The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Deadly COVID-19 virus poses challenges on all fronts

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Florida has joined the ranks of states across the nation that have issued Stay-at-Home orders in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day Stay-At-Home executive order effective April 3.

His action came just days before U.S. Surgeon Gen. Dr. Jerome Adams warned the nation that “this is going to be the hardest and the saddest week of most Americans’ lives. This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment. Only it’s not going to be localized, it’s going to be happening all over the country,” Adams said to Chris Wallace, during a Fox News program over the weekend.

The death toll from the COVID-19 virus continues to rise.

As of the afternoon of April 6, there were 330,891 cases in the United States and 8,910 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Statewide, there are 13,324 confirmed cases, including 399 non-residents; and, 236 deaths.

In Pasco County, there have been 110 cases, including four non-residents. There have been 22 hospitalizations and two deaths.

In Hillsborough County, there were a total of 571 cases, include 15 non-residents. There have been 86 hospitalizations and five deaths.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC has consistently recommended that people maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others, and to stay at home as much as possible.

Recently, it changed its guidance regarding masks. Before, it recommended masks only for those who were sick to ensure an adequate supply for hospital staff.

Now, the CDC recommends “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

Meanwhile, at the local level, governments are responding to the economic and medical threats posed by the deadly virus.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore organized a virtual meeting on March 31 with regional leaders from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the cities of Tampa and Clearwater to discuss how the region can respond to the unprecedented challenges being posed by COVID-19.

The meeting didn’t yield any immediate solutions, but the leaders shared information about issues such as hospital capacity, availability of medical supplies and concerns about economic impacts from COVID-19.

Moore asked regional leaders for their thoughts about transporting patients to other counties, if the need arose.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor responded, “I think it would probably be more beneficial just to make sure that you have that overflow capacity, just in your particular area.”

Other regional leaders agreed.

Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard said his primary interest would be in working together regionally to figure out a way to share best practices, so individual governments don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

While Moore was reaching out regionally, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey arranged a virtual Town Hall meeting featuring panelists including Summer Robertson representing U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, and Shahra Lambert representing Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried. Others on the panel included Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and representatives for several county offices.

During the town hall, the speakers gave overviews on issues such as the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus package; the school system’s current status; and, a variety of services that are available — or unavailable — at this time.

Commissioner Starkey offered words of encouragement.

“It is such an unusual time. I know when I talk to my fellow workers in government that we have never been busier. I cannot keep my phone charged,” Starkey said.

She added: “It certainly is a challenging time for all of us, but there will be an end to it, and we’ll be able to get back out and enjoy our beautiful county.”

Practical Information

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended foreclosure and eviction enforcing laws for 45 days to provide temporary relief to Floridians.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation has waived fares and increased frequency of buses on the busiest routes — U.S. 19, State Road 54 and U.S. 301, to provide financial relief for those in need and increased services for workers who need to get to grocery stores, hospitals and other essential services for their jobs.
  • Pasco County parks and playgrounds are closed, so residents are encouraged to find ways to exercise in their neighborhoods — while practicing social distancing.
  • Some stores are opening an hour early on some days a week, to give those age 65 and older a chance to shop for essential items. Check store websites for more information.
  • The deadline for paying federal taxes has been delayed until July 15. Go to the IRS website for more details.
  • Pasco County senior centers for congregate meals and social activities are temporarily closed, but there are drive-thru and delivery services available.
  • School campuses are closed, but school districts are providing “to go” bags for children 18 and younger. To find out more details, visit local school district websites.

Recreational options

  • Suncoast Trail is open. Suitable for biking, walking and rollerblading. It is 42 miles long, including 22 miles in Pasco County.
  • Starkey Boulevard Trail and Starkey Gap Trail are open; Pinellas Trail as of last week was still open. Trails next to U.S. 301 and State Road 56 also are open.

Please be prepared for no public access to restrooms or water fountains.

Please maintain social distancing.

Avoid bicycling in packs.

Do not use trails if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.

Published April 08, 2020

Health News 04/08/2020

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New appointments

Dr. Rosario Tucci

• Access Health Care Physicians appointed Dr. Rosario Tucci, primary care physician, to its staff. Dr. Tucci received her medical degree from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina de San Fernando, Lima, Peru. She completed her medical internship at Hospital del Maestro in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

She also is fluent in both her native Spanish and English, and conversationally skilled in American Sign Language.

