The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Drug overdoses increasing in Pasco County

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During the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there’s another alarming issue surging in Pasco County  — rising fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has reported 1,491 overdoses (and 268 deaths) from January 2020 to December 2020 — representing a 71% increase from 2019.

This includes a single-month high of 168 overdoses (39 fatal) in May, agency data shows.

Most recently, the month of December proved one of the most troublesome months in the past year — with 135 reported overdoses and two deaths. The trend continued in 2021, as the first weekend in January recorded 19 overdoses, with three deaths, according to the sheriff’s office.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco says the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the county’s substance abuse and mental health problems because more people are dealing with job and financial losses, loneliness, homelessness and other personal struggles.

“We’re definitely seeing an extremely high spike since COVID hit with mental health and substance abuse, and especially the overdoses. There is an absolute correlation there,” Nocco recently told The Laker/Lutz News.

Overdose survivors have told deputies that “they feel like they’ve lost human connection with people,” Nocco said.

Instead of finding solace in faith, Nocco thinks many turn to substance abuse, and that, he said, is creating major issues.

During the midst of a pandemic, there are mental health issues occurring that won’t be healed with a vaccination, he said.

“People right now, they’re constantly on edge,” Nocco said.

These overdoses, Nocco said, are mostly related to heroin and other drugs laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic similar to morphine but believed to be 50 times to 100 times more potent.

Said Nocco: “Heroin and fentanyl are the main two killers. When you’re seeing overdoses, it’s fentanyl. It’s sad. When you have an overdose and people pass away, it’s probably more likely than not that it’s fentanyl.”

Nocco noted the agency has even witnessed instances of carfentanil — an analogue 100 times stronger than fentanyl and most commonly used as an elephant tranquilizer.

Aside from its users, fentanyl and carfentanil offshoots pose a threat to the public and to first responders, as they can be absorbed through the skin or through accidental inhalation of airborne powder.

These substances are coming in from overseas, with stronger and stronger variations being discovered on the streets, Nocco said, adding, “It’s a very dangerous situation we’re dealing with.”

The overdoses predominantly are occurring in the western part of Pasco County, along the U.S. 19 corridor, Nocco said, but there are also pockets of activity in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

A nationwide problem
Rising drug overdoses are trending across the nation.

Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020. That’s the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While overdose deaths already were on the rise in the months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest numbers suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic, the CDC reports.

This graphic shows fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Pasco County for each month in 2020. Absent is the month of December, which yielded 135 overdoses and two deaths. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield said, in a December news release. “As we continue the fight to end this pandemic, it’s important to not lose sight of different groups being affected in other ways. We need to take care of people suffering from unintended consequences.”

According to the CDC, synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) appear to be the primary driver of the increases in overdose deaths, increasing 38.4% from the 12-month period leading up to June 2019 compared with the 12-month period leading up to May 2020. During this time period:

  • 37 of the 38 U.S. jurisdictions with available synthetic opioid data reported increases in synthetic opioid-involved overdose deaths
  • 18 of these jurisdictions reported increases greater than 50%
  • 10 western states reported over a 98% increase in synthetic opioid-involved deaths

More troubling trends
While overdose figures were substantially higher in 2020 compared to 2019 and some previous years in Pasco, the sheriff’s office’s intelligence-led policing unit likewise found a steady increase each year since 2017, which, of course, predates the pandemic.

This may result from lasting effects of Florida’s opioid prescription pill epidemic, Nocco said, with many users who initially got hooked on prescription pills turning to heroin, meth and other substances to get their fix.

“We’re still dealing with it. It’s not over,” the sheriff said of the statewide pill crisis. “You’re looking at individuals that would’ve never used hard drugs such as meth or heroin, but because they were prescribed Roxys (Roxicodone), Oxys (Oxycodone), Xanax for minor things like a minor surgery, a tooth issue, something like that, they then became addicts, and so those people with those addictions, they’re still suffering right now.”

Seeking solutions
To tackle these various substance abuse and related mental health issues, the local law enforcement agency is continuing to leverage its community-based health partners such as BayCare, Chrysallis Health and Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse and Prevention, and others.

The sheriff’s office has a rolodex of health care agencies that can provide help with a range of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, youth and family services, autism, suicide, and veterans and post-traumatic stress. More details on resources can be found on PascoSheriff.com/MENTALHEALTH.html.

