The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Making sense of choices available in senior care

By

As a generation of Floridians transition into retirement age, they and their families may have questions regarding what senior care facilities have to offer.

Keystone Place at Terra Bella is providing information to help the public find those answers.

The Land O’ Lakes senior living facility had several open house sessions in January to explain the different levels of care available in senior homes.

Keystone Place at Terra Bella is making efforts to educate the public on the lifestyle of senior care facilities. The Land O’ Lakes center opened in May 2018. (Brian Fernandes)

“In general, we did the topic for what is assisted living; what is memory care; [and] what are the benefits,” explained Arlana Guckenberger, community relations and sales director at Keystone Place.

Many people do not understand the distinctions between different levels of care, she said.

Independent living for seniors refers to elderly people who are self-sufficient and have few or no cognitive impairments.

They tend to be seniors who are on the younger end of the spectrum, and simply don’t want the responsibilities of owning a home, Guckenberger said.

Assisted living facilities cater to residents who are somewhat independent, but have physical limitations that may require help with grooming, dressing or getting around.

There are others who need around-the-clock assistance.

“The memory care community is designed for people with Alzheimer’s [disease] or certain forms of dementia, who being out in a larger population is too much stimulus for them,” Guckenberger said.

While individuals vary, residents with dementia can be agitated by loud noises and other stimuli.

A dining hall is not only a place to eat meals, but to socialize and play games with fellow residents at senior care facilities.

They also are prone to wander off in states of confusion.

In memory care units, residents have free range to move about the community, but for their safety, are secured from leaving the premises.

A physician evaluation can determine the type of residency that works best, Guckenberger said.

Those suffering from cognitive declines may be eligible for assisted living, rather than memory care units, she said.

Others, who are recuperating from severe body trauma, may be placed in skilled nursing facilities, she added.

Admission can be a result of incidents, such as falls or strokes, and are Intended to be short-term.

In some instances, a case manager, along with a physician, may decide that an individual is not able to live alone.

When that occurs, the individual may be referred to an assisted-living facility for long-term care.

Some facilities offer a single type of care, but others, such as Keystone Place, offer independent-living, assisted living and memory care residents.

Helping people to understand the different types and levels of care can help dispel the notion that seniors are stuck in a bed at these facilities, Guckenberger said.

Offering various daily options can help residents remain physically active and agile.

And, besides sharing meals in the dining room, residents congregate for other kinds of gatherings, too.

Movies theaters are one of the amenities that can be found at some senior care living facilities. Keeping residents engaged in daily activities is considered important in senior care circles.

Many facilities have a “Happy Hour” to promote opportunities to enjoy refreshments, listen to music and socialize.

At some senior living facilities, current residents serve as ‘ambassadors’ — welcoming newcomers, showing them around and introducing them to other residents, to help them feel at  home.

Making arts and crafts is another avenue — allowing residents to be productive and showcase their creative works.

At Keystone Place, the warm outdoor pool is a big hit, Guckenberger said, noting, “we’ve found that aqua-fitness is huge.”

There are also field trips, where residents can visit museums, malls or restaurants.

In addition to knowing what types of residencies, care and amenities are available, it’s also important to check into the financial aspects of senior living, Guckenberger said.

At the open houses, Keystone addressed not only insurance plans, but also encouraged seniors to compare expenses related to living at home versus those from living at a senior care facility.

While Medicaid and Social Security may help offset costs, there is still other coverage available – especially for former military.

For instance, there’s an Aid and Assistance benefit available to veterans and their spouses that many are unaware of, Guckenberger said.

Through the Elder Resource Benefits Consulting program, those who have served in the military may be eligible for financial assistance, if they meet certain criteria.

There’s a growing need for these types of living facilities, Guckenberger said.

Keystone Place opened last May, and its independent living section already has a waiting list.

Two upcoming open house sessions are scheduled at Keystone Place, 2200 Livingston Road in Land O’ Lakes, to help people gain a greater understanding of interacting with individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Those sessions are set for Feb. 27 and March 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided and guests are encouraged to RSVP.

