Pasco Fire Rescue launches health program
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue introduced its new Mobile Integrated Health Program, an initiative delivering compassionate, proactive healthcare directly to patients who need it most.
The MIH team, embedded in Pasco County Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction unit, is made up of highly trained paramedics and healthcare professionals who specialize in in-home care, health education and helping patients navigate local resources.
“By focusing on prevention and personalized support, the MIH team helps ease the burden on emergency services while empowering individuals to take control of their health journey,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “It’s about improving outcomes and enhancing lives – a perfect example of our commitment to caring beyond the call.”
Whether it’s chronic disease management, post-hospital follow-ups or helping someone connect with the right support, the Mobile Integrated Health Program is designed to reduce emergency calls and limit repeat hospital visits by meeting people where they are physically and emotionally.
Castor: Kennedy has got to go
TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL‑14) called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign, citing a serious threat to America’s public health due to failed leadership and dangerous policies.
“Secretary Kennedy’s complete disregard for facts and basic science has disqualified him from leading the nation’s health agency,” Castor said Aug. 28. “His outright destruction of lifesaving medical research and purge of America’s leading health experts will cost lives.”
Dismantling public health infrastructure, was among reasons she named. Specifically, she said Kennedy enacted massive layoffs across HHS, firing nearly 25% of the department’s workforce and trying to eliminate agencies illegally without congressional approval.
Get answers on Medicare
- 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 Basics programs:
- Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. 727-834-3204.
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.
Busy parents can take free childbirth class
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class designed for busy parents-to-be who want a presentation that covers the basics.
The free class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 in a hospital classroom.
The hospital’s RN-certified childbirth educators will teach new parents about labor and birth and provide an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms, and new NICU.
Register by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the Sept. 27 class listing. Call 855-314-8352 and press the “2” at the prompt to register by phone.
Support groups help breastfeeding moms
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in September about breastfeeding and newborn care.
The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered Sept. 11 and 25, 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. Offered Sept. 11, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother 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 Sept. 25, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
