AdventHealth adds ambulance for mothers, children
TAMPA – AdventHealth has added a specialized ambulance to transport mothers, newborns and children who need advanced medical care across West Florida.
The ambulance began service in late September and can transport a mother and newborn together when they need a higher level of care.
“This new ambulance strengthens our ability to care for some of the most vulnerable patients in our community,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “When a newborn or child needs specialized care, every moment counts. This investment allows our teams to respond quickly while providing the advanced medical support families need during critical moments.”
The vehicle is equipped with a neonatal incubator, advanced monitoring equipment and pediatric transport technology, allowing medical teams to continue providing care while transferring patients between AdventHealth hospitals.
The ambulance was funded entirely through donations to AdventHealth Foundation West Florida.
Arena opens mom and baby room
TAMPA – AdventHealth and the Tampa Bay Lightning have introduced a newly refurbished mom and baby room at Benchmark International Arena.
The space features a private nursing room and lounge-style area, where parents can feed, care for and spend time with their babies while continuing to watch the game on television.
“As the Tampa Bay Lightning’s official health and wellness partner, AdventHealth is excited to support a space that helps mothers and caregivers feel cared for, comfortable and included,” said Nate Harvey, senior manager of strategic partnerships for AdventHealth.
GTE Financial supports Tampa General Hospital Foundation
TAMPA – GTE Financial selected Tampa General Hospital Foundation as its Charity of the Month for September.
The foundation supports Tampa General Hospital through donations that fund patient care, medical research, education and other programs.
Throughout September, GTE Financial employees participated in fundraising, volunteer opportunities and community engagement to support the foundation. Community members were also able to contribute.
“Tampa General Hospital plays an incredibly important role in the health and well-being of our region,” said Ashley Watson, chief of staff to president and CEO. “We are proud to support the foundation and the work it makes possible for patients and families across Tampa Bay.”
Charity walk celebrates recovery
NEW PORT RICHEY – Alliance for Healthy Communities and The Hope Shot hosted the annual Stronger Together Recovery Walk on Sept. 19 at Sims Park.
The event celebrated the power of recovery, promotes hope and brings the community together to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
“Recovery is possible, and no one should have to walk that journey alone,” said Kellie Rodriguez, executive director of Alliance for Healthy Communities. “The Stronger Together Recovery Walk is about hope, healing and reminding our community that recovery belongs to everyone. Together, we can break down stigma, celebrate resilience and create pathways to support.”
On the web: empoweredcommunities.org
BayCare highlights growth in annual physician report
CLEARWATER – BayCare Health System has released its 2025 Physician and Provider Annual Report, highlighting growth in medical education, clinical programs and access to care across West Central Florida.
The report, titled “Vital Impact,” details BayCare’s academic expansion, collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, development of its 17th hospital in Manatee County and investments in research, technology and integrated care.
BayCare expanded graduate medical education to 18 residency programs and three fellowship programs, training nearly 300 residents. Eleven eligible acute-care hospitals also received “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, according to the report.
BayCare Medical Group added 258 providers in 2025 and recorded more than 2.5 million annual patient visits.
The report also notes that BayCare achieved a 100% Match Day rate across its sponsored graduate medical education programs in 2025 and 2026.
Read the report at baycareproviders.org.
Hillsborough extends emergency over dengue activity
TAMPA – Hillsborough County has extended its state of local emergency through Oct. 8 as officials work to control mosquito populations and protect residents from dengue fever.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed the extension Oct. 1. The emergency declaration allows county officials to take expedited actions and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.
Mosquito Management crews have increased aerial and ground treatments after county surveillance detected dengue virus activity in mosquitoes in multiple neighborhoods.
The county is working with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County on education and mosquito treatment in affected areas. Residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Call Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services at 813-635-5400 for details.
Men’s Health Huddle coming to Tampa Nov. 14
TAMPA – The nonprofit iCare About Me Inc. will host the Men’s Health Huddle, an event focused on preventive care, health screenings and education.
The event, presented in association with Cox Media Group and AdventHealth, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at the AdventHealth Training Center, 1 Buccaneer Place.
The program will feature discussions about annual physicals, screenings, cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. Onsite health testing, a Mini Combine and Kids Zone are also planned.
Former NFL players Derrick Brooks, James Harrell, Jerry Bell and Rogerick Green are expected to attend.
On the web: Menshealthhuddle.com
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support groups, classes
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in November on breastfeeding, newborn and infant care, and grandparenting.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: Provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from peers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, Nov. 5 and 19.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to expectant mothers and an optional 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 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.
- Grandparenting Class: Includes a discussion about the latest recommendations in newborn and infant care from the grandparenting perspective. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to expectant mothers and an optional support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, and 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24.
The events are free, but St. Joseph’s Hospital-North requests advance registration. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scroll to the appropriate group or class. Register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.
The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.
Quick Hits
- Saddlebrook Resort hosts a Wellness Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel.
