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Alcoholics Anonymous

Summit addresses mental health challenges

February 27, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

Filed Under: Health, Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Alcoholics Anonymous, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), Doug Zipperer, Eddie Williams, Garrett Potts, Imam Hassan Sultan, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, John Mitten, mental health, Moffitt Cancer Center, Muslim Connection, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, Pasco Aware, Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Reach Ministries, Ryan Morris, Shady Hills United Methodist Church, Taiwan Simmons, Take Stock in Children, University of South Florida, Wesley Chapel

Seeking answers in the opioid battle

April 11, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis wants all voices to be heard in the quest to combat the nation’s opioid crisis.

The congressman met with the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) on March 27 to discuss the issue and listen to reactions to proposed federal legislation related to the opioid crisis.

The public meeting, held at the community center at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, attracted dozens of people who are interested in the issue.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recently met with the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), to discuss and solicit feedback on federal bills related to the opioid crisis. The House Health Subcommittee has heard 26 bills as a starting point related to opioid legislation that will be rolled into one large bill to be passed out of the House by the end of May. (File)

It piggybacked off a similar ASAP meeting in August, where Bilirakis provided an update on federal efforts to combat opioid abuse.

So far, the House Health Subcommittee has heard 26 bills as a starting point related to opioid legislation that will be rolled into one large bill to be passed out of the House by the end of May.

The bipartisan bill, CARA 2.0 Act, builds on the original Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act by providing $4 billion in additional resources for opioid prevention and treatment.

The funding was earmarked as part of President Donald Trump’s $1.3 trillion long-term spending bill, which passed March 23.

Throughout the 90-minute session, ASAP members shared personal stories and presented ideas to help solve the opioid crisis.

Opioid overdoses accounted for more than 42,000 deaths in 2016, more than any previous year on record, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An estimated 40 percent of those deaths involved a prescription opioid, the agency says.

Members of ASAP, including Beth Piecora, advocated for additional peer support specialist programs. In this type of program, people who have significant personal experience with struggles pertaining to mental health, psychological trauma or substance abuse provide support to people who are currently struggling with those types of issues.

Piecora, a representative for Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, said federal dollars are needed to train and employ an increased number of those peer specialists.

Peers often can be instrumental in leading someone to pursue treatment, Piecora said.

She also suggested background check screenings be eased when hiring such specialists. “Some folks that have that lived experience sometimes have those certain things on their record,” she explained.

Others mentioned Narcan — a life-saving emergency opioid treatment — should become more readily available for addicts and their families.

The medication is the first and only FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, which helps blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing.

Besides enhancing distribution efforts, ASAP members said Narcan should be subsidized for consumers, particularly those uninsured. Without a prescription, the medication can cost more than $130.

One speaker even suggested requiring doctors to provide Narcan as part of prescribed pain medications.

While grant programs are available to receive free Narcan through nonprofits, barriers still remain in getting quick, easy access, ASAP coordinator Monica Rousseau said.

“You can access Narcan for free, but it usually involves a lot of paperwork…and it’s kind of obscure. It’s also very difficult to get it in a moment when you have people struggling,” she said.

Crisis needs to be attacked on many fronts
Meanwhile, Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Art Rowand inquired about creating a policy to allow law enforcement to place addicts into treatment, without arrests.

The law enforcement officer said such a measure could help eliminate the cycle of drug abuse, and cut down on overdoses and deaths.

“Basically, the only thing we have to take care of the situation…is to arrest them,” Rowand said.

Some ASAP members stressed that Bilirakis and other policymakers continue to address comprehensive addiction issues, including alcoholism.

“Opioid is now the new kind of thing, and everybody’s aware of it, but I don’t want to leave out treatment for alcoholism,” said Dena Lynch, who spoke on behalf of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“It goes hand in hand, and there’s a lot of people using drugs that also drink, so I think you can’t disregard that as far as treatments. A lot of people in all walks of life have alcohol problems, and it’s really easy to focus on opioids.”

Other suggestions included:

  • Additional measures to help juveniles with addiction treatment
  • More impactful opioid and drug education in schools for younger-aged children
  • New educational opportunities for parents of drug addicts
  • Additional ‘sober living’ houses that also are affordable
  • An increased number of child and adolescent psychiatrists
  • Improved access for psychological services and treatment for the LGBTQ community
  • Mandatory needle exchanges
  • Additional faith community nursing programs

Bilirakis said he wants to schedule a discussion next month with a handful of stakeholders, to continue to brainstorm about possible legislation related to fighting addiction.

Addressing the audience, the congressman said, “We can get your voice heard up there and really get these things into law, but we’ve got to find out what works.”

He continued: “You can throw all the money in the world at something, but if you don’t do it right and it’s not effective, then it doesn’t do anybody any good.”

Published April 11, 2018

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: Alcoholics Anonymous, Art Rowand, ASAP, Beth Piecora, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, Dena Lynch, Donald Trump, Gus Bilirakis, Land O' Lakes Heritage Park, Monica Rousseau, Naloxone, Narcan, opioids, Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Harvester creates opportunities to develop children’s faith

December 4, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Harvester United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes recently had two celebrations to mark the beginning of a new era there.