Dr. Tucci will practice in Hudson and can be reached at (727) 378-8503.

• North Tampa Behavioral Health’s newly appointed leadership started at the facility last December:

Clint Hauger, CEO, has more than five years of experience as a behavioral health executive, and spent the last five years as the CEO of Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health in Charleston, South Carolina.

Lorenzo Rivera, director of human resources, previously served as the manager of human resources at Belmont Behavioral Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has more than eight years of experience as a human resources professional in behavioral health care.

Dr. Joseph Pino

• Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has appointed Dr. Joseph Pino has program director for hospice and palliative care, and as site director for geriatrics in the hospital’s Graduate Medical Education Program.

Dr. Pino has served the community since 1984, first as a practicing physician. He is board certified in family medicine, geriatrics, and hospice and palliative medicine.

In December 2013, he became the first chief medical officer at Bayonet Point, a position he has had until now.

 

Organ donations
LifeLink of Florida provided a record number of organs for transplant (756 organs transplanted in 2019) because of the generosity of 262 organ donors and their families. This marks the most organ donors facilitated by LifeLink of Florida during a year, with nearly a 7% increase over last year, according to a LifeLink news release.

LifeLink of Florida credits the support of donor families, the forethought of individuals who chose to join their state donor registry, continuously improved processes, staff commitment to excellence, strong hospital relationships and education, and community partnerships and public education.

Coping with uncertainties

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As concerns ratchet up regarding the health and economic threats posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a licensed mental health counselor from Wesley Chapel offers some suggestions to help cope with the additional pressures.

“People’s lives go through various ups and downs, and the same is true of our human existence.

“The world also goes through up and downs,” said Shabana Churruca, a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional at Wiregrass Counseling.

The COVID-19 pandemic will result in difficulties and loss of lives, but Churruca said, “the thing that we have to remember is that we are going to get to the other side of this.”

She also offered strategies that may prove useful during this uncertain time. Here are some of her suggestions:

• Focus on the things we can do.
“What’s happening is that we are sort of in this global place of feeling this angst, and this feeling of being completely out of control. That is often time what brings on anxiety.”

To counter that, find things you can control.

“Sort through the drawers. Clean out the pantry. Do some things that you’ve been putting off doing.”

• Stay connected with others.
Even during a time of “social distancing,” we can still reach out to the others.

“We’re kind of going to have to reinvent the way we do things.

“We have to figure out, ‘How can I still stay connected to people that are important to me?’

Social gatherings may be out, but virtual gatherings aren’t.

“We have to maybe think outside the box for ourselves,” she said.

• Focus on the present moment.
“Anxiety and depression will kind of put us in this state where we’re living in the past or living in the future. What we want to do is stay in the right now,” she said.

“The best way to do that is just by really paying attention to your senses.

“If you open up your senses — what am I seeing? What am I feeling, touching, tasting? When you open up your senses, it allows you to stay in the present moment.”

• If you have extra time, take advantage of it.
Maybe now is the time to start a meditation or prayer practice. Or, perhaps to learn a new language, pick up a new hobby, do some crafts, play games with your family, take online courses, and so on.

• Raise your vibration.
Negative thinking lowers our vibrations. Positive actions raise them. So, if you’re a negative space, put on some music you enjoy — and don’t just listen, sing.

“You’re engaging more of your brain by actually singing,” the mental health expert said.

“It really does have the quality of changing how you feel,” she adding, noting that music also can transport us to a different time and place.

In a nutshell, do things that make you feel good — whether that’s listening to music, exercising, cooking, painting, gardening or some other pursuit.

• Take one thing at a time.
“What’s the most important thing you have to deal with right now?”

Do that. Then do the next thing. Just keep working through your list of priorities.

• Take care of yourself.
You may not be able to control whether your job will end or not, but you can eat nutritious foods, go for walks, drink lots of water and do what you can to maintain your health.

• Ask for help.
If you need help, ask for it. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.

Published April 1, 2020

Numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, deaths climb

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The numbers keep climbing.

There were a total of 140,904 cases and a total of 2,405 deaths as of the evening of March 30, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported cases.

“The United States nationally is in the acceleration phase of the pandemic,” the CDC reports.

The CDC said the cases include imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of a known cases and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown.

Most U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19, the CDC adds.

Florida had a total of 5,704 cases, including 215 non-Florida residents, as of the most recent data available on the morning of March 31 from the Florida Department of Health, the lead agency addressing the health crisis.

