Help shape Pasco’s behavioral health future
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Opioid Task Force is partnering with the University of South Florida’s Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice to kick off a Behavioral Health System Capacity and Gap Analysis Study.
The study takes a closer look at how well local behavioral health services are meeting community needs, exploring what services exist, how people access them and where challenges make it harder to get support.
The University of South Florida will lead three listening sessions to gather insight from the community. These conversations will inform planning efforts to build a more responsive, coordinated and effective behavioral health system.
Sessions will be held:
- March 24, 3-5 p.m., Pasco County Utilities Administration Building (Cotee Room), 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
- March 31, 6-8 p.m., Zephyrhills City Hall (Council Chambers), 5335 8th St., Zephyrhills.
- April 2, 6-8 p.m., Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (Egret Room), 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa.
HEALTHY BRAINS Act to spur research
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act.
The legislation is designed to strengthen research into environmental risk factors, including toxicant exposure, associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of disease and holds the promise of more effective treatments and ultimately, cures,” Bilirakis said. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, we are investing in research that will help scientists better understand the environmental factors that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. I am optimistic that this work will lead to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans suffering from these devastating conditions.”
Bilirakis reintroduces Medicare act
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and others reintroduced the Promoting Fairness for Medicare Providers Act to protect seniors’ access to timely, affordable, high-quality care under Medicare.
Reimbursement differences between office-based settings and ambulatory surgical centers can unintentionally limit where certain procedures are offered. These disparities are particularly significant for services that require high-cost medical supplies. When these services become financially unsustainable in community-based settings, seniors may face fewer local options, longer travel distances and delays in receiving needed care.
The act works to correct these inequities by aligning Medicare payment rates for certain procedures with high supply costs across care settings. The legislation also includes safeguards to limit excessive out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries and ensures that participating facilities meet strong safety and quality standards.
Get answers on Medicare in March
- 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: March 19, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: March 21, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare Basics: March 26, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Medicare Basics: April 2, 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Medicare Financial Assistance: April 9, 10 a.m. at Genesis Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. 813-782-7859
- Medicare Basics: April 16, 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: April 18, 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare Basics: April 23, 10:30 a.m. at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Medicare 101: April 4, noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
- Medicare 101: April 15, 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Medicare 101: April 15, 1 p.m., at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
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.