“We want to get to people before they get to that crisis stage,” Nocco said, adding, “and if people are starting to feel depressed, if they’re starting to feel issues and concerns, please reach out to those resources immediately.

“If those health care issues are dealt with very early on, they don’t turn into criminal justice issues,” he said.

The CDC also has made recommendations that can help curb drug overdose epidemic in local communities:

  • Expand distribution and use of naloxone and overdose prevention education
  • Increase awareness about and access to and availability of treatment for substance use disorders
  • Intervene early with individuals at highest risk for overdose
  • Improve detection of overdose outbreaks to facilitate more effective response

On a related note, the sheriff’s office is working to make positive lasting impressions on the younger people, to help get a grip of at-risk mental health and substance use issues.

The agency has partnered with the Pasco County Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA) on a mental health initiative titled, “You Matter,” which mainly focuses on suicide prevention among juveniles. Part of the effort involves distributing magnets with upbeat reminders that can be attached to cellphones and wallets, and other places.

The sheriff said his agency is trying to get this message out to teenagers and young adults: “You matter in life.”

The fact is that many of these kids are isolated, Nocco said.

“They’re on their phones and they don’t feel like they’re engaged with what’s going on.
“I understand a lot of people go on social media and walk away depressed thinking about what they read or if somebody put a negative comment on there,” he said.

He wants to spread the word, to help people realize their value.

“It doesn’t matter what somebody wrote about you, you matter to somebody else, and your life is important.

“We don’t want to see people harm themselves or get an addiction over a comment made on social media by somebody who could live a couple of thousand miles away,” Nocco said.

Published February 03, 2021

Moffitt in Pasco: ‘Transformational’

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A deal approved last week by the Pasco County Commission is expected to have consequences far beyond the county’s borders, government and economic development leaders said.

County commissioners approved more than $25 million in incentives in an agreement with H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc.

The Pasco County Commission, county staff and representatives of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc. celebrate a deal that is expected to have long-term consequences for Pasco County, and the region. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

The county has agreed to make infrastructure improvements necessary to access the site, at an estimated cost of $24,913,012.

It also has agreed to waive, or pay, certain county permitting and impact fees related to supporting the initial phase of building construction, at an estimated cost of $786,988.

The cancer center owns a 775-acre site, near the southeast corner of the future intersection of Suncoast Parkway and the Ridge Road extension, which is currently under construction.

In the 24-page agreement, approved unanimously by the county board, Pasco County details and justifies the partnership with Moffitt.

In part, the agreement states: “The county has concluded that providing economic incentives to Moffitt will serve as one of the most significant catalysts in the county’s history for future economic growth, by creating the potential for new employment opportunities in Pasco County, reducing reliance on regional commuting to work by citizens, significantly diversifying the tax base, and introducing smart growth and service technologies to the area.”

County staff has determined that construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the approved agreement is essential to support the overall corporate business park development of the property.

In presenting the incentive package to the county board, Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., emphasized the significance of Moffitt’s decision to locate in Pasco.

“Words cannot fully express the magnitude of this project, or the potential of this project,” Cronin said.

In the first phase, Moffitt has agreed to construct a minimum of 128,000 square feet for corporate business park uses.

That phase is expected to generate 432 full-time jobs, according to the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

The multi-year, multi-phase Moffit project, however, is expected to include over 1.4 million square feet of research lab/office, light industrial/manufacturing, general office, and clinical building space.

“The overall, large project, is estimated to create at least 14,000 jobs — indirect and direct jobs for our community,” Cronin said.

Moffitt operates an internationally recognized immunotherapy program in Tampa, and is seeking to branch out because of space constraints on that campus.

David de la Parte, executive vice president and general in-house counsel for Moffitt, told commissioners: “This is a big deal. It’s a complicated transaction. It’s been a number of years in the making.

“It’s certainly important from an economic impact standpoint, but it’s even more important to the citizens of the state and to the citizens of this community,” de la Parte said.

“Cancer is a terrible thing,” he added, noting that Moffitt’s role is to be a research engine, an innovator, a place of discovery.

This is the site where H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc., plans to expand its work on a campus in Pasco County.

“We have been constrained, frankly, in that role, given the campus constraints that we have and have had. This will give us an opportunity to further accelerate the discovery,” he said.

