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Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group

Seminars aim to empower Pasco women

March 20, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

The first of a three-part series aimed to advance the interests of Pasco County women took place on March 4 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, on Collier Parkway.

All of the meetings, being presented by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women and the Pasco County Commission, are being held at the library, and are free and open to the public.

The theme of the first part of the series was “Health and Wellness.”

Sarah Cobelli, of BayCare Behavioral Health, was one of the speakers who took part in a presentation on ‘Health and Wellness’ hosted by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women, on March 4 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, on Collier Parkway. (Brian Fernandes)

Guest speakers Mike Napier, of the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, and Sarah Cobelli, of BayCare Behavioral Health, shared pertinent information relating to women’s health issues.

“Virtually everything we do at the health department is in partnership with someone else,” explained Napier, administrator for the Florida Department of Health — Pasco County.

The department works with Moffitt Cancer Center, Premier Community Healthcare Group and other partners.

They work to bring awareness to issues such as cervical and breast cancer, and provide information about treatment options.

The department also receives government funding, which is used to provide screenings.

Efforts also are being made to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A, and the health department is receiving assistance in this effort from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Napier said.

Through this collaboration, vaccinations are offered in the jail system, Napier explained.

“The good news is, it’s almost 97 percent – after you’ve had those shots – that you’ll be immune to any Hepatitis A,” Napier said.

Napier also advocates child vaccination for Hepatitis A and for the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Napier dispelled the notion that HPV is always linked to physical intercourse, stating that the stigma makes parents hesitant about vaccinating their children.

Teenage pregnancy, however, is a reality that the department addresses through its family planning program.

“It’s very difficult when we see moms coming in at 16-17 [and] trying to get them to finish school,” Napier said. “We’ve got to do something about that.”

The program offers testing, counseling and various contraceptive methods.

It also works in conjunction with schools to make sure students are well-educated and have a resource to call for help.

Tobacco use is another area of local concern, Napier pointed out.

“Unfortunately, Pasco County continues to have some of the highest smoking rates in the state,” the administrator said.

As of last year, 21 percent of adult Pasco residents were chronic smokers, according to the health department.

It also noted in a 2013 study that 22 percent of women in the county were smokers – significantly in the 18 to 44 age range.

The health department is working with medical institutions to distribute and collect health surveys.

The effort allows hospitals and other health care facilities to share medical information, and to better identify health trends based on demographics.

“It’s going to be consistent with all the hospitals and the health industry, to be able to say, ‘We all see the same data and now we’re going to try to act on that data,’” Napier stated.

The administrator also noted that providing mental health care to women who need it remains challenging.

Cobelli provided a presentation focused on behavioral health and substance abuse among women.

As a program manager for BayCare, she oversees community-based services for both children and adults.

“One of the newer additions to BayCare – within the last couple of years – is behavioral health integration, that especially females find comfort in,” Cobelli said.

This program is a convenient means for women to see their primary care physician and speak with a mental health counselor within the same office.

Another outreach program allows nurses, with a mobile medical unit, to go outdoors informing the homeless about medical resources and housing that may be available to them.

There’s also outreach to teenage mothers.

With the help of case managers, another state-funded program provides intervention for pregnant or postpartum women struggling with substance abuse.

For the 2018 fiscal year, Cobelli stated: “About 65 percent of the women that are enrolled have a primary diagnosis of an opioid disorder.”

There are also services available to women outside the program to help with essentials, such as car seats, strollers and baby formula.

BayCare encourages women with substance abuse, who are coming out of jail, to attend its group meetings three times a week.

With the Alternatives to Incarceration Pasco program, BayCare works with the Sheriff’s Office to establish special services for those with substance disorders.

The second part of the series, focused on Economic Prosperity, will be held on April 8.

The third part of the series, focused on Safety and Access, will be presented on May 6.

For more information visit, PascoCountyFL.net/2662/Commission-on-Status-of-Women.

