Report highlights state’s opioid challenges
TAMPA – A new report from Mental Health America shows progress in the fight against opioids but underscores urgent challenges facing Florida.
MHA commissioned the study, “The State of Opioid Overdose and Response in the U.S. 2025.” The report shows that while overdose deaths fell 27% nationwide between 2023 and 2024, Florida ranked just 38th in its public health response.
The lack of response is reflected in more than 1.2 million Floridians who needed treatment for substance use in 2024 but did not receive it.
“Florida has some of the strongest recovery residence networks in the nation,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives, an MHA affiliate. “But too many people still fall through the cracks when it comes to prevention and access to care. We must turn those gaps into opportunities for change.”
On the web: tampabaythrives.org
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.
Hospital donates CPR kit to school
DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida and the American Heart Association donated a CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kit to Davenport High School.
The kit trains 10 to 20 people at once using manikins, kneel mats and DVDs.
“We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association to provide this kit to Davenport High School to help train the next generation of lifesavers,” AdventHealth Polk Market President and CEO Tim Clark said. “Knowing how to properly perform CPR and use an AED can help empower these young people to know what to do in an emergency and potentially save someone’s life.”
BayCare makes PEOPLE list
CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System ranked No. 17 nationally on the 2025 PEOPLE Companies that Care list. It is BayCare’s fifth time on the list and the highest-ranked health care system in the U.S. this year.
“BayCare’s 33,000-plus team members are our greatest asset. Every day, they deliver compassionate care within our hospital walls and throughout the communities of West Central Florida to improve the health of all we serve,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “I’m grateful to each and every team member who contributes to BayCare’s extraordinary culture and to the exceptional care and outreach that made it possible for us to be named to this list.”
AdventHealth opens Pulmonology and Critical Care office
LAKE WALES – AdventHealth opened a new Pulmonology and Critical Care office Aug. 27 at 1255 State Road 60 E., Suite 300.
Dr. Daniela Trelles and Dr. Valeria Trelles will treat patients with respiratory and critical care needs. The office has four exam rooms and offers procedures such as EKGs and spirometry.
“We are delighted to be part of this community and to have the opportunity to help guide patients through their conditions toward a better quality of life,” Daniela Trelles said.
Valeria Trelles added: “We strive to provide patients with clear, understandable information about their conditions and treatment options, empowering them to manage their health and make informed decisions.”