The attorney anticipates the Pasco campus will become “a life sciences destination for the world.”

Besides approving the economic incentive agreement, the board took a separate action to direct staff to secure funding to pay for the extension of Sunlake Boulevard to the Moffitt site.

Curing cancer, creating opportunities
Pasco commissioners are delighted by Moffitt’s decision to open a Pasco campus.

“Yes, there’s the economic benefits that our citizens of Pasco County will have because of this facility being here,” County Commissioner Mike Moore said. But Moffitt’s work, he said, has impacts throughout the world.

“Each and every one of us has been touched by either somebody that’s gone through cancer or is going through cancer now,” Moore said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said: “This is so great for your organization. It’s great for our county, but this is magnificent for the Tampa Bay region and Florida, as well.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick weighed in, too: “This will not only be an economic asset for our community, but it’s going to create jobs and it will save lives.

“You guys are going to be bringing the best of the best right here to Pasco County, and I’m very excited,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley were enthused, too.

Oakley told de la Parte: “We support you all of the way, and we’re here to help you.”

Along those lines, the agreement with Moffitt calls for a designated county liaison to help streamline governmental processes, and an assigned rapid response team to handle any issues that arise.

Moffitt has agreed to handle the design, permitting, installation and construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the agreement.

But before that occurs, these conditions must be met:

  • Completion of the Suncoast Parkway Interchange at Ridge Road
  • Completion of the Ridge Road extension in an easterly direction from the Suncoast Parkway Interchange to Sunlake Boulevard
  • Completion of two lanes of Sunlake Boulevard in a southerly direction from State Road 52, south of the Ridge Road and Sunlake Boulevard intersection, to Moffitt’s spine road intersection at Sunlake Boulevard

Also, before Moffitt begins construction of the corporate business park building, the county and Moffitt will agree to a construction disbursement agreement that identifies specific sources of funds to satisfy the county’s obligations under the incentive agreement.

The conditions are expected to be met by the end of 2022.

Once they have been met, Moffitt has five years to complete the construction of the corporate business park building.

The agreement also gives the county administrator the authority to approve up to three years of extensions, if Moffitt has made good faith efforts to meet its deadline.

Published February 03, 2021

Health News 02/03/2021

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Bringing warmth and cheer
The residents of a local nursing home had a special and festive Christmas, thanks to the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. Members of the club provided large gift bags filled with treats, along with requested and needed items, to bring cheer to or to keep the residents warm and comfortable. Twenty-five residents who may not have had friends or family able to visit over the holidays during the pandemic lockdown were provided for. Note: Residents agreed to photos, but their names and the facility’s name were not to be released.)

Blood drive yields 20+ pints
Ierna’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Lutz started the new year off with a curbside blood drive in partnership with OneBlood on Jan. 5, which yielded more than 20 pints of whole blood.

Each donor received a T-shirt, a restaurant voucher, a $20 gift card, and a wellness checkup that included a COVID-19 antibody test.

Ierna’s also handed out its own swag, including custom hand-sanitizer pens.

According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. Less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets, which makes volunteer donors important.

Donation appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to the public.

Follow Ierna’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing on social media to be notified about its next blood drive, scheduled for April 1.

Women’s Choice Award
AdventHealth Zephyrhills has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care by the Women’s Choice Award. The award signifies that AdventHealth Zephyrhills is in the top 1% of 4,542 hospitals in the United States offering heart care services.

The methodology used to select the hospital as one of America’s best involves evaluations of:

  • The number of cardiac/vascular services offered. Recognized hospitals must offer at least six of the following services: Cardiac Catheter Lab, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cardiac Surgery, Carotid Stenting, Coronary Interventions, Electrophysiology, Vascular Interventions, Vascular Surgery and Coronary Intensive Care (CCU).
  • 30-day mortality and readmission rates for heart attack and heart failure
  • Patient recommendation ratings on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey
  • Primary research about women’s health care preferences

For information about America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care, visit WomensChoiceAward.com/best-hospitals-for-heart-care.

New staff member
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute has welcomed Dr. Jessica Stine, oncologist, to its staff.

