Remembering those lost to addiction
The Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Next Level Church hosted a NOPE Candlelight Vigil, to remember those who were lost to or suffer from substance abuse. The event included exhibits of local resources, a wall of pictures to memorialize those lost, a performance of the National Anthem and guest speakers. More than 200 people attended to grieve and show support for one another, and community members of all ages lit candles to remember those lost to drug overdose. ASAP is a community coalition dedicated to reducing rates of substance used disorders by creating and implementing community-wide strategies. For information, visit PascoASAP.com.
Gus Bilirakis is Legislator of the Year
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County honored U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis for his work in Congress to help reform the nation’s mental health system and improve access to care for those suffering from mental illness.
Bilirakis was presented with the group’s “Legislator of the Year” award.
For more information, visit Bilirakis.house.gov, and click on the Media link.
Support cancer research
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will feature the Moffitt Cancer Center as its nonprofit charity for the month of November.
Customers with registration renewals may choose to trade their regular license plate for the Moffitt Cancer Center specialty tag, or customer may purchase the tag for newly registered vehicles or buy tag vouchers to give as gifts.
The proceeds from the tag promotion will go to Moffitt to support research and clinical trials.
The tax offices also will accept cash donations.
For office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.
Health insurance assistance
Bayfront Health Dade City is once again offering free assistance during open enrollment, through Jan. 31, to help compare plans and fill out applications on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Appointments can be made with the hospital’s certified assistants by calling (352) 521-1552, or booked online at GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector.
Premier Clinic gets grant
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced more than $87 million in funding for 1,2310 health centers in every United States state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Pacific Basin.
Premier Community Healthcare Group, a community health center in Pasco County, will receive $78,014 in funding, part of more than $4 million the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded to 46 health centers in Florida.
The funding will help the health center improve interaction electronically with patients, specifically to upgrade its IT technology, which will enhance the ability to improve workflow.
