Health

Local hospitals respond to surge in COVID-19 cases

August 10, 2021 By B.C. Manion

A surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz to temporarily halt elective surgeries.

BayCare also tightened its visitation rules, effective Aug. 3.

“No one takes any pleasure in having to limit visits from patients’ loved ones or telling someone they will need to wait for their procedure,” BayCare Chief Operating Officer Glenn Waters said, on a hospital website posting. “But our first priority has to be to keep our facilities as safe as possible for our caregivers, so patients can recover and return home as soon as possible.”

AdventHealth continues to see a significant increase in COVID-19 cases at its facilities across West Florida and has surpassed its highest peak since the pandemic began, according to the healthcare system’s website.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Carrollwood have temporarily postponed any non-urgent elective procedures that require an overnight stay, according to media alerts from AdventHealth.

Dr. Doug Ross, is chief medical officer of AdventHealth Hospital Tampa, the largest AdventHealth Hospital in Tampa Bay. He shared updates for the West Florida Division locations during an Aug. 3 video interview, published on the hospital’s Facebook and LinkedIn Live event.

“In the Tampa Bay region, we’re well over 300 patients now,” Ross said, noting that number exceeds the hospital’s past surges.

“Greater than 90% of those patients are unvaccinated and our numbers continue to grow,” Ross said.

The health care system has seen patients ranging from a baby, to people into their 90s, he said. “But really the shift has been toward younger people because those are the people who have opted not to get vaccinated,” he said. “So, that’s what we’re seeing.”

“It’s the usual symptoms,” he said, including shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms such as congestion, headache, cough and runny nose.

Ross said the delta variant “is probably tied with some of the most contagious viruses we’ve ever known — measles and chicken pox being examples of that.”

“That’s very concerning because the amount of spread that is occurring is so much greater,” he said.

It went from one patient spreading it to two or three patients, in the early COVID cases, to now, with one patient spreading it to eight or 10, he said.

“The viral load seems to be so much greater in delta variant, probably a thousand times greater in the respiratory tract.

“That means when you cough or sneeze or whatever, there’s a lot more virus that’s being let out into your surroundings and makes it more likely that other people will pick up that virus,” Ross said.

He encouraged people who are not immunized to get immunized.

“You will have a lot less severity if you’re immunized and you get the delta variant than if you didn’t have it,” he said. “That, to me, seems a pretty compelling argument.”

The other argument, he said, “is that you want to protect other people. There’s a certain sense of community that I think we need to appeal to people on, because as we reach herd immunity, we’re actually protecting people that can’t protect themselves.”

That includes people who have immune deficiencies, as well as children who are 12 and under and can’t get the vaccine yet, he said.

Ross continued: “If we don’t get control of this virus and it’s continuing to mutate, there is some fear out in the scientific community that this virus could mutate to a point where it actually beats the vaccines. It comes to a point that it mutates in such a way that the vaccine is no longer effective to the virus and then, we are back to really Square One, with the entire population, because no one will be immune to that variant.”

Ross also advised both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations.

Those going to indoor public spaces should wear masks, Ross said, “to protect themselves from getting the infection and from spreading the infection.”

It’s been shown that people who have been immunized can get infected, Ross said. It may stay asymptomatic, but they are still able to spread it.

He also encourages people to maintain social distancing, to limit their chance of exposure, and washing their hands.

“Try to avoid spaces that are indoor spaces, with a lot of people,” he added.

Ross also touched on the impact that this new surge has had on health care workers.

“We’d gone through two surges,” he said. “We thought we were sort of improving and getting better, and things were calming down.

“Now, all of a sudden, when we thought we were getting a handle on this whole thing, we had a surge and a surge bigger than any surge we’ve had so far. So that has really been a challenge emotionally to people because people were a little bit celebratory — in their own minds — because they had gotten through the worst of COVID, and that’s just not the case.”

While the hospital’s staff is very dedicated, he said, “we’re all a bit frustrated because of the fact that if more of the population had been vaccinated, we wouldn’t be seeing this surge and we wouldn’t be stressing our health systems out.”