Dr. Stine will care for patients at Florida Cancer’s New Port Richey location, 8763 River Crossing Blvd., and in Wesley Chapel at 2391 Oak Myrtle Lane.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami, and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she served as administrative chief resident. She was then awarded a fellowship in gynecologic oncology from the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Dr. Stine has worked as a proctor and speaker at da Vinci Surgery, and as an associate professor for the obstetrics and gynecology residency at Brandon Regional Hospital.

She is an advanced robotic surgeon, and has an interest in fertility sparing approaches. She also is one of the few physicians trained to perform a radical trachelectomy for young cervical cancer patients who wish to preserve their ability to conceive.

Parent questions school quarantine policy

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When Mike Kidd’s daughter was exposed to someone at Sunlake High who tested positive for COVID-19, the school called to inform the family that she would need to quarantine.

Kidd took it in stride.

After all, the district has been asking families to do their part to help stop the spread of the virus.

In fact, he told the school that there were two other girls in the family that attend the same school, so his family would keep them home, too.

Initially, the school official agreed.

But then, the family was notified that the two girls who had not been directly exposed were deemed as being absent from school.

When the family tried to explain they were keeping the girls at home because their sister had been exposed to COVID-19, they were told that wasn’t the district’s policy, Kidd said.

The district’s practice follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for Pasco County Schools, said via email.

The Department of Health — Pasco County also follows the CDC’s guidance, according to an email from Melissa Watts, spokeswoman for the health department.

But that doesn’t make sense to Kidd, who said if his daughter was exposed at school and came down with the virus, it was very likely that the virus would be spread to his other two daughters, since they are frequently in close contact with each other.

“Obviously if students wearing masks and “socially distanced” at school would need to quarantine, my other daughters who sleep in the same room, lay in the same bed/couch and watch movies, hug, etc., should also quarantine,” Kidd told The Laker/Lutz News, in a letter to the editor, he sent via  email.

It just seems practical to quarantine the student’s siblings, when another student in the family is required to quarantine, he said.

Hegarty explained the school district’s practice works like this: “The family would have received a call from the school, as well as an official letter from the Pasco Health Department informing them of the need to quarantine their daughter. That letter would not have instructed anyone else in the home to quarantine because there was no evidence that any other family members had been in close contact with a person who tested positive.”

Hegarty said the district requires quarantine only “for those students and staff members who were in close contact.”

He also noted: “What definitely would not be practical is requiring quarantine for anyone who came in close contact with a person who came in close contact with a person who tested positive.

The district has had thousands of students quarantining and the number would be much higher, if it followed the practice of quarantining all siblings, Hegarty wrote. In fact, that practice could result in entire school populations being sent home, in some cases.

A parent can decide to keep a student at home, Hegarty said.

“It will be marked as an absence. It could be an excused absence, but still an absence. It would be up to the school and the family to ensure that the students don’t fall behind academically – regardless of whether they are quarantined or simply absent,” the school district spokesman said.

Pasco County Schools, COVID numbers*
1,319 positive student cases; 16,999 students impacted
594 positive employee cases; 1,492 employees impacted
Impacted cases are those who were required to stay away from school due to a positive case that resulted in quarantine.

* As of Jan. 25

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published January 27, 2021

Health News 01/27/2021

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Equipment grant
Florida Medical Clinic and the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring presented a $20,900 grant to the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) West Campus in New Port Richey, for health care training equipment at PHSC.

The college will use the funds to purchase innovative airway management simulation units, which will help to prepare students to provide excellent health care to the residents of the community.

For information on making a gift in support of the PHSC programs, contact the PHSC Foundation at 727-816-3410 or .

Lung cancer stats
LawnStarter, an outdoor services provider and clean-air advocate, released a report on the Best and Worst States for Lung Cancer Patients.

LawnStarter compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 key indicators of lung cancer risk, prevalence, prevention, treatment accessibility and treatment affordability.

Here is Florida’s rank in each category (1=Best)

  • Risk: 17th
  • Treatment Accessibility: 27th
  • Prevention: 44th
  • Prevalence: 46th
  • Treatment Affordability: 48th

NAMI/Pasco addresses growing need for its services

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NAMI/Pasco County — part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness — is a 33-year-old organization that provides free advocacy, education, support and outreach for individuals with mental health conditions.

In the last year, it has named its first full-time executive director, Debbie Proulx.

And, the organization’s growth has been at warp speed.

It aims to reach all those who need help — a lofty ambition, for sure.

