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COVID-19 cases on the uptick

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COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, with outbreaks occurring in parts of the country with low vaccination rates, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of July 22, 35% of counties in the United States were experiencing high levels of community transmission, and COVID-19 cases were on the rise in 90% of the nation’s jurisdictions, according to a CDC interpretative summary of the week’s data.

That July 23 briefing, posted on the CDC’s website, notes that “the worrisome trends are due, in part,” to the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The increase in COVID-19 infections is being observed locally, too.

Officials with AdventHealth’s West Florida region are noticing “a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases” and “an increase in COVID hospitalizations at its hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hardee, Highlands, Pinellas and Marion counties, according to a media briefing from the health care chain.

“The Delta variant is the most prominent strain we are seeing in our system,” AdventHealth reports.

It also notes that “some 94% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19” across its nationwide system have not been vaccinated.

“We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, which is the most effective way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, as well as prevent new variants of the virus from spreading,” AdventHealth’s briefing adds.

The increase in cases is coming as schools gear up for the 2021-2022 school year.

Experts at the CDC have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention in kindergarten through 12th grade schools.

That guidance says, in part, that “masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.”

The CDC also “recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask-wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics also advocates “keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19” among its recommended interventions to prevent spreading the virus.

The Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts already have announced that masks would be optional in their schools during the upcoming school year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has made it abundantly clear that he won’t support — and will actively battle — any attempts to make masks mandatory in the coming school year.

He addressed the issue during a news conference on July 22 at Indian River State College.

“We look forward to this upcoming year, to be a normal school year,” the governor said, during the conference, streamed by a television station covering the event.

“There’s been talk about people potentially advocating at the federal level imposing compulsory masks on kids. We’re not doing that in Florida, OK?

“We need our kids to be able to be kids. We need them to be able to breathe,” DeSantis said.

Parents can send their children to school with masks if they choose to do so, the governor said. He added, “But there shouldn’t be any coercive mandates on our schools.”

He elaborated on his opposition to requiring masks: “Is it really comfortable? Is it really healthy for them to be muzzled and have their breathing obstructed all day long in school? I don’t think it is,” DeSantis said.

If an attempt at a federal mandate is made, DeSantis pledged to fight it.

DeSantis went on to say: “If anybody is calling for lockdowns, you’re not getting that done in Florida. I’m going to protect people’s livelihoods. I’m going to protect kids’ rights to go to school. I’m going to protect people’s rights to run their small businesses.”

The governor also noted: “We have a situation where we have three vaccines that have been widely available for months and months, now.”

Contrary to what President Joe Biden said, DeSantis added, people who have been vaccinated have tested positive for COVID-19.

“But I think what it does do, is that it really prevents against severe outcomes, particularly death or a serious hospitalization,” the governor said.

For instance, “the nursing home fatalities are down 95% since the vaccines rolled out,” DeSantis said.

Health officials continue to urge vaccinations.

“The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself, including getting a vaccine when it’s available to you,” the CDC’s summary says.

The Delta variant now makes up an estimated 83.2% of the recent U.S. cases, according to the July 23 CDC report.

Published July 28, 2021

Social worker addresses rising youth mental illness

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As efforts continue to lessen stigma and discrimination regarding mental illness — the challenges have become even greater during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even so, there are ways to strengthen awareness and improve access to treatment and counseling for troubled youth and adults, according to Sativa Fisher, a social worker for the Hernando County School District.

Fisher was a featured guest speaker during an April 27 virtual social services event hosted by Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center.

Hernando County School District social worker Sativa Fisher (Courtesy of Mary McCoy, Saint Leo University)

Her talk was part of a speaker series for students and prospective students interested in “helping careers.”

Topics for the free online series were selected with the goal of having broad appeal to those interested in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services.

Fisher’s presentation focused on her work, the prevalence of youth mental health issues and the function of social workers in the public school setting.

The social worker emphasized just how “widely underestimated” mental illness is in the United States, particularly among teens and high school students.

