Health

Report highlights state’s opioid challenges 

TAMPA – A new report from Mental Health America shows progress in the fight against opioids but underscores urgent challenges facing Florida.

MHA commissioned the study, “The State of Opioid Overdose and Response in the U.S. 2025.” The report shows that while overdose deaths fell 27% nationwide between 2023 and 2024, Florida ranked just 38th in its public health response.


The lack of response is reflected in more than 1.2 million Floridians who needed treatment for substance use in 2024 but did not receive it.


“Florida has some of the strongest recovery residence networks in the nation,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives, an MHA affiliate. “But too many people still fall through the cracks when it comes to prevention and access to care. We must turn those gaps into opportunities for change.”

On the web: tampabaythrives.org

 

Busy parents can take free childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class designed for busy parents-to-be who want a presentation that covers the basics. 

The free class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 in a hospital classroom. 

The hospital’s RN-certified childbirth educators will teach new parents about labor and birth and provide an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms, and new NICU.
Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Sept. 27 class listing. Call 855-314-8352 and press the “2” at the prompt to register by phone. 

 

Hospital donates CPR kit to school

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida and the American Heart Association donated a CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kit to Davenport High School. 

The kit trains 10 to 20 people at once using manikins, kneel mats and DVDs.

“We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association to provide this kit to Davenport High School to help train the next generation of lifesavers,” AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Tim Clark said. “Knowing how to properly perform CPR and use an AED can help empower these young people to know what to do in an emergency and potentially save someone’s life.”

 

BayCare makes PEOPLE list

CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System ranked No. 17 nationally on the 2025 PEOPLE Companies that Care list. It is BayCare’s fifth time on the list and the highest-ranked health care system in the U.S. this year.

“BayCare’s 33,000-plus team members are our greatest asset. Every day, they deliver compassionate care within our hospital walls and throughout the communities of West Central Florida to improve the health of all we serve,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “I’m grateful to each and every team member who contributes to BayCare’s extraordinary culture and to the exceptional care and outreach that made it possible for us to be named to this list.”

 

AdventHealth opens Pulmonology and Critical Care office

LAKE WALES – AdventHealth opened a new Pulmonology and Critical Care office Aug. 27 at 1255 State Road 60 E., Suite 300. 

Dr. Daniela Trelles and Dr. Valeria Trelles will treat patients with respiratory and critical care needs. The office has four exam rooms and offers procedures such as EKGs and spirometry.

“We are delighted to be part of this community and to have the opportunity to help guide patients through their conditions toward a better quality of life,” Daniela Trelles said.

Valeria Trelles added: “We strive to provide patients with clear, understandable information about their conditions and treatment options, empowering them to manage their health and make informed decisions.”

Hospital honored for stroke care 

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received the American Heart Association’s and American Stroke Association’s  “Get With The Guidelines Stroke 2025 Bronze” quality achievement award. 

The recognition is for the Lutz hospital ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer hospital readmissions.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

 

BayCare surgeon to discuss breast health

LUTZ – Dr. Diane Durgan, a BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon, will give a free presentation on “Breast Health 101”

The presentation starts at noon Sept. 3 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz. 

The lecture will include breast cancer warning signs, diagnostic tools, treatment options and possible surgical management strategies. The event will include a question-and-answer session. A light lunch will be served.

The event is free but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North asks attendees to please register. Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the September 3 listing. Or call 855-314-8352 and press the number “2” at the prompt. 

Call 855-269-4777 for more information about Durgan’s talk.

 

Bilirakis tries to make Medicare less confusing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ​​U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and others introduced the BENES 2.0 Act to protect Americans approaching Medicare eligibility from costly and confusing enrollment penalties. 

“I’ve heard from many constituents who were confused by their Medicare options and ended up paying significant penalties due to simple misunderstandings about how the program works,” Bilirakis said. “We addressed some of those challenges with the original BENES Act, which is now law.”