Ross also offered another reason for wearing a mask: “One of the early reasons to wear a mask was to sort of dampen the curve, the rate of increase of the viral spread, so that it wouldn’t put a strain on our health systems.

“If this continues to rise, the way it’s rising, it’s definitely putting and will continue to put, a significant strain on our health systems,” Ross said.

To get the most current information relating to any changes regarding hospital policies, be sure to check with your local hospital.

In response to the surging cases, Hillsborough County has temporarily opened two COVID-19 testing sites, to help shorten the wait times for people wanting to check on their status, according to a county news release.

The county had anticipated administering 500 tests at each site but, in total, administered more than 2,000.

The sites are located at:

Palm River Community Center, 725 S. 58th St., in Tampa
Code Enforcement Complex, 1101 E. 139th Ave., in Tampa

The sites are open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with testing done on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no charge to be tested and health insurance is not required.

If you have health insurance, however, bring your insurance card because federal guidelines require the collection of health insurance data.

COVID 19 statistics, July 30 through Aug. 5
Florida: New cases: 134,506; new case positivity, 18.9%
Pasco: New cases, 3,404; new case positivity, 24.3%
Hillsborough: New cases, 8,583; new case positivity, 22.8%
Source: Florida Department of Health

Published August 11, 2021

Debate over masks continues, as a new school year begins

August 10, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Students streamed back to school campuses this week to start the 2021-2022 school year in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

And, much like last year, the debate continues over mandatory face masks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a firm stand on the issue. He signed an executive order banning school districts from imposing mandatory mask requirements — instead letting parents make the call regarding whether their child wears a mask to school.

The Florida Board of Education also has adopted an emergency rule that allows a child to transfer to a private school or another school district, under a Hope Scholarship, “when a student is subjected to harassment in response to a school district’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols.”

Masks are optional for students and staff in Pasco County’s public school district.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning repeatedly has said the issue is closed, based on the governor’s actions.

In Hillsborough County, there’s a mandatory mask policy for students — but that policy allows parents to exercise an opt-out option for their children.

Masks are optional for the Hillsborough school district’s staff.

In media interviews, Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis has said he believes the district complies with the governor’s executive order because parents can choose to opt out their children from the requirement.

Meanwhile, at least two lawsuits have been filed challenging DeSantis’ executive order, according to media reports.

While those debates play out, the Hillsborough and Pasco school systems have been busy preparing protocols for the school year.

During the Pasco School Board’s last meeting, on July 27, Browning said he and his staff had spent considerable time going over the COVID protocols for the coming year, in terms of athletics, fine arts, social distancing, cleaning protocols and so on.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd also told the school board that the district plans to have procedures that are “going to be considerably looser, as opposed to tighter than they were last year” as they relate to facilities, events and athletics.

Gadd told the board: “It’s only looking back, we’ll know if that’s a mistake. But going forward, we’re going to loosen up a little bit, so folks can attend ball games and dances, and things like that.”

Regarding procedures for quarantining students and staff, Browning said those rules are set by the Florida Department of Health and will remain the same this year as they were last year.

“All symptomatic cases will be sent home for 10 days. If you’re not vaccinated and you have come in contact with a positive case and the health department has made the determination that you’ll quarantine, then you’ll quarantine.

“If you are vaccinated and come in contact with a positive case and you are asymptomatic — not showing any signs — then you can remain in school, either as a student or as a teacher,” Browning said.

The district was still working out the details regarding how to handle sick time for teachers, if they have to quarantine because of COVID.

In Hillsborough, the district has posted its protocols for visitors on school campuses or district offices. In short, it prefers visitors to have a scheduled appointment.

It also requires visitors to practice social distancing, and all in-person meetings must allow participants to be able to maintain a 6-foot social distance.

Visitors also must complete a self-check before entering a school building.

They should check themselves for these symptoms: Fever or chills, fatigue, sore throat, cough, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, headache, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea or new loss of taste or smell.

Also, those who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or who have a known exposure to COVID-19, should not visit the district’s campuses or offices, according to the district’s website.