Women’s lecture series presented by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women and the Pasco County Commission
Where: Land O’ Lakes Library meeting room, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: Upcoming sessions are planned on Economic Prosperity on April 8 and Safety & Access on May 6. Both sessions start at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to public
Details: A series of presentations from guest speakers will discuss educating and advancing Pasco County women
Info: Visit PascoCountyFL.net/2662/Commission-on-Status-of-Women. 

Published March 20, 2019

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Alternatives to Incarceration Pasco, Baycare Behavioral Health, Collier Parkway, Florida Department of Health, Hepatitis A, HPV, Land O' Lakes Branch Library, Mike Napier, Moffitt Cancer Center, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group, Sarah Cobelli

Commission on Status of Women approved

September 21, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco County Commissioners has approved an ordinance to establish a Commission on the Status of Women.

Pasco County commissioners agreed to establish a Commission on the Status of Women. Following the vote, several women who worked to have the commission approved marked the occasion with a photo. From left, in front row, Stefanie Pontlitz, Minnie Diaz, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Rosie Paulsen, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker, Shawn Roetschke, and Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, of the Pasco County Circuit Court. Back row, Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson and Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)
Pasco County commissioners agreed to establish a Commission on the Status of Women. Following the vote, several women who worked to have the commission approved marked the occasion with a photo. From left, in front row, Stefanie Pontlitz, Minnie Diaz, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Rosie Paulsen, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker, Shawn Roetschke, and Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, of the Pasco County Circuit Court. Back row, Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson and Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

It also has approved a resolution naming 10 organizations that will participate in the 15-member commission.

Rosie Paulsen, president-elect of the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, described the commission’s creation as “a historic moment” during the public comment portion of the county commission’s Sept. 13 meeting.

Paulsen hopes the women’s commission will create a Pasco County Women’s Hall of Fame. “We need one here,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted a recent study showing that women still receive unequal pay for the same work done by men.

“So, get ready,” Starkey declared.

The range of topics is wide open, but similar women’s commissions have addressed equal pay for women, affordable housing, women’s health care, and human trafficking.

Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson began a conversation about establishing the commission about two years ago. Since then, several other women have joined in the discussion.

Rosie Paulsen, president-elect of the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, spoke to Pasco County commissioners about the need for a Commission on the Status of Women and a local Women’s Hall of Fame.
Rosie Paulsen, president-elect of the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, spoke to Pasco County commissioners about the need for a Commission on the Status of Women and a local Women’s Hall of Fame.

Nearly two decades ago, the Pasco County Commission approved a women’s commission, but there is little known about what happened after that.

The new ordinance and resolution are updates of those past efforts.

The Pasco County Commission’s five members each will appoint one member to the women’s commission.

The designated organizations also will nominate members that must then be approved by the county commissioners.

Each member will serve three-year terms, but can serve no more than eight years.

The following organizations will nominate commission members:

  • African American Club of Pasco County Inc.
  • Hispanic Professional Women’s Association Inc.
  • Metropolitan Ministries
  • Pasco Economic Development Council
  • Pasco-Hernando State College
  • Premier Community Healthcare Group Inc.
  • Saint Leo University
  • Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.
  • United Way of Pasco County Inc.
  • Women Lawyers of Pasco Inc.

Published September 21, 2016

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: African American Club of Pasco County, Commission on the Status of Women, Hispanic Professional Women's Association, Kathryn Starkey, Metropolitan Ministries, Michele Hintson, Pasco County Commission, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco-Hernando State College, Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group, Rosie Paulsen, Saint Leo University, Sunrise of Pasco County, United Way of Pasco, Women Lawyers of Pasco

Pasco Economic Development Council honors businesses

September 14, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco Economic Development Council honored eight businesses at its 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8.