The department also reported that 715 had been hospitalized, and 71 had died.

Locally there were 272 cases, including 265 residents and seven non-residents in Hillsborough County. Forty-five have been hospitalized and two have died.

In Pasco County, there were 38 cases, including one non-resident. Seven have been hospitalized and two have died.

Published April 1, 2020

Hospital visitation limited, elective surgeries canceled

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Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors and canceling elective surgeries, as they ramp up preparations to treat increasing cases of people infected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

As of 11 a.m. on March 23, The Florida Department of Health reported 1,096 confirmed cases of Florida residents and 75 cases of non-Florida residents, for a total of 1,171.

Of those, 73 involved Hillsborough cases and 13 cases in Pasco.

Statewide, there have been 14 deaths.

In response to the evolving threat, BayCare Health System, AdventHealth West Florida Division, and HCA Healthcare West Florida have announced changes in their visitation policies.

BayCare Health System said its changes would take effect on March 21.

“Only in certain, specific instances, will visitors be allowed into facilities,” according to a BayCare news release, issued on March 20.

“We regret this is necessary, but for the protection of our patients, team members, physicians and our community, it is imperative that we limit the number of people in our facilities,” said Dr. Nishant Anand, chief medical officer for BayCare Health System.

“The few visitors who will be allowed into hospitals will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, the disease resulting from novel coronavirus. Those who are deemed a risk will be restricted from entering the facility and may be referred to an Emergency Department.”

Visitors may still be allowed, if approved by the hospital administrator on duty, in these circumstances:

  • Inpatient: Labor and delivery, postpartum, pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care
  • End of life situations
  • Behavioral Health Unit
  • Emergency Room: Waiting room only
  • Outpatient procedures: Waiting room only when accompanying a patient receiving sedation

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and Morton B. Plant North Bay in New Port Richey are BayCare hospitals within or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

AdventHealth hospitals in and near The Laker/Lutz coverage area are AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

“This is an unprecedented time in health care, and our priority is to keep our patients, team members and ultimately our greater community safe, while we continue to treat those who need our care,” Mike Schultz, president and CEO, of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said in a news release.

Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors. To be sure you have the latest information, check the website.

Before allowing a visitor to enter, according to a news release, HCA Healthcare West Florida said its staff will be asking these questions:

  • Have you had a fever and signs/symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath)?
  • Have you traveled outside the country within the last 14 days (including a cruise)?
  • Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 without wearing the proper protective equipment?
  • Are you currently being tested for COVID-19?

If a potential visitor answers yes to any question, he or she will not be allowed to enter the facility, except to seek emergency medical assistance.

Medical Center of Trinity and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point are both HCA Healthcare West Florida hospitals.

On another front, hospitals are holding off on elective surgeries, as per an order by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

AdventHealth West Florida Division announced in a March 20 news release, that it will immediately:

  • Postpone all inpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone outpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone all outpatient procedures in diagnostic centers that are not time-sensitive

“AdventHealth will provide surgery only to patients whose needs are imminently life-threatening, with malignance that could progress, or with active symptoms that require urgent and immediate care” the release says. “This decision allows us to further plan for the increased need for hospital beds, resources, and advocate for patient and team safety.”

Similar policies are in effect at other hospitals in the region.

Also, efforts continue to expand testing for COVID-19.

BayCare Health System, which initially operated seven testing sites, announced it had screened more than 6,100 people and collected specimens for testing from nearly 3,500 during five days of testing.

The hospital chain recently announced that on March 23 it would be consolidating its COVID-19 test collection sites to high volume locations and to provide geographic access.

It now is operating its testing sites at one location each in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

The Hillsborough location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 3440 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa. The Pasco location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 4821 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey.

BayCare is concentrating on using its limited test supplies to identify patients who have the virus. Patients should be referred by a physician and should have current symptoms — cough, fever, shortness of breath — and meet other criteria recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a BayCare news release.

Patients should bring documentation from a physician that they have been referred for testing.

Tips for helping to prevent COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Keep frequently touched surfaces and objects clean.

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published March 25, 2020

Health News 03/25/2020

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(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Nurse recognition
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point awarded registered nurse James Riley as the February DAISY award winner. Riley is a nurse on the 2 Central Unit and was recognized by several patients for the care he provided them. The patients praised Riley for making a lasting impact, and for taking time out of his busy day to just sit and listen, and talk to them. The DAISY winner receives a Healer’s touch sculpture, cinnamon rolls for the whole team, and a DAISY pin. Riley, center, stands with hospital officials and members of his unit with the award.

