Hospital needs volunteers
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills needs volunteers to help its staff and doctors provide services. Volunteer positions cover a variety of disciplines, helping participants build unique skills and gain experience in a state-of-the-art health care facility.
Volunteer areas include clerical/administrative services escorting, kitchen duties, gift shop and patient services.
Time commitments begin at one four-hour shift per week, and volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.
Those interested can pick up an application at the hospital’s volunteer office or main desk, or go online to FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills/volunteer.
For information, call (813) 779-6256.
Ombudsman advocates needed
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Hillsborough County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
Training and certification are provided, and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.
Candidates need to:
- enjoy working with seniors and those with disabilities
- plan to volunteer 20 hours a month
- pass a background check (paid for by the program)
- complete certification training
- communicate well
- attend a monthly meeting
Those interested in becoming an ombudsman, can visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com, or call (888) 831-0404.
Free neuropathy clinic
A free, volunteer-run clinic is open for the education and support of people who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.
CARE TampaBay provides education and support in the following areas: coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management. The clinic is available by appointment only, and is now taking appointments for May and June.
For more information and appointments, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .
Strength & balance class
The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, will host the “Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance Class” on Wednesdays, at 9 a.m. and Fridays, at 10:30 a.m.
These are low-impact classes for men and women to help improve flexibility and balance, which may help prevent falls, broken hips and other injuries. Strength exercises may include lifting handheld weights, using tubing, and your own body resistance and core muscles.
The classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 per session ($30 per calendar month) for non-members.
For information, contact Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984 or .
Oak Hill appoints chief medical officer
Oak Hill Hospital has appointed Dr. Edward P. Nast as its chief medical officer. Nast comes to Oak Hill from Arnot Health in Elmira, New York, where he served as chief of the department of surgery. He also practiced cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
Nast is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his medical degree from the University of Maryland.
Center for veterans
The Pasco County Vet Center, 5139 Deer Park Drive in New Port Richey, provides counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, and resources for benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.
The center is open Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some Saturday appointments are available.
All services are confidential and provided at no cost to the veteran and family members.
To learn more, or to schedule a tour of the facility, call (727) 372-1854.
Information is also available at www.vetcenter.va.gov.
Lutz Nar-Anon family group
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. The 12-step program offers shared experiences, strength and hope.
The Lutz Nar-Anon group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.
For information on the program, visit NarAnonFl.org, or call the help line at (888) 947-8885.