NAMI/Pasco is supported solely by private donations or grants.

Debbie Proulx is executive director of NAMI/Pasco County, part of the grassroots National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

It hosts fundraisers.

It has a vision for a NAMI building, where meetings could be held and real-time aid could be provided.

Since Proulx’s arrival, the organization went from having one group meeting per week to having meetings every day of the week.

In 2019, 20 people participated in group meetings. Last year, there were 360.

“And that doesn’t count the emails, the texts, the referrals, the phone calls that we get,’’ said Proulx (whose name rhymes with “true’’). “We are marketing our services. We’re putting out a lot of educational materials, but we’re still not able to help everyone. The need in our area is so great. But we are growing, and we will be able to help more and more.’’

Proulx said NAMI/Pasco is constantly seeking to partner with community organizations, such as churches and youth groups, while finding community members to participate. Its board of directors includes community members from hospitals and civic organizations. Trained volunteers are certified to administer the various programs.

“We are trying to fill in the gaps,’’ Proulx said. “COVID-19 has had a major impact, obviously. We have Zoom programs, but some of the senior citizens don’t have technology, or they are afraid of it. “We have one in-person meeting to help cover that.

“We really want to make sure that people who aren’t being helped know of our service. Sometimes, people don’t have insurance. Sometimes, there’s a wait list of up to six months to see a therapist. “Even though we don’t provide actual therapy, we’re a great placeholder with our programs and support groups until someone can get to see a therapist.

“When we get calls, we refer them to a therapist, giving them three names at random. But, we understand the wait can be very long. In our support groups, you can find like-minded people going through the same thing. Our group members are so open and welcoming. People have told us, ‘This is like a family I’ve chosen.’ ”

What kind of assistance is provided by NAMI/Pasco?
One group member, wishing to be identified by the initials M.M., said the help has been immeasurable.

“NAMI/Pasco literally saved my life,’’ M.M. wrote in an email.

M.M. wrote about being taken in by the group and finding a quick fit.

“(Proulx) welcomed me and treated me like a family member,’’ M.M. wrote. “I have never felt more like I belonged in my life. … Now we have so many groups on Zoom (and) they are the highlight of my day. For many of us, they are the only reason we get out of bed on most days during COVID. I think that many of us would have a deep slide if not for these groups.

“I honestly can’t say enough good things about them. … They deeply care (and) that can’t be faked.’’

Proulx said she is heartened by the feedback.

“People come to us, get into a group the same day and in a week’s time, they’re a completely different person,’’ Proulx said. “They have hope again. It doesn’t mean they no longer need to be in therapy. It means that they’re safe until they’re able to get together (with a therapist). I’ve had people say, ‘I was thinking of suicide. But after coming here, that’s no longer a thought.’ So obviously, that makes you feel like we’re making a difference.

“My personal goal is to have a building where we can do drop-ins, where we can be immediately available for crisis. We can’t get that done right now — and COVID doesn’t help — but it’s in our future. But, what we are doing now is providing as many different programs as we possibly can.’’

NAMI/Pasco County can be reached by email at  or , or by phone at 727-994-9623.

NAMI/Pasco County offerings:

  • Zoom support groups for those with any mental health condition — Mondays, 3 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 p.m.
  • In-person walk and talk, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 8 a.m.
  • In-person support and friendship, Veterans Memorial in Hudson — Tuesdays, 9 a.m.
  • Zoom support groups for those with a loved one who has a mental health condition — first and third Thursday of every month, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom chat for everyone — Sundays, 6 p.m.
  • Zoom Peer-to-Peer — Free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who want to better understand themselves and their recovery, Saturdays beginning in February, 10 a.m. to noon (registration required).
  • Zoom Family to Family — Free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Saturdays beginning in February, 1 to 3 p.m. (registration required).
  • Basics on Demand — Free, six-session online education for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth age 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms (registration required, start any time).

By Joey Johnston

Published January 20, 2021

Vaccine demand continues to outpace supply

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Complaints about difficulties in registering for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have resulted in changes to those systems, but demand for vaccinations continues to outpace the supply of available vaccines.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough now are using the same registration system for vaccines.

Anyone age 65 and older who needs the COVID-19 vaccination must go to PatientPortalFl.com or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire: Health & Medical (CDR Maguire).