She cited these statistics and figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey:

  • 19% of students nationwide considered suicide
  • 16% of students nationwide made a suicide plan
  • 9% of students nationwide attempted suicide
  • Notable risk factors for suicide ideation include being a non-Hispanic, Black female who identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Fisher also shared various findings from Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit to address the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting overall mental health of all:

  • 9.2% of United States youth ages 12 to 17 cope with severe major depression
  • The state prevalence of youthwith severemajor depressive episodes ranges from 6% in Mississippi to 13.2% in Nevada (Florida stands at 10%).
  • The number of youth experiencing major depressive episodes increased by 121,000 from 2018 to 2019.

The social worker pointed to an “alarming” finding in her research cited from Mental Health America — youth experiencing major depressive episodes continue to go untreated.

Even among states with greatest access for youth, almost 50% of youth still do not receive the mental health services they need, according to the organization’s reports, Fisher said.

“It’s interesting how much of an issue mental health is, and how undertreated it is, even within our society today,” said Fisher, who obtained her bachelor of social work from Saint Leo University and her master of social work from University of South Florida.

Fisher also shared her thoughts about potential contributing factors regarding why suicide ideations and major depression have become so prevalent among American youth in recent years.

“We have many kids who have access to social media and are learning a lot more than they used to, and that’s become evident between both in elementary and middle school, and the things that they’re exposed to, they don’t know, developmentally, how to deal with it,” she said.

The pandemic hasn’t helped, either.

Fisher referenced data showing about 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health this past year, up from about 25%, pre-COVID.

Parents and caregivers are struggling “with everything that comes with being in this pandemic that we all have experienced,” she said.

The rising levels of stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety has all but “rubbed off” on children, Fisher said.

“I’ve heard more stories of families having friction, more arguments,” Fisher said. “(Students) just feel more anxious…and that shows up in their schoolwork, that shows up in their peer relationships, with their adult relationships.”

Social work delivers rewarding responsibilities
Fisher is one of 13 social workers in the Hernando County School District.

She started working this past school year, amid the pandemic.

Besides her educational background, Fisher joined the district equipped with real-world experience — having worked in internships in a hospital pediatric unit and residential program for adolescent girls.

Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center has an ongoing virtual social services speaker series focusing on social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services. An April 27 seminar focused on substance abuse and mental health issues among youth in public schools. (File)

In her role, Fisher assists kids, families and the community at large. She strives to “make a difference in someone’s life.”

She also described the duties of a school social worker, which includes making referrals, doing evaluations and completing behavior assessments. It also involves problem-solving through multi-tiered system of supports, counseling, teen parenting education, substance abuse education and more.

“It’s so much,” quipped Fisher, who also has started completing the supervision requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

She detailed how school social work has evolved from focusing on attendance and truancy issues to being more involved with students who have mental health and behavioral issues.

Today’s school social worker reaches out to parents of students who are undergoing major behavioral issues, gathers information on their home life, and offers potential solutions and sources of help.

Fisher put it like this: “Sometimes, parents don’t even know the resources available to them, so if they have a student who’s having major behavior issues and they don’t understand why, maybe we’ll talk a little bit about that. Some kids require a little bit more structure than other kids. Some kids require to be spoken to a little bit differently. Every child is different…”

School systems play an important role in helping bridge the mental health gap, she said.

“Many people will say, ‘Oh, it’s on the parents,’” Fisher said.

But, parents don’t always know about services and because school attendance is mandatory until age 16, school districts are in a good position to observe students who have mental health needs and can help direct families to resources, she said.

One of the satisfactions of her job is seeing a student make positive changes during the course of a school year, Fisher said.

“It’s not anything that I necessarily do, it’s the choices that they make. I just give them the information and the platform to express and explore,” the social worker said. “I have a couple of kids right now that I’ve been working with for several months, and they’ve turned their grades around, they’ve turned their peer relationships around, and that, I think, is the most rewarding.”

Published May 26, 2021

Those fully vaccinated rarely need masks, CDC says

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President Joe Biden announced last week that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had issued new guidance on the wearing of masks, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden said those who have been fully vaccinated, in most cases won’t need to wear masks — whether indoors or out, in large crowds or small.

Specifically, the CDC’s updated guidance says:

  • Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • Fully vaccinated people can refrain from testing following a known exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter.

CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers, including those who are vaccinated. All travelers are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations, the CDC’s website says.