Premier Healthcare updates
Premier Community Healthcare’s health centers will remain open at this time, but all events have been postponed, and there will be limited contact based on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for social distancing.

Premier is limiting its waiting room capacity to five persons. After checking in, patients will be asked to wait in their vehicle until a nurse calls the patient to be seen.

All Premier locations will be closed on March 27 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will reopen for business at 10 a.m.

As per the recommendation of the American Dental Association, Premier’s dental centers will provide emergency dental services only, if you or your child is experiencing oral pain. This will remain in effect until April 6, at which time a re-evaluation will take place for updates.

Protect against Medicare fraud
Every year, many seniors are targeted by scammers who want to steal Medicare numbers to do things like rack up fake health care charges and commit identity theft.

A webpage with information for Medicare beneficiaries related to COVID-19 can be found at Medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.

According to a news release from the Department of Elder Affairs, Medicare covers these related needs:

  • Lab tests for COVID-19. Patient pays no out-of-pocket costs.
  • All medically necessary hospitalizations, which includes if patient is diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged, but instead a hospital quarantine is necessary
  • If a vaccine becomes available, it will be covered by Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).

A Medicare Advantage Plan gives access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Always check with your plan on coverage and costs.

Medicare also covers virtual check-ins to connect with a doctor by phone or video, or even an online patient portal, to determine the need for an in-office visit.

To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, keep these points in mind:

  • DO protect our Medicare number and treat your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.
  • DO review your Medicare claims for errors and problems, including fake charges, double billing or other fraudulent activity, waste or abuse.
  • DO visit Medicare.gov/fraud to learn more about protecting yourself.
  • DON’T give your Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.

For questions or more information, visit ElderAffairs.org, or call (850) 414-2000.

Donate to CARES
In an effort to expand CARES (Community Aging & Retirement Services) outreach during this ever-developing pandemic, Jemith Rosa, president and CEO, is asking for monetary donations.

According to a news release, the organization reports that due to the crisis, many seniors will face a loss of socialization and will turn to CARES as a lifeline for quality of life, and critical information.

As a result, the organization is in need of food, nonperishable items, medications and more, as it foresees an inevitable increase in demand from seniors.

With seniors self-isolating to stop the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), CARES will need additional funds to operate the telephone assurance program. The program makes weekly phone calls to home-bound seniors to provide comforting conversation and verification of the senior’s well-being.

The telephone program is looking to expand to help get critical information to the senior population.

Donations can be sent to CARES, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, Hudson, FL 34667, Attn: COVID-19, or online at CARESfl.org.

For information, call Melissa Mathe at (727) 862-9291, ext. 2046.

Coronavirus info line launched
AdventHealth has launched a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), including the opportunity to speak with a nurse, as appropriate.

According to a March 20 news release, the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line, (877)-VIRUSHQ, is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

It serves as a one-stop shop to connect Floridians with resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health.

The phone line is not intended to replace a physician-patient relationship. Nurses can answer general medical questions and will refer the caller to the appropriate next steps.

AdventHealth is hoping this service also will offload nonclinical call volumes from health care offices.

AdventHealth also has launched CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com, so consumers can get answers to top COVID-19 questions.

Coronavirus poses dangers, disrupts daily life

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This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. (Courtesy of the CDC)

The ever-evolving threat posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has forced schools across Florida to shut down, blocked visitors from nursing homes, caused wide-ranging travel and event cancellations, and stripped grocery aisles — especially of toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Locally, parents of students in the Pasco and Hillsborough county school districts are bracing to prepare for an extended state-ordered spring break.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also closed schools and early childhood centers through March 20. The diocese already had scheduled March 16 and March 17 as days off for students. Virtual learning will be conducted March 16 through March 20, according to a Diocese news release.

The additional school closures have left thousands of families scrambling to arrange child care, although the impact may be lessened to some degree as many companies are asking workers to work at home, if possible.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic; President Donald Trump has declared a national state of emergency. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state emergency, and Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared local states of emergency.

As of the morning of March 16, there had been four deaths reported in Florida linked to COVID-19, according to the Florida Health Department, which is the lead agency responding to the threat.

The health department also reported 684 negative test results and 514 pending tests. Also, there were 442 people being monitored for the virus and 1,573 had been monitored.