Saint Leo University hosted the first COVID-19 vaccine distribution in East Pasco County on Jan. 15, at its campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Jason Longo/Saint Leo University)

An account with CDR Maguire is required to register for a vaccination appointment.

Those who have created an account with CDR Maguire must log into the patient portal to register for an appointment.

Pasco’s health department announced that it would hold four vaccination clinics this week. Registrations for the clinics began on Jan. 17. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department planned to provide 400 vaccinations on Jan. 19 and 400 on Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Sears Auto Center in the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

There also will be 500 appointments on Jan. 20 and 500 on Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33710 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Those receiving the vaccinations should be sure to have a photo ID, when checking in for your vaccination appointment. If using the online patient portal, be sure to bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email you receive, containing the QR code.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties continue to have a fundamental issue with vaccine supply.

On the Hillsborough website, a health department note says: “Please understand that the vaccine is not widely available in Hillsborough County at this time and the distribution plans depend on vaccine supplies. Supplies are provided by the federal government and distributed to the states, which then allocate them to counties.”

Pasco County Commission members expressed frustrations about the vaccine supply problem at their Jan. 12 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised the issue, noting that Pasco’s health department was supposed to receive 3,500 doses on a particular day.

“They received zero, as we all know,” Moore said to his colleagues.

“Our current population, we’re guesstimating, is 560,000 —  I’m sure when the census comes out it will be closer to 600,000,” Moore said.

About a third of Pasco’s population is over the age of 65, he added.

If the county was to get 1,800 vaccines a week, it would take about 7 ½ years to vaccinate the population in Pasco County. At 3,500, it would take 3 ½ years to vaccinate the population of Pasco County, he said.

Moore said he’d been working on the problem with Dan Biles, county administrator; Andy Fossa, county director of emergency management; and Mike Napier, public health officer for the Department of Health — Pasco County.

Moore then reached out to Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“I was able to get him to send at least 1,000,” Moore said. “While I do appreciate that, that’s not enough.”

Moore said he and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley reached out to State Sen. Danny Burgess, and Burgess was able to secure another 500 vaccines.

“So, we ended up with 1,500 this week,” said Moore, who also expressed gratitude to Senate President Wilton Simpson and Rep. Randy Maggard, for their efforts.

But, Moore expressed his continued frustration about Pasco’s inability to get adequate vaccines.

“Every one of us (county commissioners) are getting the calls and the emails from our constituents. I know that each and every one of you, as well as I do, wish we could do more for them. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing that we can do is ask and beg. I really feel like I was begging yesterday, on behalf of our citizens. We need more vaccines in Pasco County,” Moore said.

Administrator Biles said “to be honest, the entire region is being shorted.”

“At the rate we’re getting it, it’s six-plus months, just to get the over-65 community,” Biles said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said “I’m trying to figure out why we’re getting shorted.”

She suggested sending a letter to the governor and state emergency management director, urging that “vaccines be distributed per capita, in a fair and uniform manner.”

The letter also should go to Senate President Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Starkey suggested.

“Let’s get that letter off immediately and get our fair share,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in: “I think we need to get a federal letter, too.”

Commissioners agreed with Starkey and Mariano’s suggestions, and approved separate motions to send both letters.

For more information on signing up for a vaccination and about the availability of appointments, visit the Pasco health department websites at Pasco.floridahealth.gov and the Hillsborough health department website at Hillsborough.floridahealth.gov.

Vaccines in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that outlines that providers can only administer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • Health care facility residents and staff
  • Those age 65 and older
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact
  • Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Keep wearing your mask
Even if you’ve had two vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s not enough information yet to say when it will stop recommending people to wear masks and to avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While experts learn more, they recommend that people continue to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often

Published January 20, 2021

New technology

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BayCare is utilizing Aiva technology in 2,500 hospital rooms across 14 Tampa Bay area hospitals, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Patients will experience smart rooms that allow them to connect with their care team and control devices, like the TV – all hands-free.

The technology is being deployed at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz before being implemented system-wide by BayCare into other hospitals. BayCare hopes to have the technology in place across its entire system by the end of 2021.

BayCare uses a health care-specific platform known as Aiva to handle patient requests. These requests are immediately sent to the correct support person based on what a patient tells Aiva via an Alexa device installed in their room.

The care team member receives the request on their BayCare iPhone specifically deployed for communications.