More than 600 community and business leaders attended the event at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Shauna McKinnon, center, of Bayfront Health Dade City, accepts a special recognition award during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by Pasco Economic Development Council. Bill Cronin is to her left and Barbara Wilhite is to her right. (Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)
Shauna McKinnon, center, of Bayfront Health Dade City, accepts a special recognition award during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by Pasco Economic Development Council. Bill Cronin is to her left and Barbara Wilhite is to her right.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Courtney Robinson, 10News WTSP anchor, emceed the event.

The winners, according to information provided by Pasco EDC, were:

  • Ortho Technologies Inc. – New Business Award
  • Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
  • Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (26 or more employees)
  • Optimum Plumbing LLC – Service/Distribution Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
  • Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning – Service/Distribution of the Year Award (26 or more employees)
  • Global Electronics Testing Services LLC – Technology Award
  • Bayfront Health Dade City – Special Recognition Award
  • Marjorie’s Hope – Special Contribution Award

Companies were nominated in the spring and then interviewed by members of the Pasco EDC awards committee.

Vladimir Breton, of Optimum Plumbing, addresses the audience. His company won Service/Distribution Company of the Year.
Vladimir Breton, of Optimum Plumbing, addresses the audience. His company won Service/Distribution Company of the Year.

Winners are selected based on exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.

Other finalists this year were:

Compark 75, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Nicopure Labs LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

In addition to the announcement of the awards, the banquet featured a keynote address by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, the Pasco EDC’s chairwoman.

Those pictured here represent the companies which won awards during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council.
Those pictured here represent the companies which won awards during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

It has been a year of transition for the council, including the hiring of Bill Cronin as the group’s president and chief operating officer, according to the Pasco EDC release.

Wilhite noted the approval by Pasco County commissioners of a cooperative agreement with the Pasco EDC to direct about $3.2 million from Penny for Pasco dollars toward job growth and economic development.

Wilhite also touched on the recent announcement that Mettler Toledo, a Swiss-based manufacturer, planned to relocate from Tampa to Pasco, and also build a new facility at Northpointe Village, near the Suncoast Parkway.

The Pasco EDC helped bring another 14 projects to fruition.

Wilhite said these efforts are expected to result in nearly 850 new jobs and more than $145 million in Pasco investment, according to the release.

Published September 14, 2016

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Barbara Wilhite, Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, Bill Cronin, ComPark 75, Courtney Robinson, Crestmark Pharmacy Services, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Electronics Testing Services, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie's Hope, Mettler Toledo, Nicopure Labs, Northpointe Village, Optimum Plumbing, Ortho Technologies Inc., Pasco Economic Development Council, Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group, Rogers Tower, Saddlebrook Resort, Southeast Bottling & Beverage, Southeast Personnel Leasing, Suncoast Parkway, Trxade Inc., USA Underwriting Solutions of America, Wesley Chapel

Celebrating health care services in Lacoochee

April 27, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Lacoochee Family Health Center, a Premier Community Healthcare Group satellite location, hosted an open house on April 20 to celebrate the location’s first anniversary.

The event was at the Stanley Park Lacoochee Community Center in Dade City.

The center served nearly 400 patients during 2015, according to a news release.

The Lacoochee health center opened in response to a need expressed by the community, said Cheryl Pollock, director of business development for Premier.

Cheryl Pollock is director of business development for Premier Community Healthcare Group, which provides quality, accessible medical care to underserved communities in Pasco County.
Cheryl Pollock is director of business development for Premier Community Healthcare Group, which provides quality, accessible medical care to underserved communities in Pasco County. (Courtesy of Cheryl Pollock)

Premier is dedicated to providing high quality, affordable, accessible medical care to Medicaid/Medicare recipients, uninsured and underserved communities of Pasco County.

Premier provides a full range of comprehensive primary care medical services that include family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, obstetrics and gynecology.

The center in Lacoochee was opened in response to the community’s request for more accessible health care, Pollock said. Most of its patients walk to the clinic.