The BENES 2.0 Act requires the federal government to send Medicare eligibility and enrollment details in Social Security statements, giving individuals ages 60 to 65 clear and early guidance.

 

Hospital opens Family Medicine Residency Clinic

OCALA – AdventHealth Ocala has opened a Family Medicine Residency Practice, expanding access to care and training future physicians. 

The clinic at 221 SW 11th Street includes 20 exam rooms, two procedure rooms, a lab, a classroom, and 15 offices. 

Eight graduate medical residents will train alongside experienced physicians as part of AdventHealth Ocala’s inaugural residency class. 

Leaders, faculty, residents and community members celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 14. 

The new program emphasizes outpatient family medicine and AdventHealth’s whole-person care model, preparing residents to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to patients.

 

Three sets of twins born days apart

OCALA – AdventHealth reported three sets of twins born days apart at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Ocala.

Team members at The Baby Place have been providing around-the-clock care for three sets of twins in AdventHealth Ocala’s Level II NICU. The group included a set of twin girls born on July 27, a twin boy and girl born on July 29, and another set of twin girls on July 31. 

“Welcoming a new member of the family is always a special moment,” said Lacey Null, nurse manager. “The arrival of these children is a true blessing for their families and for our team. We are honored to provide the best possible care for them.”

 

Get answers on Medicare

1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

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

• Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
• Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
• Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
• Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
• Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.

SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

AdventHealth staff donates school supplies

LAKE WALES – AdventHealth Lake Wales employees are helping students at Spook Hill Elementary start the school year with a large donation of school supplies. 

Staff at the hospital donated and delivered to the school 2,528 pencils, about 200 notebooks, 177 boxes of crayons, 287 glue sticks and more than 30 backpacks, among other items.  

Hollie Hadden, senior nurse manager of clinical patient experience, helped coordinate the drive as a Spook Hill Elementary alumna.

“This was such a fantastic effort,” Hadden said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help these students and teachers start the year off with the supplies they need.”

 

Veterinarians committed to caring for animals

LAND ‘O LAKES – County Manager Mike Carballa recently interviewed Veterinarian Christine Glenn and Veterinarian Tech Stevie Mirrop during the 53rd episode of the “Pasco Podcast.”

Glenn and Mirrop are both Pasco County natives with a passion for working in the animal shelter.  

“In school, we had the opportunity to kind of get our feet wet in all the different areas, but shelter was just where my heart was,” Glenn told Carballa.

While their line of work takes an emotional toll, there are rewarding moments. 

“As techs, sometimes we will take the animals that need extra care and work with them one-on-one, even at home, so that’s really rewarding,” Mirrop said. “I had a cat that we placed a feeding tube in that I had for a few months and then I got to see him adopted. Those are the little victories you hold on to and you kind of push through.”

Listen to the episode to learn more about what veterinarians do and advice for pet owners. 

 

Support groups help breastfeeding moms

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

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Sept. 11 and 25, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Sept. 11, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Sept. 25, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Bill puts it in writing for veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and others introduced the Written Informed Consent Act. 

This legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics and narcotics prescribed through the VA healthcare system.  

Currently, verbal disclosures or limited written information may accompany these prescriptions. 

The proposed bill mandates a standardized written consent form outlining potential adverse effects, ensuring veterans are fully informed before medications in these categories are dispensed.

“Our veterans deserve nothing less than complete transparency when it comes to their health and the medications they’re prescribed,” Bilirakis said. “The Written Informed Consent Act will empower veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment and protect their right to understand the risks involved.”

 

Castor worries about veterans

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) wrote a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins about the decision on Aug. 6 to terminate collective bargaining agreements for most VA bargaining-unit employees. 

The July issue of VA’s Workforce Dashboard shows that, for this fiscal year, the net losses for veteran-facing employees across VA are estimated at over 8,700. Castor previously met with Secretary Collins in April to discuss protecting health care for veterans and the veteran workforce.

She worries the latest decision will lead to more employees leaving and less prospective workers applying for jobs. 