Published August 11, 2021

Health News 08/11/2021

August 10, 2021 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Buccaneer visit helps to lift spirits
Tampa Bay Buccaneer Joe Jones surprised several AdventHealth Tampa patients and team members during a recent virtual visit. Jones is one of the newest linebackers for the Super Bowl Championship team and was eager to connect with the community. Ahead of training camp, Jones offered well wishes, and gave out some high-fives and a few thumbs-up. AdventHealth is the exclusive hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mental health support line
Tampa Bay Thrives has launched a free, confidential behavioral health support line in Hillsborough County.

The “Let’s Talk” call-in service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects callers with counselors, mental health services, and offers referrals to local providers.

Tampa Bay Thrives is an organization that brings together a coalition of Tampa Bay area hospitals, law enforcement agencies, local governments and community leaders.

The new service was crafted “to complement existing resources and build upon the great work already happening in our community,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives.

“The pandemic has exacerbated the need to address mental health in the Tampa Bay region, and this project will help connect individuals who require additional support,” said Zeisse.

The service is available for Hillsborough County residents and is set to expand across the region in coming months.

To access Let’s Talk, call 1-833-342-5111, or visit LetsTalkTampaBay.org.

Donations needed
The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is seeking donations and local volunteers for its Meals on Wheels for Kids program.

The program’s mission is to provide nutritious home-delivered, shelf-stable meal ingredients, produce and prepared meals to transportation-disadvantaged and/or homebound children and their families who lack adequate access to food distribution locations throughout the community.

Meals on Wheels for Kids provides a weekly delivery of meals and shelf-stable groceries, as resources allow.

All donations go to providing these deliveries to children enrolled in the program.

Donations will be accepted via the program’s website, NetworkToEndHunger.org/mow4k/, or by calling 813-344-5837. If no one answers, please leave a message and someone will return your call within 24 hours.

Homebound vaccines
The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) has launched “We Will Meet You at Home,” to ensure that every older adult who wants a vaccine will receive one, according to a news release.

The initiative builds upon other programs throughout the state to provide homebound seniors access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

While many of Florida’s older residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination, not every senior is able to leave their home.

In these cases, the Florida DOEA and the state’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are offering seniors access to transportation to go and receive a vaccine. Elders also have the option of having a health care worker bring the vaccine to their front door.

DOEA’s statewide initiative is distributing over 175,000 informational flyers to older homebound adults requesting more information about vaccines or vaccine access.

The AAAs made tens of thousands of outbound wellness calls over a two-month period to identify people requesting more resources.

The DOEA’s Area Agencies on Aging connect seniors with community providers to get a ride to a doctor’s office, a pharmacy, a grocery store, or another vaccination site. The local AAAs also may assist in arranging a health care professional to come to the individual’s house to receive a vaccination.

If you or someone you know would like assistance with transportation in getting to a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or would like a health provider to bring a shot to your front door, call 800-963-5337, or email .

Health News 08/04/2021

August 3, 2021 By Mary Rathman

‘Topping off’ a new build
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore signs a beam that was later raised and placed in the new BayCare Wesley Chapel hospital. Also signing is Keri Eisenbeis, vice president of Government Affairs and Community Relations for BayCare. The beam-signing was part of a traditional topping off ceremony on July 16. The new hospital, being built off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, is expected to open in 2023.

Donations needed
The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is seeking donations and local volunteers for its Meals on Wheels for Kids program.

Meals on Wheels for Kids provides a weekly delivery of meals and shelf-stable groceries, as resources allow.

All donations go to providing these deliveries to children enrolled in the program.

The initiative builds upon other programs throughout the state to provide homebound seniors access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

While many of Florida’s older residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination, not every senior is able to leave their home.

DOEA’s statewide initiative is distributing over 175,000 informational flyers to older homebound adults requesting more information about vaccines or vaccine access.

The AAAs made tens of thousands of outbound wellness calls over a two-month period to identify people requesting more resources.

COVID-19 cases on the uptick

July 27, 2021 By B.C. Manion

COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, with outbreaks occurring in parts of the country with low vaccination rates, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of July 22, 35% of counties in the United States were experiencing high levels of community transmission, and COVID-19 cases were on the rise in 90% of the nation’s jurisdictions, according to a CDC interpretative summary of the week’s data.