Those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks, to avoid becoming infected by COVID-19, or spreading it to others, CDC officials add.

While there has been a downturn in the daily number of people getting vaccinated, use of the Pfizer vaccine has been granted emergency authorization for those ages 12 to 15.

The CDC’s latest guidance comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order lifting restrictions imposed by local governments, with the exception of school districts.

The public schools districts in Pasco and Hillsborough counties both announced they would keep the mask mandate until the end of the school year.

Private businesses can decide whether to retain or drop their mask requirements, and so far, the response has been varied.

Also, while the pace of vaccinations for adults has declined, efforts continue to reach out to those who are hesitant about being vaccinated to answer their questions and address their concerns.

While fewer children have been infected by COVID-19, the CDC does recommend vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to help protect against COVID-19.

Published May 19, 2021

Activity increasing, as COVID-19 restrictions relax

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order lifting all local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses.

As a result, Hillsborough County, Pasco County and the city of Tampa have dropped their mask requirements.

The order, however, does not apply to school districts — and both Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools will keep their mask orders and other safety protocols in place until the end of the school year.

Private businesses are not subject to the governor’s order, either, meaning they can keep their COVID-19 restrictions — and at this point, many continue to require masks, limit indoor seating and follow other safety measures.

Increased traffic on area roads and more cars in retail and restaurant parking lots, however, provide clear indications that more people are getting out and about.

Air travel is up — way up.

The Transportation Security Administration reported there were 1.7 million travelers at its checkpoints on May 9, compared to 200,815 on the same day last year. However, the number of air travelers is still substantially lower than it was in 2019, when there were 2.4 million air passengers on the same day.

Many travelers — now fully vaccinated — were flying to see family for the first time since the pandemic began. Televised news reports captured emotional reunions of moms and their kids, on Mother’s Day, all over the country.

Travel experts also are advising those wishing to take summer vacations to plan early to ensure accommodations and rental cars are available.

In another sign that things are changing, more graduation ceremonies are being held live — not virtually — this year.

In addition to some area college graduation celebrations, Pasco public schools will hold in-person events again this year, scaled back as they were last year. Hillsborough public school students also will be celebrating at live events, as well.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg also has announced that the general obligation to attend Sunday Mass will resume on May 22.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, who leads the diocese, had granted a dispensation from the obligation as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

Although Catholic churches have been holding services, with mask requirements and social distancing protocols in place, many parishioners opted instead to watch services remotely.

Health experts continue to caution the public to be careful because at the same time COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed or lifted, the demand for vaccinations has been dropping.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 9, 152 million individuals had received at least one dose of vaccine, including 83.6% of those age 65 and older. Of those in that age group, 71.3% were fully vaccinated.

If you are fully vaccinated, the CDC says you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location.

Keep in mind that outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk.

The CDC also notes: “While more than eight in 10 people 65 years and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, only around 1 in 3 people ages 18 to 29 have. All age groups currently eligible for the vaccine can benefit from the protection it provides themselves and others, especially as more states are easing prevention measures.”

As the pace of vaccination slows, vaccination persuasion campaigns are on the rise.

Celebrities, politicians and faith leaders are among those urging others to get vaccinated. Some efforts, as reported nationally, involve people making door-to-door visits to encourage people to get a single shot of Johnson & Johnson, or two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Sites run by Hillsborough County dispense only the Pfizer vaccine, which can be given to individuals 16 years of age and older. Those ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a county news release says.

Efforts by Pfizer could lower the eligible age for its vaccine to 12, if the Food and Drug Administration approves its request for authorization — which could occur as early as this week, according to national reports.

Those seeking vaccinations should know there is no out-of-pocket cost to be vaccinated and no prescription or doctor’s note is required, a Hillsborough County news release says.

With demand continuing to decline at the large public COVID-19 vaccination sites, Hillsborough County Emergency Management is reassessing distribution strategies and developing other options for residents to get vaccinated. Companies, community organizations, and faith-based organizations interested in an on-site targeted vaccine event are encouraged to call 888-513-6321, or email .

Published May 12, 2021

Masks still required in Pasco public schools

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Pasco County Schools will require masks on its school campuses through the end of the school year, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, recently in a video.