The technology was piloted at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and Winter Haven Hospital in 2019, before being put to use at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North late last year.

Patients were highly satisfied with the Aiva technology in surveys during the pilot, said Craig Anderson, BayCare director of innovation, in the release.

Covid-19 vaccine

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this information on “What to Expect after Getting a Covid-19 Vaccine,” on its website, CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Common side effects are: On the arm — pain, swelling; throughout the body — fever, chills, tiredness, headache.

These side effects may affect the person’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

If you have pain or discomfort, talk to a doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

To reduce pain or discomfort in the arm, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and use or exercise the arm. To reduce discomfort from a fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.

Contact your doctor or health care provider if the redness or tenderness increases after 24 hours, or if the side effects are worrisome or do not seem to be going away after a few days.

If you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

For information about the second Covid-19 shot, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

COVID-19 vaccinations in high demand

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As the number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, frustration is mounting among people eager to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

So far, demand for vaccines is outpacing supply in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties — and when tickets are available to receive a vaccine, they are quickly snapped up.

Land O’ Lakes resident Jeff Cordover said he was finally able to get through, and he and his wife, Judy, were able to get their first dose of the vaccine.

Once there, the process went smoothly, Cordover said.

“The wait wasn’t bad. We had a 3 o’clock appointment, and we maybe waited 20 minutes or so,” Cordover said.

But his wife, Judy, said improvements are needed to make it less confusing to register for a vaccine.

“Getting the vaccine wasn’t the problem. The problem was getting into the computer to get the registration to get the vaccine,” she said.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is offering vaccinations by appointment only to those age 65 and older.

Registering for the vaccine must be done through the department’s website.

Those wishing to obtain a vaccine are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates of when new registrations are being accepted. The sign-ups are based on vaccine supplies.

No new registrations were being accepted on the morning of Jan. 11.

Pasco County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Pasco County for their second round — which is 28 days after the first appointment, the website says.

The health department’s current drive-thru vaccination clinic is at Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall, at 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. However, efforts are underway to add a site in East Pasco, according to the health department.

To find out specifics for registering for a vaccine, check the website’s section on frequently asked questions.

Also, keep checking the website to find out if more vaccines have become available and more registrations are being accepted. The website is Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov.

Registration for vaccinations is free.

Pasco health department officials have issued a warning to make sure that people sign up on Eventbrite, using the link from the health department’s website.  Someone has set up a fake account, in an attempt to scam people, the website says.

Hillsborough County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, will begin a second round of COVID-19 vaccinations this week for residents age 65 and older. Hillsborough has allocated 9,000 doses of the vaccine to be administered at three distribution sites from Jan. 13 through Jan. 15.

Appointments will be scheduled online by CDR HealthPro™ portal and by phone on Jan. 12. Residents age 65 and older can only make their appointments during the designated time frame specific to their age group.

Residents can visit HCFLGov.net/vaccine for additional information and updates.

Hillsborough has been using four distribution sites.

The two closest to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are at: Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive in Tampa, and at the University Mall parking lot, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

While vaccination efforts continue, concerns are rising over the increased spread of COVID-19, and the rising number of deaths.

The Washington Post reported last week that the United States had marked another milestone in the pandemic, recording more than 4,000 deaths in a single day. It also reported that research suggested that people who have no symptoms transmit more than half of cases of COVID-19.

CNN, reporting data from Johns Hopkins University, said it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus in 2020; this year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.2 million cases.

While Americans were warned about avoiding indoor gatherings, officials said they did just the opposite during the holidays — gathering with friends or extended family, which has resulted in packed hospitals across the country, according to CNN’s report.

COVID statistics, available as of Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m.

United States: Positive cases – 22,102,069; deaths – 371,084
Florida: Total cases: 1,477,010; including positive residents, 1,450,620; Florida resident deaths, 22,912; non-resident deaths, 349
Pasco County: 24,712 positive residents; 230 positive non-residents; 406 deaths
Hillsborough County: 85,784 positive residents; 725 positive non-residents; 1,121 deaths
Pasco County Schools: 1,067 student cases (13,251 students impacted); 506 staff cases (1,153 employees impacted)
Hillsborough County Schools: 3,341 positive cases, including 1,265 employees and 2,076 students.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Florida Department of Health; Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools.

Published January 13, 2021