Health officials are trying to limit the spread of the virus — to avoid overloading hospitals — by urging people to avoid large crowds and wash their hands frequently.

The virus can spread person to person, through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets may land on objects and surfaces.

Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surface, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath — and may appear as early as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure.

Most people recover from COVID-19 without requiring special treatment, but people with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk.

Impacts from the virus are being felt from Wall Street to Main Street. The stock market has plunged repeatedly, and local businesses are losing revenues because of the uncertainty created by the pandemic.

Huge events have been cancelled or postponed.

On the local front, cancellations include:

  • The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Land O’ Lakes Music Festival, March 21
  • Dog Days in Dade City, March 21
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce/Pasco-Hernando State College Distinguished Women’s Leadership Breakfast, March 24
  • The fourth annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Pasco/New Tampa), March 28
  • The Taste of North Tampa Bay, March 29
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership breakfast, April 7
  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon, April 8
  • All SCORE chapters across the country have suspended in-person events, including mentoring sessions and workshops, until further notice.

Attractions also have temporarily ceased operations, including Disney World and a number of regional venues. They include:

  • ZooTampa, through March 29.
  • Tampa Museum of Art, through March 29
  • The Glazer Children’s Museum, through March 29
  • Henry B. Plant Museum, through March 29
  • The Florida Aquarium, through March 29
  • The Museum of Science and Industry, through March 29
  • Tampa Theatre, through March 31

The Knights of Columbus, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, have cancelled until further notice, their meetings, their Lenten Fish Frys, their doughnuts on Sunday and soccer, both games and concessions.

The Savage Race, which was set for March 14 and March 15, at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, was postponed.

And, a Spring Market Day, planned for March 21 at the Old Lutz School, was cancelled because vendors were concerned about setting up, because of the threat of COVID-19.

Both the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and North Tampa Chamber have announced they would be holding off on varied activities, pending future decisions, in light of the evolving nature of the coronavirus threat.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has been keeping parents and staff informed about the district’s response to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 threat through a series of videos posted on the district’s website.

“I know that everyone remains concerned about the possibility of an outbreak,” Browning said, and the district is taking steps to attempt to limit the spread.

It also has conducted a brief phone survey to evaluate its capacity to provide distance learning, the superintendent said, noting the district needs to be prepared.

The district also has announced a plan to provide meals to students at seven designated sites, beginning on March 23. The food will be offered on a drive-thru basis at specific sites. The pre-packaged meals are for children under 18 years old and will include lunch as well as breakfast for the next day. Information about the program can be obtained by going to the school district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, and click on the coronavirus information link.

Impacts also are being felt by colleges.

Schools within the state’s university system were instructed to make plans to transition to remote instruction as soon as possible.

Saint Leo University suspended classes for its university campus students, in St. Leo, from March 16 to March 20, to allow its faculty to prepare to deliver all classes online beginning March 23, according to a university news release.

All residential students are being asked to return to their permanent residence following spring break, rather than returning to campus and to remain at home during this period of online instruction.

The university also has suspended all fall and winter sports, indefinitely. And, is canceling all large, group events.

The virus is affecting churches, too.

Concerns about potential spread of the virus also prompted the Diocese of St. Petersburg to take these steps, effective March 12, until further notice:

  • End the distribution of communal wine from a common cup
  • Remove Holy Water fonts, including the baptismal font
  • Avoid physical contact, including during the Sign of Peace

Bishop Gregory Parkes also granted dispensation from Sunday Mass in the Saint Petersburg Diocese through the end of March, to those wishing to avoid large gatherings.

Prevent the spread
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Source: Florida Department of Health

For the latest updates on COVID-19, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Published March 18, 2020

Health News 03/18/2020

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Pharmacy waives delivery fees
CVS Health has issued a statement that it is taking additional steps to address the coronavirus disease-19 outbreak and to protect patient access to medication.

Starting immediately, CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications.

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will now offer 90-day maintenance medication prescriptions for insured and Medicare members, and is working with state governments to make the same option available to Medicaid members where allowable. Self-funded plan sponsors also will be able to offer this option.

Aetna will waive early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications for all members with pharmacy benefits administered through CVS Caremark.

And, Caremark is working with all clients to waive early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications.

The fee waiver is in addition to Aetna’s ensurance that all diagnostic testing and telemedicine visits will be available with no co-pay.

Coronavirus info line launched
AdventHealth has launched a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), including the opportunity to speak with a nurse, as appropriate.