It provides a wide range of services, and it can provide bus passes to help people who need to go to other locations for services it doesn’t provide, Pollock said.

The center in Lacoochee is not funded with grant money, so its operations must be paid for through fundraising efforts, she added.

Statistics for the first year of operations show that 47 percent of patients were on Medicaid, 31 percent were uninsured or opted to self-pay, 12 percent were classified with private insurance, 6 percent were on Medicare, and 4 percent were classified as “other.”

Of those served, 24 percent were under age 17, and the rest were adults.

Also, 37 percent of all patients received services through same-day appointments.

The 600-square-foot clinic is staffed by a nurse, a provider and a clerical worker, Pollock said.

The equipment and furnishings were provided by the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation. The clinic space is also provided for free, through a coalition of community organizations.

The anniversary celebration was held to help draw attention to the center and to encourage more people to take advantage of the availability of primary health care services in the area.

Those attending had a chance to pick up information about health care services and enjoy some refreshments.

Premier Community Healthcare has eight offices throughout Pasco County.

Published April 27, 2016

Filed Under: Health, Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Cheryl Pollock, Dade City, Florida Medical Clinic Foundation, Lacoochee, Lacoochee Family Health Center, Medicaid, Medicaid/Medicare, Medicare, Pasco County, Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group, Stanley Park Lacoochee Community Center

Federal grant allows improved access to care

October 2, 2014 By B.C. Manion

A federal grant will expand opportunities for Pasco County residents to access health care services offered through Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc, which has offices across the county.

Premier was the only Pasco health care group in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area to receive one of the 48 federal grants awarded across Florida.

The health care provider received a $258,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will be spent to hire a new pediatrician at Premier’s New Port Richey Family Heath Center in Trinity, and a full-time dental director at its Dade City Dental Center, 37944 Pasco Ave., Suite B, in Dade City.

Premier has more than 2,500 patients in the Central Pasco area, accessing care at its locations in Dade City, Zephyrhills and West Pasco, said Cheryl Pollack, business development director for the health care provider.

Premier is helping to implement the federal Affordable Care Act by providing care and linking individuals to coverage through outreach and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace.

The health care group provides primary care, behavioral health and dental care at locations throughout Pasco County. It offers services for children and adults.

Premier accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Kidcare and various insurance plans. It also serves people who are not insured, Pollack said. Their payment is determined on a sliding scale, based on income.

“We are designed to meet the needs of the population that may not have health care coverage,” Pollack said.

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Filed Under: Health, Local News Tagged With: Affordable Care Act, Cheryl Pollack, Dade City, Dade City Dental Center, Kidcare, Medicaid, Medicare, New Port Richey Family Health Center, Premier COmmunity HealthCare Group, Trinity, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Zephyrhills

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The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Technology Tuesday: Robots & Machines on March 9, through a curbside pickup activity. The kit will help kids learn more about technology, from robots to coding, through online and hands-on activities. The pickup is limited to 35 participants and must be reserved ahead of time. A book bundle can be included. Kits must be picked up between March 9 at 10 a.m., and March 13 at 5 p.m. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Technology Tuesday

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Fandom Trivia: High School Musical on March 10 at 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can test their knowledge of the High School Musical movies. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or . … [Read More...] about 03/10/2021 – Fandom trivia

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Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey, will host a socially distanced book signing with student-author and illustrator Chris Angilell on March 10 at 10 a.m. Angilella is a first-time author who has Asperger's Syndrome. He wrote the book, "Dotty's Freckles," to "inspire people who have a disability, hoping to send a message that they are exceptional and can accomplish anything," according to a news release. The book was independently published last August and can be purchased on Kindle or in paperback through Amazon. The book signing will be outdoors. Masks will be required. Angilella will sign books for attendees who bring their own copies. A limited number of paperbacks also will be for sale at the event. … [Read More...] about 03/10/2021 – Student-author book signing

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