That July 23 briefing, posted on the CDC’s website, notes that “the worrisome trends are due, in part,” to the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The increase in COVID-19 infections is being observed locally, too.

Officials with AdventHealth’s West Florida region are noticing “a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases” and “an increase in COVID hospitalizations at its hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hardee, Highlands, Pinellas and Marion counties, according to a media briefing from the health care chain.

“The Delta variant is the most prominent strain we are seeing in our system,” AdventHealth reports.

It also notes that “some 94% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19” across its nationwide system have not been vaccinated.

“We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, which is the most effective way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, as well as prevent new variants of the virus from spreading,” AdventHealth’s briefing adds.

The increase in cases is coming as schools gear up for the 2021-2022 school year.

Experts at the CDC have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention in kindergarten through 12th grade schools.

That guidance says, in part, that “masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.”

The CDC also “recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask-wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics also advocates “keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19” among its recommended interventions to prevent spreading the virus.

The Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts already have announced that masks would be optional in their schools during the upcoming school year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has made it abundantly clear that he won’t support — and will actively battle — any attempts to make masks mandatory in the coming school year.

He addressed the issue during a news conference on July 22 at Indian River State College.

“We look forward to this upcoming year, to be a normal school year,” the governor said, during the conference, streamed by a television station covering the event.

“There’s been talk about people potentially advocating at the federal level imposing compulsory masks on kids. We’re not doing that in Florida, OK?

“We need our kids to be able to be kids. We need them to be able to breathe,” DeSantis said.

Parents can send their children to school with masks if they choose to do so, the governor said. He added, “But there shouldn’t be any coercive mandates on our schools.”

He elaborated on his opposition to requiring masks: “Is it really comfortable? Is it really healthy for them to be muzzled and have their breathing obstructed all day long in school? I don’t think it is,” DeSantis said.

If an attempt at a federal mandate is made, DeSantis pledged to fight it.

DeSantis went on to say: “If anybody is calling for lockdowns, you’re not getting that done in Florida. I’m going to protect people’s livelihoods. I’m going to protect kids’ rights to go to school. I’m going to protect people’s rights to run their small businesses.”

The governor also noted: “We have a situation where we have three vaccines that have been widely available for months and months, now.”

Contrary to what President Joe Biden said, DeSantis added, people who have been vaccinated have tested positive for COVID-19.

“But I think what it does do, is that it really prevents against severe outcomes, particularly death or a serious hospitalization,” the governor said.

For instance, “the nursing home fatalities are down 95% since the vaccines rolled out,” DeSantis said.

Health officials continue to urge vaccinations.

“The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself, including getting a vaccine when it’s available to you,” the CDC’s summary says.

The Delta variant now makes up an estimated 83.2% of the recent U.S. cases, according to the July 23 CDC report.

Published July 28, 2021

Protect yourself from red tide effects

July 27, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

As efforts continue to remove dead fish from regional waterways, officials from Hillsborough County have compiled some pointers from the Florida Department of Health, to help reduce the risks posed by red tide.

Here are those pointers, shared in a news release from Hillsborough County:

When possible, stay away from water bodies and beaches where red tide or fish killed by the toxic algae is present.
Don’t touch or swim near dead fish.
Wear shoes to prevent injuries from stepping on fish carcasses.
Keep pets away from water, sea spray, and dead fish affected by red tide.
Don’t harvest or eat shellfish from an affected area.
People with chronic respiratory problems should avoid a red tide area.
If breathing difficulties do not subside after leaving a red tide area or going indoors, contact your health care provider.

For more information on the status of red tide in Hillsborough County and how to report fish kills, visit HCFLGov.net/RedTide.

Published July 28, 2021

Health News 07/28/2021

July 27, 2021 By Mary Rathman

BayCare welcomes new physicians
Dr. Michelle Spencer has joined BayCare Medical Group, 28864 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. She is the newest primary care physician at the Saddelbrook office, which opened this spring. She is board certified in family medicine, and is accepting new patients age 2 and older. Dr. Spencer joins the group after practicing family medicine in New Hampshire for more than 22 years.
To learn more, visit DrMichelleSpencer.org.