Reservations can be made at (813) 388-2121 or online at KeystonePlaceAtTerraBella.com/RSVP.

Published February 13, 2019

‘Facts are facts,’ economic expert says

By

Understanding the economy means having a handle on factual information.

That’s not such an easy thing to achieve in today’s environment.

But John B. Jung Jr., the featured speaker at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon, focused on informing the audience in his talk, “Facts are Stubborn Things.”

Economic expert John B. Jung delivered a talk called ‘Facts are Stubborn Things’ during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel. About 200 people attended. (B.C. Manion)

“We struggle sometimes when we talk about the economy, because we don’t know what the facts are,” said Jung, who is the senior managing director and head of BB&T Capital Markets.

“You turn on your television, and it’s on Fox News, and you walk into your other room and you’ve got another television and you turn it on, and that’s on MSNBC, you don’t think you’re living in the same country,” Jung said.

“It’s really important, when we talk about the economy, that we get down to facts. Facts are facts.

“The U.S. economy is driven by the consumer. Post-World War II, 70 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) has been driven by consumer spending. Right this minute, it’s between 73 and 74 percent.

“When does the consumer spend? The consumer spends when they’re confident,” Jung said.

“When the consumer feels confident, good things happen to the United States economy.”

The county’s workforce stood at 155 million workers before the December jobs report came in, which added 304,000 to that figure, he said.

“People have jobs. Consumer confidence is high. The one thing that’s been holding us back has been wage growth,” he said, but there are some signs that is changing.

On the flip side, “We keep creating all of these jobs; we don’t have workers to fill them.

“This will be really interesting, this tug of growth that we’re seeing, and the supply of workers out there,” Jung said.

The productivity of U.S. workers is one strength of the nation’s economy, he said.

“Average productivity growth, it’s a measure of economic performance, the amount of goods produced, divided by the number of hours to produce them. They’ve gone up 2 percent a year, or 36 percent, since 2000,” he said. “The U.S. worker is the most productive worker in the world.

“We keep growing because we increase people’s skill level, we invest in technology, we invest in process. This is really positive,” he added.

The improvement in worker’s skill levels occurred after World War II, the economic expert said.

In 1937, for instance, only 52 percent finished eighth grade; just 26 percent finished high school; and just a handful received training beyond high school, he said.

Access to energy is another strength in the U.S. economy.

At one point, the U.S. relied heavily on oil imports.

“Now, the U.S. is the largest oil and natural gas producer. North America is energy independent. This all happened in the last decade,” Jung said.

The U.S. enjoys a number of advantages and is performing well, but despite those strengths, there are challenges, he said.

The nation’s debt has ballooned.

The average deficit from 1950 to 2005 was $67 billion; from 2006 to 2018, it was $707 billion, he said.

Taxes have increased, too.

“Since the end of World War II, the federal tax revenue has grown 15 percent faster than the national income. Think about that for a minute. That means you are paying more, as a percent of your income,” he added.

On top of that, the future of the Social Security Trust Fund is on shaky ground.

“We got a problem coming, and we know it,” he said. In 1900, there were 10 people under 18 for every 1 over 65. Today, that number is 1.6 and it will go under 1 in 2042.

“It’s just demographics. We’re living longer, and we’re not having as many children,” he said.

“The Trust Fund is scheduled to run out in 2034.

“This isn’t political. This is just math,” he said.

Student loan debt is another issue, he said.

“There’s 1.5 trillion in student debt in this country and a 10.7 default rate,” Jung said, and because of that debt, it’s affecting people’s ability to buy homes or cars.

Overall, though, Jung offered a positive message to the bankers, real estate professionals, elected officials, government leaders, entrepreneurs, workforce trainers, health care providers and others  in the crowd.

“Think optimistically,” he encouraged. “There’s so much good going on in the U.S. economy and this country. Don’t get yourself caught up in the wars between FOX and MSNBC, and all of the mislabeled stuff that’s out there.”