The first was an open house. The second: A consecration service to bless the church’s expanded space.

Harvester has come a long way since it began 18 years ago in temporary quarters at Denham Oaks Elementary School. Within six years, the church found a permanent home at 2432 Collier Parkway, and is now made up of about 225 families, with members coming primarily from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa and Wesley Chapel.

Lilly Miller is enjoying herself during a celebration at Harvester United Methodist Church. The church has doubled its size, which will enable it to offer Bible lessons more specifically tailored to children of different ages. (Courtesy of Harvester United Methodist Church)
Lilly Miller is enjoying herself during a celebration at Harvester United Methodist Church. The church has doubled its size, which will enable it to offer Bible lessons more specifically tailored to children of different ages. (Courtesy of Harvester United Methodist Church)

It has two Sunday morning services, with a traditional service at 9 and a contemporary service at 11.

A couple weeks ago, Harvester unveiled two new wings, doubling the facility’s size and substantially enhancing its ability to serve young children, teenagers and community outreach programs.

The initial structure was 5,000 square feet. Now, with the completed expansion, it has doubled its size to 10,000 square feet, said Gary Evans, a lay leader at the church.

The west wing, which extends toward Collier Parkway, houses a large space for the church’s youth group, some classroom space for adult Bible studies and other uses, and some additional restrooms. The children’s wing, on the east side of the building going toward the rear of the church property, has substantially increased the space available for children’s programming.

There’s room for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as separate rooms for kindergarten and first-grade children, second- and third-grade children, and fourth- and fifth-grade children.

The new arrangement will allow the church to deliver its lessons more effectively, said Candice Wolff, director of children’s ministry.

“Our children need to be separated out by age groups, so we can teach them the Bible at their age level,” Wolff said.

Lessons can be tailored to children as young as 2, said Wolff, a former middle school teacher for Pasco County Schools.

“They’re capable, even from a young age, of learning the memory verses,” she said. “They walk out knowing the Bible stories.”

She’s thrilled about being able to reach children at their own level and engaging them in their faith journey.

It took several months to obtain the necessary permits from Pasco County for the $850,000 project, Evans said. Construction began in May, and work wrapped up last month.

Besides helping the children at the church, Evans said, the larger space enables Harvester to do more community outreach work.

“A goal of mine is to utilize this space for whatever mission work we can do,” Evans said. “We have Boy Scouts. We have Girl Scouts. Hospice meets here. We’ve had Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet here.

“If it’s a good community activity, we will allow our space to be used to support the community.”

The church also expects to be able to double its popular vacation Bible school, he said.

“We like to reach out to the community and we get a lot of kids,” office administrator Sheila Fitzgerald said.

In the past it has involved about 100 kids, plus 30 volunteers.

“But we’ve been limited by how many kids we could do for VBS by the size of our facilities,” Evans said. “So, next summer we think we might be able to do 150 to 200 kids.”

Harvester also is considering the potential for housing a Christian day school a couple of days a week, or opening a preschool, Evans said. The church has the necessary permits to have a school on its grounds.

However, there are no firm plans at the moment.

“When the right situation comes along, we will definitely be doing that,” Evans said. When that is, we don’t know.”

WHAT: Christmas Camp, “The Miracle of Jesus.”
WHY: Children have a chance to experience the Christmas story as they travel through a recreation of Bethlehem.
WHEN: Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
COST: $10 per child, includes a pizza lunch

Published December 3, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Alcoholics Anonymous, Candice Wolff, Collier Parkway, Denham Oaks Elementary School, Gary Evans, Harvester United Methodist Church, Land O' Lakes, Odessa, Pasco County Schools, Sheila Fitzgerald, Wesley Chapel

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‘Aladdin jr.’

Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.” Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email , or call 352-593-0027. … [Read More...] about ‘Aladdin jr.’

03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast: Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs. Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

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The Gulfside Hospice New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe, 6117 State Road 54, will host a Bridal Trunk Show on March 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 250 dresses to choose from, starting at $29.99 and many brand new. Admission is free, but limited spots are available to allow for social distancing. Brides must register online in advance, by March 3, at bit.ly/NPR-Bridal-Trunk-Show. All proceeds from the shop go to help hospice patients in Pasco County. For questions, contact Jeremi Sliger at , or call 727-842-7262. … [Read More...] about 03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

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03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

T-Mobile will sponsor “Grease is the Word” on March 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be a sing-along contest pitting Pasco County Fire Rescue against the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, a free movie “under the stars,” and a classic car show with prizes. There also will be food trucks and games. Admission is free. … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

Demene Benjamin and UrEsteem will host “UrSelf: A Dabble in Self-Care” on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Exhibitors can be anyone who has a product or service to promote physical, mental and social health, including physical and massage therapists; counselors; churches; nail techs/hairstylists; yoga/pilates/exercise; or natural products. For information, call 813-334-6006, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

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