Dr. Shiva Tadakal also has joined the BayCare Medical Group office at 2529 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and speaks Hindu, Telugu and Kannada. Dr. Tadakal specializes in family medicine and also is accepting new patients.
To learn more, visit DrShivaTadakal.org.

New AdventHealth office
AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at San Antonio now is open at 30115 State Road 52, Suite 101, in San Antonio.

The practice treats gastrointestinal, bariatric and other chronic digestive disorders.

“As we continue to grow in the community, our goal remains the same, to continue providing world-class and convenient patient care closer to home,” said Jason Newmyer, administrator/vice president for AdventHealth Dade City, in a news release.

“By opening this new practice, we will be able to expand our robust digestive health offerings and make our community a healthier place,” said Newmyer.

The 6,000-square-foot facility features onsite imaging, eight exam rooms, and onsite education/consultation rooms for patients to receive support during and after treatments.

Dr. Naga Thatimatla and Dr. Kalyani Meduri now are accepting patients at the practice.

For information, visit AHMGTampaBay.com.

Tapping into the power of positive psychology

July 20, 2021 By B.C. Manion

If you want to make big changes, start small.

And then, keep building on your successes.

That’s the advice of Patricia Sullivan, a training and leadership coach, who shared her expertise with members of the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce during a Lunch and Learn Zoom session.

“If we take on big chunks, or time-consuming issues — then a lot of times they fall down to lower priority,” Sullivan said. “Whereas, if we can just really start with small habits for us, I believe they lead to different changes. They lead to positive psychology.

“When we’re talking about micro-habits, we’re talking about most of our habits being subconscious and really happening without much consideration at all.

Patricia Sullivan is a training and leadership coach who recently spoke on the topics of self-care and micro-habits during a Lunch and Learn Zoom session with some members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of Patricia Sullivan)

“For many of us, we created new habits during COVID.

“Our world changed and we needed to change with it.

Even beyond the global pandemic, “we create habits any time there’s a change,” she said.

Those new habits occur when we move, when we get a new job, when the kids go off to school and when we bring someone new into our world, whether it’s a new friend or significant other or grandbaby, she said.

“New habits form all of the time because of change. And, oftentimes, change is what requires us to undo habits that then have become poor habits.

“I don’t know about you, but studies are showing that we’re either exercising a lot more with the pandemic, or we’re staying home and we’re doing less.

“Studies are showing there’s a lot more alcohol being sold,” she said.

“So, you might be somebody who used to enjoy a glass of wine every couple of days. You might be drinking a half-a-bottle now, because of the COVID thing,” she said.

And, now that things are opening up, it might be a time to go back to a healthier habit.

“So, we create habits when there’s change and often in response to change,” Sullivan said.

Micro-habits are done in short bursts
“When you recognize there are some things you want to change — instead of saying ‘I’m going to change my diet.’ You could be saying, ‘I’m going to eat a vegetable three times a day.’

“Eating a vegetable at breakfast or lunch or dinner is very different than saying, ‘My whole diet needs to be different for my physical, mental, long-term health.’

“And, micro-habits are empowering because of positive psychology.

“When you do something in micro, you have a little success. And, when you have a little success, you’re more confident taking on a bigger success,” she said.

Micro-habits can move you toward where you want to be.

“It breaks the cycle of inertia,” Sullivan said.

She offered an example of one micro-habit she’s established.

She began with the idea of doing five pushups — the kind that are done while kneeling — a couple of times day, on the days when she works at home.

Over time, she’s built up the habit. She now does 10 pushups, while kneeling, seven times a day.

“I’m going to Hawaii in December,” Sullivan said.

“Defined arms by December is the longer-term goal, but five pushups to start, a couple of times a day, didn’t seem so bad.

“Micro-habits really are a catalyst for big change,” Sullivan said.

She noted the same concepts apply in organizational change.

Organizations that have a change initiative are successful just 20% of the time, she said.

That’s because of resistance to change.

Reactions to change can include flight — employees decide to get a new job; freeze — employees decide to sabotage the effort; or, fight — employees stay and stir up conflict.

“With all of that being said, fight is probably the best in organizational change, because they’re (employees) so passionate. They’re still telling you, ‘I’m going to have conflict with this. You need to get me through it,’” she said.