“We owe a debt to America’s veterans and their families,” she said. “We must fund the VA, protect veterans’ health care, support our VA workforce and ensure that veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve.”

AdventHealth Tampa breaks ground on expansion

TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa is expanding to meet the growing health care needs of the community with a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot medical office building and a seven-story parking garage that will add more than 1,100 parking spaces on the hospital’s campus.

AdventHealth Tampa leaders, local and state lawmakers and community stakeholders were scheduled to celebrate the expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 30, which was after the newspaper’s deadline. 

The medical office building will house a new state-of-the-art Cancer Center, expanded clinical care offerings and advanced specialty imaging services to support surgical planning and whole-person care. 

The expansion will also support the hospital’s growing graduate medical education programs, which include internal medicine, general surgery and OB/GYN.

“This project is about making it easier for patients to get the high-quality care they need, when and where they need it,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “As our community grows, we’re committed to investing in services and spaces that improve access and meet people where they are. This new facility and garage will allow us to deliver care more efficiently while supporting our medical education mission.”

The medical office building is expected to open in fall 2026. The parking garage will be completed by summer 2026.

 

Evara Health wins workplace award

CLEARWATER – Evara Health, a not-for-profit healthcare provider in Pinellas County, has been named a 2025 Top Workplaces Industry Award winner by Energage. 

The launch of the Evara Health Institute has expanded training and education for staff and the community. Employee engagement and patient satisfaction scores have reached record highs. “This recognition is a reflection of the passion, resilience, and heart our employees bring to work every single day,” said Stephen Lytle, an executive at  Evara Health. “We proudly live our brand: Driven by purpose. Powered by people.”

Evara ranked No. 24 nationally among mid-sized healthcare employers in its first year earning the award.

 

AdventHealth hospitals host free health talk

ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills are hosting a free talk on digestive health and wellness. 

Digestive health experts will discuss “Gut Check: Let’s Talk Digestion” from Noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills.

Call 877-534-3108 or visit AHZephyrhills.com/Events to register.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North holds free childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class for busy parents-to-be who want a one-session presentation that covers the basics. 

New parents learn about labor and birth and get an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms and new NICU. 

The class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 in a hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road. Register at BayCareEvents.org or by calling 855-314-8352, option 2.

 

Support groups help moms

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

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Aug. 14 and 28, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Aug. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Aug. 28, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

AdventHealth Explorers get exposure to health settings

ZEPHYRHILLS – A second year of student Explorers completed a program on health care careers at AdventHealth Zephyrhills by getting CPR-certified.  

The first-of-its-kind Explorers program started at the hospital in spring 2024 with a cohort of 17 youth ages 16 to 20. This year, 20 students were accepted at Zephyrhills as AdventHealth volunteers, giving them access to an immersive learning experience.

Explorers is a program sponsored by Scouting America, where youth can develop career experiences. Explorers meet monthly and work on various student-driven projects with adult guidance and support from AdventHealth team members.  

At Zephyrhills, Explorers left with learning experiences in areas like radiology/imagining and emergency medical services. Students finished up their months-long program by getting critical CPR training and certification. 

AdventHealth Zephyrhills started the Explorers program, but 10 AdventHealth hospitals in the West Florida Division hosted their own programs this year. Seventy of the AdventHealth Explorers attended a July 17 graduation ceremony.

“We’re excited to be able to grow this program with nearly every AdventHealth hospital in the West Florida Division taking part for the 2026 session,” said Mistie Palmer, AdventHealth workforce development programs manager. “We are excited to invest in and inspire young people in our community to pursue jobs with great potential for personal growth, professional fulfilment and financial success.”

 

AdventHealth brings Christmas to pediatric patients

TAMPA – In the heat of summer, AdventHealth Tampa is sharing the magic of Christmas. 

All July, community members have been donating toys, games and financial gifts to support pediatric patients receiving care at AdventHealth Tampa. The special Christmas in July is meant to bring comfort, smiles and a bit of cheer to children who may be going through a difficult or scary time.  