According to a March 20 news release, the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line, (877)-VIRUSHQ, is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

It serves as a one-stop shop to connect Floridians with resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health.

The phone line is not intended to replace a physician-patient relationship. Nurses can answer general medical questions and will refer the caller to the appropriate next steps.

AdventHealth is hoping this service also will offload nonclinical call volumes from health care offices.

AdventHealth also has launched CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com, so consumers can get answers to top COVID-19 questions.

Therapy dog helps address mental illness

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has added a therapy dog to expand its efforts to better serve the needs of people facing significant mental health and substance abuse issues.

The therapy dog is the newest member of a Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT) the law enforcement agency established last year.

The team’s primary task is to keep tabs on individuals who have been held involuntarily in a mental health treatment facility for up to 72 hours, through a state law known as the Baker Act.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Det. Pedro Leos with new animal assisted therapy dog K9 Charlie. Charlie will be used with the agency’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team to provide a calming presence to those that may be experiencing a mental health crisis. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

They focus on approximately 500 people who are Baker Act repeats — through a proactive approach that includes frequent visitations, welfare checks, expedited behavioral health resources and criminal justice diversion programs.

Now, K9 Charlie, a 1-year-old pitbull-mix, has joined the team, to aid and comfort those who are struggling.

Charlie came to the local law enforcement agency by way of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s Paws and Stripes program.

That program trains dogs from local animal shelters, preparing them to become PTSD dogs,  therapy dogs, and child victim advocate dogs.

Charlie was rescued from the streets in October.

The new animal assisted therapy dog program strives to better “build a connection” between law enforcement and the mental health community, said Cpt. Toni Roach, who oversees the 15-member BHIT, which includes a captain, two sergeants and 12 detectives.

Charlie helps “to comfort and ease some anxiety and build that stress relief,” when the sheriff’s office comes knocking on the door for visitations and welfare checks, Roach explained.

“Law enforcement and people with mental illness, there’s that stigma that we’re there to take them into custody or arrest them for a crime,” Roach said.

But, Charlie’s calming presence for someone facing a mental health crisis could break the ice, Roach said. And, that can help to open lines of communications, so responders can get to the root of problems and identify ways to resolve them.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT) recently added animal assisted therapy dog Charlie to the team. Charlie is partnered with BHIT Det. Pedro Leos, and aims to provide a calming presence for those that may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

An individual struggling with addiction may be referred to outpatient substance abuse treatment, for instance. Or, someone undergoing financial struggles may be referred to Pasco County Human Services and the county’s homeless coalition.

Roach said the idea is to help bridge the gap for services and shorten the time it takes to receive them.

A therapy dog can help in that process, she said.

Charlie’s handler, Det. Pedro Leos, agrees.

Leos said the therapy dog was needed to “better help me make contact with those people in need, break down those barriers between law enforcement and the community, and open up conversation.”

Leos has been with the sheriff’s office in 2014. He said he joined the BHIT “because there’s a stigma with mental illness and I want to break that cycle.

“I want to be there to help people in need, and give them the resources they need to have a better quality of life in order to continue on with their daily activities,” the detective said.

When approached a few months ago to become a therapy dog handler, Leos, who loves pets, said he “was all for it.”

Leos noted there was an immediate connection between him and Charlie during the eight-week Paws and Stripes training program.

“When I met him, I absolutely loved him,” Leos said. “It was like we clicked. He listened to me. We started doing obedience training, and he was awesome. It was just one of those things where we both bonded very quickly.”

The detective said every time he puts on his uniform — a black polo and green spruce pants — Charlie knows it’s time to go to work “and help people in the community.”

Though still a young canine, Charlie has already settled into his role, Leos said.

The detective described Charlie’s demeanor this way: “He’s awesome with kids, awesome with people, awesome with the community. He loves hugs and he loves kisses. He loves to make people happy, and he knows that’s his main goal, to make people happy. He understands it, and he’s out there doing what he needs to do, to help fulfill this desire to help people in need.”

The sheriff’s office plans to add additional therapy dogs at some point, so that at least one can be available seven days a week, officials say.

Published March 11, 2020

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North expands

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has completed a $75 million expansion, and began welcoming patients to its more spacious facility this week.

The project doubled the hospital’s capacity — increasing it from 108 beds to 216 beds. The hospital also has upped its intensive care unit beds from 12 to 24. And, has more room to deliver services, accommodate visitors and enhance employee work areas.