The superintendent said he previously misspoke when he said the district’s requirement was based on the governor’s executive order. Rather, he said, as superintendent he has the authority to require masks in a time of emergency, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an emergency.

Browning said a decision regarding masks for next school year will be made closer to that time.

Meanwhile, Browning also addressed the issue during a recent webinar hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

He said the decision to require masks through the end of the school year made some people happy and others, not.

“It’s not about making people happy, with me, it’s about making sure we have a safe environment for our students and our staff, and the visitors that come into our schools,” Browning said.

“You know, COVID has become very political, unfortunately. People are kind of polarized on two different sides. It’s either they will support vaccines, or they don’t. They support masks, or they don’t.

“We are having to make decisions of what we believe are in the best interest of our kids and our employees, based on CDC recommendations, and depending on where you are coming from — you just don’t subscribe to that, or you do subscribe to that,” Browning said.

Published May 05, 2021

Efforts continue to speed, simplify vaccine rollout

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National and local news reports show images of long lines of vehicles waiting to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, as efforts continue to improve the process for signing up for the shots, and to speed the production and distribution of the vaccines.

President Joe Biden last week announced that the United States signed a final contract for 100 million more Moderna and 100 million more Pfizer vaccines. The news came during a Feb. 11 speech at the National Institutes of Health.

Biden also said that 100 million doses that were promised by the end of June now will be delivered by the end of May, and that the country is on track to have enough supply for 300 million shots by the end of July.

A public-private partnership has been launched, as well, with vaccinations being distributed through 21 national pharmacy partners and networks of independent pharmacies representing over 40,000 pharmacy locations across the country. The effort is part of a national strategy to expand equitable access to the vaccines. (More information is available at CDC.gov/covid19)

Participating chains nationwide include Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Publix, Costco and Winn-Dixie. To find participating local pharmacies, check those companies’ websites.

The retail pharmacy efforts are in addition to ongoing distributions coordinated through local public health departments.

So far, based on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, COVID-19 vaccinations are limited to long-term care facility residents and staff; individuals age 65 and older; and, health care personnel with direct patient contact.

Hospital providers also may vaccinate persons deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Pasco County seniors can register through the Pasco County health department’s portal.

They also can register through participating private pharmacies.

In Hillsborough County, seniors can pre-register for the state’s portal and reserve their space in line. The state will contact them once it is their turn for a vaccine. Additionally, they can register through participating private pharmacies.

Florida has no county residency requirement, so individuals can attempt to secure an appointment through any of these options.

Despite increased supplies and more vaccination options, Pasco County commissioners said they continue to hear from constituents who are frustrated about not being able to get registered for a shot.

At their Feb. 9 meeting, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told her colleagues: “I am concerned and want to be sure that we’re doing all we can, that our senior citizens who don’t have access to computers and aren’t computer savvy, are able to figure out how to get on. I’m hearing this over and over again.”

She thinks the county needs to do more to help.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. He’d like to see a system that would allow people to sign up and be put on a waiting list, and then to be notified when a vaccine becomes available.

That would be better, he said, “even if you’re going to be (number) 135,000 — as opposed to not getting in the system.”

Starkey reiterated her concerns: “The queue is the queue. I’m just saying, some people don’t know how to get in the queue.”

County Administrator Dan Biles noted there is a telephone number that people can call to make appointments.

Starkey responded: “I know, but it’s really hard to get through.

Biles observed: “You have 100,000 people trying to get 1,000 shots. It’s going to be hard to get through right now.”

Meanwhile, across the country, 52.9 million COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of COVID-19 cases nationally stood at more than 27.4 million, as of Feb. 14, and there has been a downward trend in cases for the past 30 days. The death toll for COVID-19 related cases stood at 482,536.

In Florida, the total number of positive cases exceeded 1.82 million, and there were 28,779 resident deaths, as of Feb. 14, according to data recorded on the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

The figures stood at 31,348 positive resident cases in Pasco County, and 642 deaths; and at 105,531 positive resident cases and 1,397 deaths in Hillsborough County.

COVID-19 vaccinations
To register:

In Pasco County: Go to PatientPortalFl.com to complete an account with CDR Maguire Health & Medical for upcoming appointments, or call 1-844-770-8548. New appointments open up every Sunday at 2 p.m., for the following week, and are typically filled within minutes.