Published February 13, 2019

San Antonio set to repair water leak

By

The City of San Antonio will take another stab at fixing an ongoing water leak along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The San Antonio City Commission recently approved additional funds to repair a water leak at Pennsylvania Avenue. The work is scheduled for Feb. 25. (Kevin Weiss)

City commissioners approved $10,000 in additional funds with contractors Superior Siteworks and EA Tapping Services. Of that, $6,000 will go for tapping services and $4,000 will go for excavation work.

The action came during a special commission meeting on Feb. 6, and the repairs are scheduled for Feb. 25.

A road closure will be in effect for a portion of Pennsylvania Avenue between Curley Street and Main Street, for the duration of repairs, which are expected to be complete that same day.

City officials anticipate the following dwellings will be without water during the scheduled repairs, and will be placed under a 48-hour boil water notice:

  • Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 27
  • Businesses on Pennsylvania Avenue east of Curley Street
  • A residential home on Curley Street

The total allocation for the water leak project now totals $22,500.

Commissioners initially awarded a $12,500 bid to Superior Siteworks in December.

The contractor attempted to make repairs on Jan. 28.

But, the project’s scope proved larger than anticipated, officials explained, requiring more funds for a water line stop, and, possibly a water valve replacement.

The water leak was first observed by city officials after Thanksgiving Day, according to Will Plazewski, the town’s water clerk.

The cause of the leak isn’t known, but water started flowing out of the valve rise, Plazewski said.

The city presently has barricades set up along Pennsylvania Avenue, roughly between the City Hall building and Poncho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant, blocking off some adjacent parking spaces and a portion of the roadway that was cut out during the first attempt to repair the leak.

“We need to get this fixed; it’s not getting any better,” waterworks commissioner Eric Stallworth said, at the meeting. “We talked about the budget earlier in the fall, and we knew we were going to have to be making some repairs to our water system.”

In other action, the commission issued a request for proposals for trash collection services; the city’s contract with Waste Connections is expiring.

Published February 13, 2019

Matching up employer needs with workforce supply

By

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has launched a three-year pilot program aimed at helping employers meet their workforce needs.

While the program, called the Pasco Talent Pipeline, aims to help employers meet their needs for skilled workers — other desired outcomes will be to improve the prospects for job seekers in Pasco County and bolster the county’s economic development potential.

Turner Arbour is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s workforce development manager. He’s heading up a pilot program that aims to align employer needs with workforce supply. (B.C. Manion)

Turner Arbour, Pasco EDC’s workforce development manager, is leading the effort.

His job involves a lot of listening, a fair amount of talking, and quite a bit of observation and data collection.

The initiative also includes the creation of a website that identifies a clear pipeline to different careers and targeted industries in the county.

The website will result from research and from collaboration between all of the stakeholders, Arbour said. He believes it will be a model for other initiatives in not only in Florida, but across the country, too.

Since assuming his responsibilities, Arbour has spent a good bit of time finding out about the array of organizations in Pasco County that are involved in workforce development.

Those entities include such organizations as AmSkills, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pasco County Schools, Saint Leo University and Goodwill.

He’s building a foundation of knowledge so he can share information about available resources when he discusses workforce needs with employers.

He plans to meet with representatives —industry by industry.

“I want to get a good mix of large employers, and medium and small employers. Their needs are, I’m sure different, but also, they’ll be facing some of the same challenges,” Arbour said.

“That first year is a lot of visitation,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC.

In some cases, Arbour will help the employer tap into existing resources to help meet his needs. In other cases, he’ll discover where gaps exist.

When then are obstacles, Cronin said: “We’ll have to determine: Is it individual to that company? Is it individual to that location? Is it unique to that industry?

“If it’s a Pasco County issue, then we can work together with the players in Pasco County to provide some type of solution,” Cronin said.

If it’s an industrywide problem, helping to figure out or create a solution can help make Pasco County more attractive to that type of industry, Cronin said.

“We can use that solution to recruit other companies,” he said, noting, in a sense, the county can say: “We get you. We understand you.”

As data is collected, it can be analyzed to see if there’s a systemic problem and efforts can begin to try to find solutions.

For instance, the data might reveal there’s a shortage of workers in one industry that might be addressed by workers in another industry who have appropriate transferable skills, Cronin said.

