW.

Upon completion of the course, participants have the option to earn a certificate and digital badge from the USF Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education for a $179 fee.

Gulfside donation
Gulfside Healthcare Services has announced it received a donation from the DeBartolo Family Foundation, which will support the direct services of its Family Bereavement program that provides grief and traumatic grief counseling at no cost.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the DeBartolo Family Foundation and appreciative of their support so that we may continue to strengthen our local community. This recognition from such a supportive local partner allows our organizations to work together to continue creating powerful and lasting impacts in the lives of many Pasco County and Tampa Bay area residents,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside, in a news release.