Twin pulmonologists work for AdventHealth
LAKE WALES – Twin sisters Valeria and Daniela Trelles have joined AdventHealth’s network, bringing their pulmonology and critical care expertise to Polk County.
Originally from Cuenca, Ecuador, the sisters were inspired to become physicians by their community’s deep respect for doctors. After advanced training in Florida, they opened a clinic in Lake Wales to help patients with COPD, asthma and other respiratory issues.
“We really want to be the friend or part of the family that these patients need,” Dr. Daniela said.
Opioid task force seeks new member
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Opioid Task Force is seeking applications from experts and citizens to fill a vacancy.
The non-paid, volunteer advisory board recommends expenditures of the opioid funds and identifies strategies being utilized to respond to the opioid epidemic in Pasco County.
Requirements to apply include the following:
- Be a subject-matter expert in public health or addiction
- Be retired
- Be nominated by the county administrator
- Be appointed by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners
Apply at mypas.co/AdvisoryApplication
On the web: mypas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees
Grant supports opioid recovery, workforce development
TAMPA – CareerSource Tampa Bay has received a Fostering Opioid Recovery Grant to help individuals affected by substance use disorder rebuild their lives through job training and career services.
The program offers on-the-job training, occupational skills courses and supportive resources for long-term employment. It also assists those pursuing careers in addiction recovery, mental health, emergency response and public safety.
“Through this grant, we can provide meaningful employment, specialized training and the support needed for long-term success,” said Saleema Bennett, director of programs.
Interested participants can complete a pre-screening form at CareerSourceTampaBay.com.
License plate revenue supports autism programs
SUNRISE – The Autism Services Council announced it is awarding $158,000 in grants to 18 nonprofits across Florida, bringing direct services to 2,500 individuals with autism and related disabilities.
Funding for the grants comes from sales and renewals of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate.
Programs the grants will fund include:
- Arts4All Florida, Tampa – upgraded iPads essential for its Animation Gets Real summer camp, where teens with autism build artistic, creative and social skills through animation and digital music.
- Spectrum Sailing, Sarasota – free three-day sailing camps in Sarasota that use sailing instruction to help autistic youth build confidence, teamwork and social skills in an inclusive outdoor setting.
- Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa – Art on the Spectrum, a monthly sensory-friendly museum program that offers neurodiverse families inclusive access to the arts through tailored experiences and resources.
Hospital reaches stroke milestone
HUDSON – HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has performed more than 700 stroke thrombectomies since launching its stroke care program in 2019.
The procedure removes clots from the brain’s blood vessels, restoring blood flow and preventing long-term disability.
“Our stroke team works with precision and urgency because we know that time is brain,” said Erin Rona, interventional radiology supervisor.
CEO Sally Seymour called the milestone “a testament to extraordinary skill, dedication and teamwork.”
The hospital’s focus on rapid response and continuous improvement continues to deliver life-saving results for stroke patients across the region.
Challenge coins promote mental health
- PETERSBURG – On World Mental Health Day, St. Petersburg Police officers received custom challenge coins designed to reduce stigma and encourage conversations about mental health in law enforcement.
Created by graduates of St. Petersburg College’s Applied Mental Health Certificate program for first responders, the coins read “First to Respond, Last to Ask for Help” and link to mental health resources via QR code.
“They represent connection, courage and compassion,” said Detective Rachel Hunter of the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Funded by the Pepin Family Foundation, the initiative aims to inspire officers across Tampa Bay to view seeking help as strength, not weakness.