“For children staying in the hospital, every day can feel uncertain and overwhelming, but a simple toy can make a world of difference during treatment,” said McKenzie Doll, the executive director for the AdventHealth Tampa Foundation. “This Christmas in July event is also a powerful reminder that joy and kindness can shine any time of the year.”

AdventHealth Tampa offers Advanced Children’s Emergency Room care, a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and on-site pediatric specialty services. 

 

Bill would end burn pits

WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and others have introduced the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act.  

The legislation would improve, expand and enhance protections for Veterans under the PACT Act in addition to eliminating burn pits to help prevent future toxic exposure cases. 

The WIPE Act would improve servicemember health and strengthen national security by improving how the U.S. military eliminates dangerous materials both at home and overseas. 

“Exposure to toxic emissions from burn pit toxins has led to tragic consequences for far too many members of our military community,” Bilirakis said. “We owe it to our heroes to transition to safer, more sustainable waste management technologies.”

 

Saint Leo provides pathway to medical school

1. LEO – Saint Leo University biology majors now have a direct path to medical, dental, pharmacy or podiatry school through a new partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Eligible students may apply to LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program before or during junior year. Qualified applicants can bypass the MCAT and receive provisional acceptance. 

While LECOM is based in Erie, Pennsylvania, it recently opened a campus in Bradenton, Florida, and will soon have another in Jacksonville, allowing Saint Leo students to continue their studies in the state.

LECOM offers one of the lowest private medical school tuition rates and a 94% residency match rate. Email Dr. Cheryl Kozina at for details. 

 

Support groups help moms

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

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Aug. 14 and 28, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Aug. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Aug. 28, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

AdventHealth hosts women’s health event

TAMPA – Nearly 700 women learned about prevention, early detection and wellness July 12 during  AdventHealth’s annual Women’s Health and Cancer Prevention Event.

A lineup of speakers from AdventHealth discussed critical women’s health topics. 

Dr. Robert Furr, a gynecologic surgeon, led a session on endometriosis, a condition that affects roughly 10% of women globally but can often go undiagnosed.

“I think the most important thing about any chronic disease is awareness,” Furr said. “With endometriosis, I think it’s a population of people who have often been pushed to the side and marginalized because of their symptoms and in any condition like that the most important thing is awareness and empowerment.”

General and breast surgeon Dr. Kyle Bowers discussed high-risk breast screenings, and the importance of self-exams and proactive steps for early detection.

“I think it’s a great honor as a physician to see so many people taking an interest in their personal wellbeing and then getting to take care of them with that message,” Bowers said. 

All the proceeds from the event go directly to providing free mammograms for women in need through the Kay Meyer Breast Care Center. 

“To see the funds raised here go back to women who would otherwise not receive care in the community that I grew up in is amazing,” Bowers said. 

 

Hillsborough County and DOH launch health survey

TAMPA – Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Health are asking Hillsborough residents about their health care priorities and how they would like to receive information on those topics.

Residents are asked to take a survey about health care communications, including their health care priorities, preferences on how to receive messages, and health care education and issues. The survey is administered by Hillsborough County in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

The survey will remain open through Aug. 14 at publicinput.com/publichealthsurvey.

 

Firefighters earn praise for saving a life 

HAINES CITY – AdventHealth Heart of Florida recognized two crews from Polk County Fire Rescue and the Haines City Fire Department for their swift actions in helping save a man’s life.

Both crews were dispatched March 18 to care for a man who had gone into cardiac arrest. Haines City Fire was close-by and found the patient, who had been with his daughter and granddaughter, was not breathing and did not have a pulse. The men quickly jumped into action, started CPR and used a breathing tube to get a secured airway. Polk County Fire Rescue arrived a short time later, took over care and rushed the patient to AdventHealth Heart of Florida. The patient is alive and well today.

 

Hospital hires robotic surgery expert

LAKE WALES – AdventHealth Lake Wales welcomed board-certified general surgeon Dr. Robert Browning IV, who has performed nearly 2,000 robotic procedures since 2016. 

