AdventHealth North Pinellas evacuates ahead of storm
TARPON SPRINGS – AdventHealth North Pinellas decided to evacuate the hospital as Hurricane Milton approached due to the hospital’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and potential impacts from the storm.
Staff began transferring 40 patients to other AdventHealth facilities around 5 p.m. Oct. 7.
“We have been in constant communication with state and local emergency management teams throughout our preparation for the storm,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas. “Given Milton’s projected impact, we are evacuating out of an abundance of caution.”
The AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, located at 34106 US Hwy 19 N. in Palm Harbor, remained open throughout the storm to serve the community’s emergency needs.
AdventHealth gives out pink light bulbs
TAMPA – AdventHealth has been giving away 6,000 pink light bulbs across seven counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness.
AdventHealth will distribute the pink bulbs at a series of “Pink Out” events for the #PinkPorchFL initiative throughout October to encourage women to prioritize breast cancer screenings and early detection.
While picking up their pink light bulb, women ages 40 and older are encouraged to schedule a mammogram at any AdventHealth Care Pavilion location. For women without insurance coverage, AdventHealth offers mammograms for $99.
Visit ScheduleYourMammoToday.com to learn more.
Dr. Rachel Burke, a breast cancer diagnostic radiologist with the Kay Meyer Breast Center at AdventHealth Tampa, says it’s important for women to have regular screenings and speak to their health care provider regarding their family history and breast cancer risk.
“Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Burke said. “Mammograms and health checks are not just appointments; they’re opportunities to safeguard your future.”
Hurricane delays grand openings
RUSKIN –Hurricane Milton delayed health-related openings in the area.
- Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider, postponed an Oct. 8 ribbon cutting for its new location in Ruskin. The practice offers a range of in-person and virtual mental and behavioral health services, including psychiatry, therapy and medication management.
- Saint Leo University postponed the Oct. 10 grand opening celebration of its new nursing floor. The floor will be home to the Bachelor of Science in nursing program.
AdventHealth provided virtual care during storm
TAMPA – AdventHealth Centra Care offered free virtual urgent care for the state of Florida from Oct. 9 to 10.
AdventHealth medical professionals were available to provide virtual consultations and recommended treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs via the AdventHealth app.
People could bypass payment pages with the code MILTON.
Visit AdventHealthVideoVisits.com for details.
Hotline helps Alzheimer’s caregivers
NEW YORK – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America reminded families in areas affected by hurricanes who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses that it AFA Helpline is available for assistance, answers and support.
FA’s Helpline is staffed seven days a week by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care. They can address questions such as:
- How do I answer questions about the hurricane and its consequences?
- How can I keep my loved one feeling safe?
- How do I help them cope with disorientation, stress or anxiety?
- What can I do to help prevent or reduce agitation?
- How do I help my loved one handle disruptions to their daily routine?
- How do I acclimate my loved one to new surroundings after evacuating?
Call 866-232-8484, text 646-586-5283 or web chat at www.alzfdn.org for details.
DOH-Pasco issues alert about beaches, pools
Pasco County – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County advised the public not to enter the water following Hurricane Milton due to the increased risk of water-borne illness.
Heavy winds and rain can negatively impact coastal waters. Excessive amounts of rain and storm surge can increase the levels of harmful bacteria in public beaches. The sources of the bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks, overflowing manholes, and wildlife.
Debris brought onto beaches by storm surge and floodwaters can be hazardous and may carry harmful bacteria. No one should handle debris without proper safety equipment.
Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in coastal waters until bacterial testing shows an acceptable level in accordance with state guidelines. Test results can be accessed at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in any pool until it has been properly cleaned and is fully functional. Public swimming pools need to be approved for opening by DOH-Pasco.
DOH-Pasco offers mold cleanup tips
PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County suggests these post-storm tips for mold cleanup:
- Any items soaked with flood waters that can’t be cleaned or dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.
- Open all doors and windows when removing wet or moldy items to avoid exposure.
- Scrub wet surfaces with detergent and water to remove visible mold.
- Remove visible mold before painting or caulking.
- Never mix bleach with other cleansers or ammonia to avoid health issues.
Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips.
DOH-Pasco offers flood safety tips
PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding.
Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.
DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:
- Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
- Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
- If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
- Residents who sustain lacerations or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.
Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips.
Healthy Kids board approves KidCare aid
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation board of directors approved financial and administrative relief for families impacted by Hurricane Helene.
These relief measures apply to families residing in the 22 Florida counties currently designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance. This included Pasco and Hillsborough counties.
To help families following the storm, the corporation agreed to cover 100% of eligible October monthly payments for November coverage. An additional month of payment relief will be made available to those who contact the Florida KidCare Call Center expressing a need. Members enrolled in both subsidized and full-pay plans are included.
On top of monthly payment support, families with annual renewals scheduled for September or October will have extra time – until Nov. 30 – to complete the renewal process.
Altogether, more than 48,000 children live in the 22 identified counties, representing more than 25% of the total Florida KidCare population (excluding Medicaid). The cost to cover waived October payments is an estimated $2,300,000.
TRICARE authorizes temporary prescription refill waivers
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Defense Health Agency announced TRICARE beneficiaries in 51 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, may receive emergency prescription refills now through Oct. 17 due to Hurricane Milton.
To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.
Beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 to find a network pharmacy.
