A potentially life-saving class
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club took the opportunity to participate in a CPR class sponsored by AdventHealth. Two community outreach AdventHealth staff members presented an informative video, while citing the statistics of saving lives using the “hands-only” CPR method, followed by a hands-on demonstration. AdventHealth generously provided practice mannequins to each member, as well as an instructional video, to teach and share with friends and families. This was an important class to prepare for should an emergency situation arise within one’s own home or in public, and could be lifesaving. Here, woman’s club member Barbara Booth practices her technique on a mannequin.
Narcan kits available
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits, according to a press release.
This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.
Naloxone is available to people who use drugs; people with a history of drug use; others at risk of experiencing an overdose; and friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.
“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, health officer for DOH-Pasco, in the release.
“Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combating this growing problem,” said Napier.
Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of its administration to the person who has overdosed.
The medication can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not meant to substitute professional medical care.
Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.
Persons requesting a kit must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
- Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose
The Naloxone kits can be obtained at these health department clinics (no appointment necessary):
- Dade City Clinic, 33845 15th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54. Monday and Friday only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those using Naloxone will receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.
For more information, call 727-619-0300, Option 1.
The Lighthouse receives grant
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) received a grant from the Suncoast Credit Union to help babies who are visually impaired learn the adapted skills needed to meet their unique developmental milestones, according to a news release.
“Every child deserves a fulfilling educational experience and we want to do what we can to make that a reality. Developing life skills is so important, as they are a fundamental part of life,” said Cindy Helton, executive director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, in the release.
“Supporting LVIB is a natural fit for Suncoast, as we both share the similar goal of promoting the education, health, and well-being of children in our communities,” said Helton.
Since its inception in 1990, the Suncoast Foundation has raised and donated more than $36 million to help provide a better future for the children of the community.
Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, 2 cents is donated to the foundation to support local initiates, like LVIB.
For more information on The Lighthouse, visit LVIB.org/programs/childrens-program.