Browning has 17 years of experience. He specializes in robotic and minimally invasive surgery.

He is the only full-time robotic general surgeon based solely at AdventHealth Lake Wales. 

Browning values AdventHealth’s whole-person care approach and enjoys the small-town setting.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers babysitting class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a Safe Sitter With CPR class to help adolescents ages 11 and older learn the responsibilities of a babysitter. 

The $60 class takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the hospital, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The class includes learning about minor to emergency situations, injury prevention, infant/child choking rescue, non-certifying CPR training, safety concerns, appropriate behaviors and activities for children of all ages and how to manage a babysitting business.

Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352.

 

Get answers on Medicare

1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

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

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

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

• July 24 at noon at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576

Medicare Fraud Prevention

• July 31 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.

Busy parents-to-be benefit from this childbirth class

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class designed for busy parents-to-be who want a one-session presentation that covers the basics.

The class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 in a hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

Registered nurse-certified childbirth educators teach new parents about labor and birth and provide an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms and new NICU. 

Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the July 26 class listing. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

EPIC moving location

CLEARWATER – EPIC (Empath Partners in Care), a member of Empath Health, announced its Clearwater location is moving to a more convenient center designed to better serve the community. 

Starting July 14, EPIC will welcome clients in its new home at 4600 140th Ave. N., Suite 220, Clearwater.

The new location is easily accessible via Bus Route 52.

EPIC’s current office (5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater) will close as operations will fully transition to the updated space. 

Clients will continue to have access to EPIC’s services, including HIV testing, mental health services, housing assistance, food pantry and pharmacy.

Joy Winheim, president of EPIC, said the move makes it easier for people to get the help they need. 

On the web: myEPIC.org

 

AdventHealth expands bariatric surgery options

DAVENPORT – AdventHealth is expanding in Polk County with the opening of a newly enhanced AdventHealth Medical Group Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery in Davenport. 

The space will allow Dr. Shiva Seetahal, the opportunity to see and help even more patients.

The expansion to the office, located at 410 Lionel Way Suite 204 in Davenport, opened June 30. It features five exam rooms, a medication room and lab and additional space for more providers to help care for patients.

Nearly one in three Floridians are overweight or obese, an increase of nearly 2% from the year before, according to the Florida Department of Health. Studies show weight loss and bariatric surgery care can reduce conditions such as type II diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

 

Hospital helps with drive

LAKE PLACID – Hundreds of families in need in the Lake Placid area got a share of more than 7,600 pounds of food through a partnership between AdventHealth and United Way Central Florida. 

It was all done through the United Way End Hunger Initiative, an effort to ensure families in need across Highlands County have access to nutritional meals amid rising food costs.  

On June 26, AdventHealth leaders and team members joined the United Way of Central Florida and volunteers from the South Oak First Baptist Church to hand out food at the church. Dozens of people had their cars lined up hours before the event so they could get food.

 

BayCare hires chief medical information officer 

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Patrick Brown as vice president and chief medical information officer. 

Brown is responsible for upholding the strong relationship between the medical staff and the information services department, ensuring that communications are effective and the interests of both groups are translated appropriately.

Prior to joining BayCare, Brown served as vice president and CMIO of Centra Health in Lynchburg.

“He’s a talented informaticist who values relationships,” Chief Information Officer Lynnette Clinton said. “His expertise will guide the use of our clinical systems into the future.”

 

Baycare hires CTO

CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Philip Karp as vice president and chief technology officer. 

As BayCare’s new CTO, Karp is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of infrastructure hardware and software technologies, clinical engineering operations and governance, platform currency, and operational excellence to ensure audit readiness and security/service excellence for the enterprise infrastructure.

“My focus will be on amplifying our current strengths while introducing new innovations that advance our operational capabilities,” Karp said. “Our shared goal is clear: develop secure, reliable solutions that give clinical staff the technology they need to provide exceptional patient care and directly support BayCare’s mission.”