To help create a full picture of industry needs and successes, Arbour welcomes an invitation to visit any business in Pasco County.

“I think it’s important to see the operation and see what they have going on there,” Arbour said.

Cronin added: “They don’t have to wait until they have a problem to call. It would be great to have their input now. That way we can make sure their information is included.”

The county wants to be sure it has a full picture — including plants and companies that are located here, but have their headquarters elsewhere.

“The last thing we want to do is miss part of that data,” Cronin said.

The economic development agency also wants to offer help that has staying power, Cronin added.

Often, there are resources available, but companies need help navigating those resources.

“There’s a tendency in a lot of these groups. ‘Oh, call so and so.’ And that’s it.

“That doesn’t work for us,” Cronin said.

If your business would like to schedule an appointment with Arbour, reach him at (813) 926-0827, ext. 231, or by email at .

Published February 13, 2019

United Way of Pasco plans to expand its reach

By

As he assumes the helm of United Way of Pasco County, Chuck Anderson said he plans to build on the organization’s previous successes.

Anderson became president and CEO of the organization on Jan. 14, succeeding Alice Delgardo, who retired.

Chuck Anderson, the new president and CEO for United Way of Pasco County, plans to expand community outreach in the county. (Brian Fernandes)

He recently moved to the area from Fort Myers, and he’s well aware of Pasco County’s growing population and increasing demand for services.

United Way is already known for its collaborative work, but Anderson wants to expand those efforts.

The United Way recently got involved as an intermediary, to address financial shortfalls two agencies were facing because of the recent federal government shutdown.

The lack of federal money put the continued operation of two nonprofit agencies in jeopardy.

“The county (Pasco County) and United Way (of Pasco) worked collaboratively to put together a pool of funds to keep two of those programs running,” Anderson said.

He understands, personally, the impacts that a federal shutdown can have because his daughter is a federal employee and has dealt with the consequences of not being paid.

One way to help people who are struggling is to assist them with filling out their federal tax forms, he said. United Way has a program that can help people secure their tax refund checks, he said.

“It puts many dollars back in the pockets of people who otherwise would be indigent,” Anderson said.

The Connecticut native holds a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in business — and said that both have served him well throughout his career.

Previously, he taught at Florida Atlantic University and Florida Gulf Coast University.

He also worked for four years at Catholic Charities, a United Way affiliate, serving as a district director and overseeing the organization’s efforts in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.

In that position, he helped to advance food pantries, senior services, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and programs for at-risk youth.

He also is passionate about tackling the problem of human trafficking.

Anderson said he was associated with a program that spanned 10 counties and utilized intensive casework.

“We were able to help people go from [being] unable to care for themselves to becoming independent, self-sufficient and able to function successfully in society,” he said.

Anderson believes that those who have resources need to reach out to those who lack them.

He said his life in public service has been fueled by a belief of the power that comes from engaging with other people.

“I thought the best way to help build positive change in the community was by working in the community,” stated Anderson. “It really is holding out your hand and helping somebody up.”

The United Way leader said he intends to implement this principle in Pasco County.

Published February 13, 2019

Paulie Palooza has a new venue

By

The annual Paulie Palooza will return to liven Downtown Zephyrhills on Feb. 23, but this year, the event has a new venue: Main Street Zephyrhills at 38537 Fifth Ave.

The new location was selected to incorporate downtown businesses into the festival, said Leesa Fryer, event planning specialist at Gulf Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care.

Aside from shopping at vendors, the Paulie Palooza fest in Zephyrhills allows patrons to relax on lawn chairs with refreshments, while listening to musical performances. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care)

The festival, now in its seventh year, will be from noon to 9 p.m.

Guests can enjoy offerings from a variety of vendors, including food, arts, crafts and jewelry. There will be face-painting for kids, too.

And, the Zephyrhills Brewing Company will be there.

Items will be auctioned off, and there will be prize drawings for items that have been donated by local businesses.

Live musical performances will be given throughout the day.

Admission wristbands are available for a $5 donation. Parking is free and pets are allowed.

Visitors are asked to bring their own lawn chairs, as seating is limited.

