Substance abuse treatment center opens
TAMPA – Hillsborough County and Phoenix House Florida have unveiled a first-of-its-kind recovery center for those struggling with substance abuse or behavioral health issues.
The Orient Wellness Center, located at 1800 Orient Road, will offer 75 beds for men and 10 for women. Services will include individualized treatment planning, group counseling, life-skills development, health education, family support services, recreational therapy and case management focused on long-term recovery.
Patients must be enrolled in Hillsborough County’s Health Care Plan, which provides primary and specialty health care at no cost to those who qualify. Many of the patients are expected to be residents who enter treatment immediately after being released from jail. A major goal of the center is to help former inmates or at-risk residents successfully transition to their new life, reducing chances they re-offend and are incarcerated again.
The center is expected to draw patients from other sources as well. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Feb. 2. Most patients will remain with the program for 90 to 120 days.
Hospital to host panel on heart health
LUTZ – Lutz’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is hosting a free Follow Your Heart panel discussion during Heart Month.
The interactive event will feature an interventional cardiologist and other cardiac experts. They discuss topics that include keeping your heart healthy and new advances in cardiac treatment options. A light lunch will be provided for attendees.
The event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 in the hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz. The event is free but the hospital asks you to register.
Register by calling 855-269-4777 or by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Feb. 9 event listing.
Hospital offers support for new moms
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person breastfeeding support groups and newborn care classes during February.
Events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your child. The events will be held in classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Dates and times: Feb. 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Dates and times: Feb. 5 and 19, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt. Or, register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending.
Get answers on Medicare in February
- PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs:
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare 101: Feb. 4 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
- Medicare 101: Feb. 18, 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Medicare 101: Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Medicare Fraud & Prevention Presentation: Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Quick Hits
- The Wesley Chapel Outpatient Care Center was scheduled to celebrate its one-year anniversary Jan. 28 at All Children’s Specialty Physicians in Lutz.
- The Orlando Magic honored pediatric and adolescent mental health providers from AdventHealth for Children during its Jan. 24 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The night highlighted AdventHealth’s “You Good?” mental health campaign.
- AdventHealth leaders and team members joined with community leaders Jan. 21 to break ground on a new medical tower at AdventHealth Sebring. The expansion adds more than 100,000 square feet of new clinical space.