Sara Dodds, the director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, has worked at the Lutz hospital since its inception. She has been the point person on the $75 million expansion, which doubled the hospital’s capacity. The expansion is opening this week. (B.C. Manion)

Sara Dodds, the hospital’s director of operations, provided a walk-through tour of the addition to The Laker/Lutz News last week, before it opened for patients.

The expansion will allow the hospital to respond to the area’s fast-paced growth, Dodds said.

“There’s definitely a need. There’s so many new homes going up around us.

“We’ve been overcapacity for quite some time,” she said.

The hospital’s primary market is within 5 miles, and its secondary market is within 10 miles.

“The growth going on in our primary and secondary service areas is much faster than the rest of Florida and the rest of the country,” Dodds said.

In designing its expansion, the hospital sought feedback from its existing staff and incorporated their ideas into the design, she said.

For instance, Dodds said, “We got feedback from the staff that our waiting rooms weren’t very open, and inviting for guests.”

The new waiting rooms feature comfortable furniture, artwork and a flat-screen TV.

Patient rooms also provide accommodations for patients when they’re out of their beds, and offer a place where family member can rest through the night.

Also, at intervals in the hospital’s corridors, there are respite areas.

Dodds explained: “A lot of time we might ask a visitor to step out, while we’re doing something for the patient. Instead of them having to stand out in the hallway, or go walk to another location, we added benches.”

The recently wrapped-up project also includes technology to help patients.

There’s a “Get Well Network,” which allows patients to watch health videos, learn about their medications and so on. “That is all integrated with their medical record,” Dodds said.

The hospital also uses technology that automatically displays the name and title of hospital staff entering a patient’s room on the television screen.

That system is integrated with the hospital’s call light system, so “as long as a nurse or a tech or another member of that clinical care team is in the room, there’s a specific color light that’s illuminated outside the room,” Dodds said.

The hospital also uses a technology that allows care team members to secure-message physicians and anyone they might need to take care of a patient.

Some of the approximately 100 St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members who have been with the hospital since it opened on Feb. 15, 2010. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

“It’s definitely enhanced communications, on behalf of the patient,” she said.

The expansion also includes a dedicated hemodialysis suite, which can accommodate up to four patients at a time.

It has a larger space for physical therapy, too, to help patients prepare to return home after treatment.

The hospital’s clinical engineering department now has a larger workspace, where staff can ensure the hospital’s equipment is up-to-date and can do required preventative maintenance work.

The design keeps function, in mind.

In the progressive care area, for instance, a nurse can sit at a station, with windows on both sides. The nurse can slide open the blinds, to observe two patient rooms, without having to enter the rooms.

The hospital also is using technology to help manage its inventory.

“Historically, someone from materials management would have to come in each day, or more than once a day, and have to count everything that was in the bin (material container), so they knew what to reorder.

“Now, with this new technology, there’s a scale built into every one of those bins, they can see it on a computer system, so they know, remotely, what needs to be reordered,” Dodds said.

The technology improves efficiency.

“We did hire a lot of new staff for the expansion, but this is one area where we did not have to because of the innovation,” Dodds said.

The hospital also has more classrooms now, which are used to keep staff up to date on the latest information, to provide training on new equipment and to accommodate orientations. They’re also available for classes to help staff members meet continuing education requirements.

With a larger facility, more employees will be needed.

Dodds expects the hospital to need 200 additional employees, when the expansion is operating at full capacity.

She’s been working there since its inception and is excited about the facility’s future.

Apparently, she’s not the only one who enjoys working there.

“We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary,” she said. “We have close to 100 team members that were here when the hospital opened that are still here now.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North
The $75 million expansion:

  • Doubled number of hospital beds, from 108 to 216
  • Doubled intensive care unit beds, from 12 to 24
  • Added two new floors
  • Added a new infusion center, allowing treatment for up to 15 patients at one time
  • Doubled number of operating suites, from four to eight

Hospital statistics, 2019

  • 404 births
  • 4,467 outpatient surgeries
  • 42,869 emergency room visits
  • 463,414 lab tests

Hospital statistics, 2010-2019

  • 6, 944 cardiac procedures
  • 380,061 emergency room visits
  • 61,137 admissions
  • 31,300 surgeries
  • 3,923 babies delivered

Service providers

  • 188 physicians with hospital privileges in 2010; more than 350 in 2020
  • 476 team members in 2010; 820 in 2020

Published March 11, 2020