Prior to joining BayCare, Karp served as vice president of IT architecture and infrastructure at NYU Langone Health in New York City. 

 

Woman recounts battle with rare illness 

DAVENPORT –  Alice Saunders went to AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine Rehab for physical therapy in January when she and staff members noticed something was wrong. 

She was having a Myasthenia Gravis attack. The rare neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder causes extreme fatigue and can cause certain muscles to be weak. 

Saunders was rushed to AdventHealth Heart of Florida and spent several days in the ICU.

“I was put on a massive amount of antibiotics. Praise God, I thank him for this day. If it wasn’t for the people at sports medicine recognizing that I wasn’t doing well, I would have died,” Saunders said.

More than 70,000 people are diagnosed with the disorder in the United States, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation. The foundation says the illness is more common in adults with women under 40 and men over 60 more likely to be diagnosed with it. It has no cure, but there are treatments to manage symptoms, which include drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble smiling, trouble breathing or swallowing, extremely weak arms, hands or legs, profound tiredness and impeded mobility and movement.

“Myasthenia Gravis is a complex and often debilitating disorder that can drastically alter a patient’s quality of life,” said Kepler Francois, the clinical operations manager at AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine and Rehab. “Our team has seen the toll it takes physically, emotionally and mentally. I am thankful that our team was able to recognize that Ms. Saunders was in distress and quickly get her the help she needed.”

 

BayCare exec’s role expands

CLEARWATER – C. Todd Jones, chief ambulatory services officer, is stepping into an expanded role at BayCare Health System. He’ll have the dual title of chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer. 

Jones joined BayCare in 2018. He has played a pivotal role in expanding BayCare’s outpatient footprint, adding multiple ambulatory care sites across West Central Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. 

Ambulatory services include laboratory, home care, imaging, ambulatory surgery, telehealth and urgent care. 

“Todd has proven time and again to be an asset to BayCare as someone who welcomes and nurtures new ideas and excels at executing them,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “He has long been an informal strategy leader for BayCare and is a natural choice for this role.”

 

Supply drive supports domestic violence survivors

TAMPA – Elite DNA Behavioral Health partnered with five local shelters and organizations in May to host a supply drive collecting over 1,500 items.

The drive supported the organization’s efforts in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and collected cleaning, home, hygiene and self-care items. 

The collection efforts spanned six Elite DNA offices in Brandon, Brooksville, Carrollwood, Lakeland, Largo and Wesley Chapel and supported organizations like Dawn Center of Hernando County, Hope for Her, Peace River Center, The Spring of Tampa Bay and Sunrise of Pasco County.

“The effects of domestic violence on physical, emotional and mental well-being are significant, and we’re honored to support these local organizations and the life-changing work they’re doing for those in our community,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health.

On the web: EliteDNA.com

 

Men, take charge of your heath before an emergency

WASHINGTON, DC – The American College of Emergency Physicians urges every man to prioritize their health to help prevent a medical emergency.

“Never put off a doctors’ visit until your health concerns become too severe to ignore,” said Dr. Alison Haddock, president of ACEP. “Getting regular check-ups and recognizing when it is time to go to the emergency department are two ways to take charge of your health that may save your life.”

The nation’s emergency physicians share these suggestions for men: schedule routine check-ups and screenings, avoid preventable injuries, know when to go to the emergency department, and prioritize mental health. 

“We have to normalize men talking about their health,” said Dr. Haddock. “Making healthy choices today and building healthy habits will go a long way toward preventing a medical emergency.”

On the web: acep.org and emergencyphysicians.org

 

Moms can get support 

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

The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

• Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered July 10 and 24, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Understanding Your Newborn – Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered July 10, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered July 24, 1 to 5 p.m.

Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.

 

Get answers on Medicare

1. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

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

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

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

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

Medicare Fraud Prevention

• July 8 at 1 p.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
• July 31 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.

Medicare 101

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