In such cases, “there’s an opportunity to bring them on board.”

Sullivan offered Zoom session listeners some ideas for micro-habits that might work for them.

“How about, in leadership, one positive feedback a week for somebody that works for you?”

In other words, make an effort to catch somebody performing well and give a positive shout-out. The acknowledgment can be done in an email, or handshake, or thank you note, or website posting — or some other way to let the person know you noticed.

“If you can find four positives every week, or every month, with your group of people, you’re doing some good things for organizational behavior,” she said.

Micro-habits can help change mindsets, too.

You can make a habit of being grateful, Sullivan said.

At the beginning or end of each day, list three specific things you appreciate. Change that list daily.

Other possible micro-habits include:

Sitting in nature 5 minutes a day
Creating a grocery list before shopping — to help you load your cart with things you really want to buy, instead of impulse buying
Making your bed every day
Listening to a podcast once a week
Parking at a spot furthest from where you are shopping, to help boost your exercise
Keeping a gratitude journal

Daily intentions can help you change habits
A daily intention could be to drink more water, in the pursuit of better health. Or reaching out to your loved ones through a text, email or phone call. Or making a commitment to do an act of service to help someone else.

Developing a micro-habit to find calm can help create physical, mental and emotional balance, she said.

She recommends using breathing exercises to change chaos to calm.

“Here is something we know is true: You can’t think your way out of stress,” Sullivan said. “You can contemplate. You can reflect on what you learned, based on stress. And, you can think and then take action, but the thinking is not going to allow stress to go away. You acting, will.

“And, when I say, taking action — I’m talking about taking planned action — not reacting in a way that you upset everybody else in the room,” she said.

Sullivan also reminded Zoom listeners to pay attention to the words they use.

“If you’re using all-or-nothing language, it does not really support reality. So, one, you’re probably not even viewed as being objective at that point of time, because rarely is it all or nothing, always or never,” Sullivan said.

So, instead of making stuff up or being emotional, seek to be objective, she said.

It’s also important to listen to learn and understand, rather than listening to prove yourself right or the other person wrong.

“If we can take control of our own habits, our own thoughts — recognizing that our thoughts actually become words, and our words become actions — then, when we’re taking care of ourselves, we’re much better to take care of the people who are counting on us, at home and in the workplace,” Sullivan said.

If you would like to reach out to Patricia Sullivan, her email is .

Revised July 21, 2021

AmbuBus helps streamline emergency response

July 20, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

With a fresh coat of paint, a new logo and an interior revamp, an old Hillsborough County school bus has been converted into a new AmbuBus, according to a Hillsborough County newsletter.

The vehicle was funded solely through donations and grants from the Hillsborough County School District, and the Tampa Bay Health and Medical Preparedness Coalition.

The interior of the bus has been outfitted with supplies, cots and stretchers. It can carry 12 to 20 patients and paramedics at a time, and will be used for large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes.

The bus will be equipped with all of the necessary medical equipment that is included in regular ambulances and will be used to free up other vehicles that are needed to respond to different locations.

Published July 21, 2021

Pasco health grant will help with return of students to school

July 20, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The health department in Pasco County recently received a $12 million grant from the Florida Department of Health, that is intended to help with the return of students to school, according to Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

“This is a very broad grant,” Gadd said, during a school board meeting last month. “It’s allowing us to purchase canopies, picnic tables and various supplies that will help us kind of separate kids during lunches and cafeteria time, to help mitigate the impact of COVID in the new school year.

The grant will support more health professionals, nurses and other personnel — allowing district nurses to focus on their nursing duties, which involve screenings and of other activities with students, Gadd said.

“Also, as part of this grant that we have with the department of health, we’ll be continuing to offer testing services to kids and staff, although the department of health will be running those testing programs.

“They’ll be doing it with a mobile bus on the east and the west side of the county. We’ll still have this location here, in the center of the county, but the department of health will be running it, as opposed to the school system.

“In addition, we are offering vaccinations through Health Heroes, and this is strictly voluntary,” Gadd said. That program provides free vaccinations for youths age 12 and older.

Published July 21, 2021