All proceeds benefit Gulf Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care.

To register as a vendor, purchase a wristband or for additional information, visit GulfSide.org.

Paulie Palooza
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: Feb. 23 from noon to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The festival features vendors, prizes and musical performances.
Info: To register as a vendor, purchase wristbands or for additional information, visit GulfSide.org.

Published February 13, 2019

Pigz in Z’Hlls attracts record crowd

By

The ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival attracted more than 13,000 people, according to event organizers.

Smoke emanates from the grill, as Edwin Alvarez, of Kissimmee, prepares chicken on a stick, which is called Pincho. Alvarez and his boss, Luis Merced, of Largo, prepared food for patrons at the barbecue festival. (File)

Event-goers headed to the festival venue, at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, to enjoy a day of live performances by blues musicians and other bands, and to enjoy barbecue chicken, pork, brisket, ribs and foods offered by other vendors.

Fifty-three teams competed in the professional and backyard categories, with the professional teams having a chance of winning $10,000 in prizes.

Backyard Bro’s took the grand champion honors, while Pig Chika Cow Cow, was the reserve champion.

The backyard division winners were: LaFamigilia BBQ, grand champion; Quid Pro Q, reserve champion; and Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts, third place.

There were also 42 teams, of two people each, that vied for $500 in prize money  in the event’s inaugural cornhole competition.

Efforts have already begun to prepare for next year’s event, slated for Jan. 18, 2020.

Published February 13, 2019

Architect selected for $48 million technical education center

By

The Pasco County School Board has selected Hepner Architects Inc., to provide architectural services for the design of the new east-central Pasco technical center the district plans to build.

The facility, which has a construction budget of $48 million, is planned for the northeast corner of Handcart Road and Fairview Heights Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Hepner’s fee includes architectural design, civil engineering, structural engineering and other services for a total fixed basic fee of $2,880,000.

The agreement also includes not to exceed confirmed additional services allowances in the amount of $403,570, and a not to exceed reimbursable allowance $30,000.

Hepner was selected from a short list of three architectural firms that the school board approved in November, and it was ranked No. 1 during the interview process.

The center will be designed for 900 students in grades nine through 12, although the district may opt to incorporate post-secondary programs, according to documents included with the board’s agenda item.

The center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

Published February 13, 2019

Saint Leo instructor competes on Jeopardy

By

Frank Orlando, a political science instructor at Saint Leo University, has wanted to compete on Jeopardy ever since he was a little boy — and last month, his episode aired.

It all began by passing the contestant exam in March, then proceeding to the in-person interview in Tampa in May. After that, he was included in the potential contestant pool.

“At the end of October, I got a call from Los Angeles. They said, ‘Come on out, at the end of November. I said, “OK, I’ll be there,” he recalled.

Frank Orlando during his appearance on Jeopardy. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Being on the show was exciting, and sharing the experience with about 60 faculty, staff and students during a watch party at Saint Leo University was fun, said Orlando, who teaches undergraduate students and directs the Saint Leo Polling Institute.

The experience on the national quiz show was similar to what he expected.

In Jeopardy, contestants compete in three rounds, Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy and Final Jeopardy. They receive five clues in six categories, which are assigned dollar values based on perceived difficulty.

Each contestant has a signaling device, which they use to buzz in to attempt a response, which  must be made in the form of a question.

Orlando said he has always enjoyed trivia.

“I played Quiz Bowl growing up. I was the captain of our Quiz Bowl team,” he said, plus there’s a faculty trivia team from Saint Leo that plays together. He also has fond memories of watching Jeopardy with his grandparents.

So for him, it was a sweet moment, indeed, when he heard the announcer say: “This is Jeopardy” during filming.

The handheld signaling device, however, was not quite as thrilling, he said.

Frank Orlando leans forward as people cheer at a watch party in his honor at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Saint Leo, Mike Williams)

“The buzzer is really a tough thing to get the timing down on. You can’t buzz in when you know the answer, you have to buzz in when the question is finished being read. There’s a person who manually opens up the buzzer system,” he said, and lights go on, which the players can see.

