Tampa Bay residents can get free medical resources
TAMPA – Pioneer Medical Foundation hopes to bridge the gap some residents across Tampa Bay face when it comes to access to medical care and critical community resources.
The nonprofit will host its fifth annual Community Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Water Works Park, 1701 N. Highland Ave., Tampa.
Physicians, volunteers and community partners will provide medical attention, social support and resources.
“We design this gathering around the needs we see in our community,” said Ano Kashumba, executive director of Pioneer Medical Foundation. “From preventive medical screenings to clothing and job support, the event is a one-stop opportunity for people to take their next step with confidence.”
Since its inception, the Community Health Fair has served more than 1,000 people who might not otherwise have access to care.
Last year, nearly 200 community members received dental extractions, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, warm meals and follow-up treatment. One participant’s mammogram revealed a potential health concern and was quickly connected to lifesaving care.
“From day one, Pioneer Medical Foundation has been guided by a simple principle: high-quality health care should be accessible to everyone and strong communities are built when no one is left behind,” said Dr. S. Ifran Ali, president and CEO of Pioneer Medical Group. “The Community Health Fair is a tangible expression of that mission, bringing together volunteers, physicians and partners to remove barriers and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The initiative expands its offerings with lung cancer screenings in partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and on-site mammograms through AdventHealth.
Pasco County Fire Rescue pioneers life-saving care
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Fire Rescue is launching its new Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program beginning Dec. 17.
The groundbreaking initiative brings life-saving blood directly to patients before they ever reach the hospital.
Pasco County Fire Rescue is one of only two fire departments in the Tampa Bay area providing this advanced level of care. Specially trained critical care team members will carry blood supplies and respond directly to trauma scenes when a transfusion is needed.
“Administering blood right at the scene means patients get critical care at the very moment they need it most,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “This program marks a major step forward in trauma care for our community.”
Severe blood loss is one of the most dangerous complications in trauma emergencies, accounting for nearly 40% of trauma-related deaths.
Follow Pasco County Fire Rescue on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn about upcoming blood drives.
On the web: mypas.co/FireRescue
Hospital offers breastfeeding support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.
Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 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. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register for the free events 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. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
Get answers on Medicare
ST. 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:
- Jan. 7 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508
- Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279
- Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
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.
