Hurricane did not disrupt patient care
TAMPA – Multiple hospitals in the AdventHealth West Florida Division, including AdventHealth Carrollwood and AdventHealth Tampa, experienced minor water intrusion during Hurricane Milton that affected some areas of the facilities.
No patient care was affected and no injuries were reported.
All AdventHealth hospitals and freestanding emergency departments in the Tampa Bay Area, with the exception of AdventHealth North Pinellas, were open and accepting patients.
“We are grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our patients and maintain hospital operations,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “Their commitment exemplifies the strength of our AdventHealth family.”
AdventHealth North Pinellas reopens following hurricane
TARPON SPRINGS – AdventHealth North Pinellas reopened Oct. 11 to serve patients and the community, following a temporary closure of the hospital due to Hurricane Milton.
The hospital evacuated 40 patients to nearby AdventHealth facilities, ensuring their safety during Hurricane Milton. Its emergency department remained open throughout the storm.
“Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of our patients and team members,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our team and the collaboration with state and local partners, we are ready to serve the region and stand ready to support the health care needs of patients as recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton continue.”
VITAS Healthcare expands to Pasco County
PASCO COUNTY – Families in Pasco County can now choose VITAS Healthcare for high-quality hospice services.
This expansion meets the growing demand for compassionate hospice care in the Northern Tampa Bay area.
“At VITAS, we are committed to ensuring that every patient receives the best care possible – individualized care tailored to their values that allows them to live with dignity,” said Jalisha Wynn, general manager for VITAS. “By expanding into Pasco County, we are providing families with a premier choice, backed by decades of expertise and compassion.
VITAS specializes in delivering patient-centered physical, emotional and spiritual care wherever patients reside, whether in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living communities or inpatient settings. Care teams help seriously ill patients focus on comfort and quality of life during their final stages of an advanced illness.
VITAS also offers services designed to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. These services include specialized respiratory therapy, veteran-specific care, pet visits and Memory Bears, which are handcrafted keepsakes made from a loved one’s clothing.
On the web: VITAS.com
Mosquito Control advises of more dengue cases
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District has ramped up efforts in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the emergence of more dengue virus cases.
In response to this public health concern, the Pasco County Mosquito Control District is implementing increased surveillance and control measures in the affected area to reduce the risk and prevent further transmission of the virus.
Key activities include:
- Utilizing both helicopter and truck-mounted treatments to target mosquito larvae and reduce populations before they can reach adulthood.
- Working to mitigate areas of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Helene to prevent further mosquito infestation.
- Deploying resources to hard-to-reach areas affected by unprecedented riverine flooding.
- Educating citizens to protect themselves from mosquitoes by draining standing water, covering skin with clothing or repellent, and covering doors and windows.
Contact the district at 727-376-4568 or visit PascoMosquito.org for details.
SHINE volunteers answer questions about Medicare
PASCO COUNTY – Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
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. SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential.
SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Upcoming programs are as follows:
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. Call 727- 834-3204 for details.
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Call 727-853-1279 for details.
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Genesis Center MOW, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. One-hour appointments will be available following the presentation by calling 813-782-7859.
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. Call 813-929-1214 for details.
- Medicare 101: Nov. 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL 54, Wesley Chapel. Call 813-788-6375 for details.
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. at Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. Call 727-861-3049 for details.
- Medicare Basics: Nov. 28 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576 for details.
Hospital offers breastfeeding support group
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class during November.
Both events are held in classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 12:30 to 2 p.m. Nov. 14.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mom and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14.
Register in advance for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352.
Urgent cares help with health care needs
TAMPA – Dr. Timothy Hendrix, medical director for AdventHealth Centra Care, said urgent care locations across the Tampa area can see an increase in patients with minor injuries suffered during storm clean up and surveying properties for possible damage.
“Historically after a hurricane, it’s going to be puncture wounds, people stepping on nails, roofing nails, debris, cuts and abrasion, all those types of things we would commonly see in an urgent care we’re going to see more of during and after a hurricane.” Hendrix said.
These are the Centra Care and PC+ at Walgreens locations that were open, as of Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Adventhealth Centra Care
- AdventHealth Centra Care Carrollwood, 4001 West Linebaugh Ave., Tampa.
- AdventHealth Centra Care Ocala, 3708 S.W. College Road, Ocala.
- AdventHealth Centra Care Temple Terrace, 5802 E. Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace.
- AdventHealth Centra Care Trinity, 11826 State Road 54, Odessa.
- AdventHealth Centra Care Wesley Chapel, 1127 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
Adventhealth PC+ at Walgreens
- Land O Lakes, 22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes.
- Wesley Chapel, 28115 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
- Spring Hill, 11180 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.
- Bruce B Downs, 17511 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa.