“You read the question as fast as you can. You try to figure out the answer. And then you kind of wait for these lights to turn on (indicating that the buzzer has been activated).

“Early on, I got a couple right in a row and I felt good about buzzing in, and then I think the other players got in a better rhythm,” he said.

During his appearance, Orlando wore a blue suit, with a blue tie and a light blue shirt.

He would have preferred wearing a green suit, to signify Saint Leo University and his undergraduate school, Michigan State University. But, green didn’t mesh with the set, so he couldn’t wear that.

He prepared for the show by checking what he already knew.

“I went through a lot of old archives of questions. I coded them for different categories: literature, music, television, sports,” he said.

He felt confident about history, geography, political science, sports and music, so he focused on the categories of literature and art — primarily from around the time of the Renaissance.

His studies paid off on a question in the category World through Literature.

The clue was: “Nadine Gordimer’s final novel, 2012’s “No Time Like the Present,” is the story of an interracial couple in this country.”

Orlando’s response to the clue was: “What is South Africa?”

He was also fortunate in another category called “Italian on vacation.”

“My family is Italian. That really helped me out,” he said.

But, he even though he focused on the arts and literature — it didn’t help him in Final Jeopardy.

The question was in the category of Contemporary Art, not one of Orlando’s strengths.

Still, he wasn’t entirely disappointed.

“One of my main goals was to at least make it to Final Jeopardy, and I accomplished that,” he said.

Published February 06, 2019

$75 million hospital expansion expected to open in 2020

By

Motorists driving near St. Joseph’s Hospital-North may wonder why there’s a massive crane towering over the medical center.

The answer’s simple: The hospital is undergoing a $75 million expansion that will double its capacity and will support additional services.

An aerial view of the $75 million construction expansion underway at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. This photograph was captured by a drone. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Construction crews already have built four additional operating suites in shelled spaces that were included during the original construction, and the work continues on a two-floor expansion.

“We recently celebrated our topping out, which is tradition in the construction world when that final beam of steel goes up,” said Sara Dodds, operations director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

Each of the new floors in the hospital will have 54 patient rooms, Dodds said.

The expansion is expected to be finished and ready for use in early 2020, roughly a decade after the hospital opened , at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

Enlarging the facility was always part of the long-term plan, but area growth prompted the work to be done sooner than originally expected, Dodds said.

And, population growth continues within the hospital’s primary service area, which is within a 5-mile radius.

Between 2018 and 2023, the expected growth within that area is about 7.5 percent, which is more than double the 3.5 expected growth rate of the United States during that period.

Sara Dodds, the operations director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, is overseeing an expansion that aims to address needs in an area that’s growing at twice the pace of the rest of the United States. (B.C. Manion)

Plus, more than 25 percent of that growth is expected to be people who are 65 and older, and 11.4 percent is ages 55 to 64, age groups which tend to have a greater need for health care services, Dodds said.

The expansion aims to respond to those growing needs.

“We’re doubling our inpatient bed capacity. So, currently we have 108 beds, and we’ll be going to 216 beds,” she said.

Other elements of the expansion include adding to the hospital’s intensive care unit, its progressive care units, and its area for physical and respiratory therapy.

The hospital also will have a dedicated hemodialysis unit, enabling it to expand its outpatient infusions.

When the expansion is completed and the patient rooms are full, the hospital expects to add around 200 positions, including clinical staff and support services.

Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, the competition of the project will roughly coincide with the hospital’s 10-year anniversary.

At the time of its opening, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was the first new hospital that had been built in Hillsborough County for 30 years. Before that, area residents had to drive for miles to get to the nearest hospital.

In another change, the hospital installed metal detectors in November.

“I often get the question: Did something happen? The answer is no. It’s just our organization’s commitment to add another layer of safety for our patients, our team, our physicians, our visitors,” Dodds said.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North
By the numbers – 2018
Discharges: 8081 (Inpatient only); 16,498 (discharges with observation patients)
Births: 429
Total Surgeries: 3,953
Total Endoscopies: 3,345
Total Cardiac Catheterizations: 790
Emergency Department Visits: 41,316
Team Members: 809

Published February 06, 2019