In Hillsborough County: Call 866-200-3896, TTY 844-251-5532, or visit MyVaccine.fl.gov.

National Retail Pharmacy Program: Some retail pharmacies also are participating in a public-private partnership to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Check the website of  individual retail pharmacies to find out more.

For the most recent COVID-19 vaccination information, check with your local health department websites.

Published February 17, 2021

Pasco redevelopment loan program

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Pasco County is stepping forward to help businesses that are economically affected by COVID-19.

The primary focus will be on COVID-19-required renovations in order to protect employees and customers, according to the Pasco County website. By creating a safer environment, businesses can instill trust and confidence among employees and customers who interact with your facilities.

Here are the details:

  • Loan Amounts: The maximum loan amount is determined by the project, not to exceed $120,000. For every $60,000 funded, the borrower must create or save one full-time job.
  • Loan Term: The loan term will be based on the borrower’s ability to repay, generally 60 months.
  • Promissory Note: Prior to receiving program funding, approved loan recipients must execute a Promissory Note with Pasco County.

Eligible funding uses:

  • Alterations or modifications that follow the State of Florida guidelines, CDC Safety Measures or GBAC Star Accreditation requirements
  • Repairs and modifications of existing facilities that are capital in nature
  • Provide accommodations for vulnerable populations
  • Improve blighted properties to ensure customers feel safe to support a resilient local economy
  • Create new or retain full-time employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income eligible areas negatively affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Registered businesses, nonprofit organizations and property owners with locations in Pasco County are eligible for the loans.

Eligible businesses cannot have a delinquent debt to the county, and must be current on all permits, licenses, fees and taxes.

For each loan, borrowers must make capital improvements to the property, which may include bringing site improvements up to existing code.

To find out more about application requirements, email Troy Jackson, program manager, at , or call him at 727-815-7092, ext. 2350.

Published February 10, 2021

Drug overdoses increasing in Pasco County

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During the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there’s another alarming issue surging in Pasco County  — rising fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has reported 1,491 overdoses (and 268 deaths) from January 2020 to December 2020 — representing a 71% increase from 2019.

This includes a single-month high of 168 overdoses (39 fatal) in May, agency data shows.

Most recently, the month of December proved one of the most troublesome months in the past year — with 135 reported overdoses and two deaths. The trend continued in 2021, as the first weekend in January recorded 19 overdoses, with three deaths, according to the sheriff’s office.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco says the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the county’s substance abuse and mental health problems because more people are dealing with job and financial losses, loneliness, homelessness and other personal struggles.

“We’re definitely seeing an extremely high spike since COVID hit with mental health and substance abuse, and especially the overdoses. There is an absolute correlation there,” Nocco recently told The Laker/Lutz News.

Overdose survivors have told deputies that “they feel like they’ve lost human connection with people,” Nocco said.

Instead of finding solace in faith, Nocco thinks many turn to substance abuse, and that, he said, is creating major issues.

During the midst of a pandemic, there are mental health issues occurring that won’t be healed with a vaccination, he said.

“People right now, they’re constantly on edge,” Nocco said.

These overdoses, Nocco said, are mostly related to heroin and other drugs laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic similar to morphine but believed to be 50 times to 100 times more potent.

Said Nocco: “Heroin and fentanyl are the main two killers. When you’re seeing overdoses, it’s fentanyl. It’s sad. When you have an overdose and people pass away, it’s probably more likely than not that it’s fentanyl.”

Nocco noted the agency has even witnessed instances of carfentanil — an analogue 100 times stronger than fentanyl and most commonly used as an elephant tranquilizer.

Aside from its users, fentanyl and carfentanil offshoots pose a threat to the public and to first responders, as they can be absorbed through the skin or through accidental inhalation of airborne powder.

These substances are coming in from overseas, with stronger and stronger variations being discovered on the streets, Nocco said, adding, “It’s a very dangerous situation we’re dealing with.”

The overdoses predominantly are occurring in the western part of Pasco County, along the U.S. 19 corridor, Nocco said, but there are also pockets of activity in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

A nationwide problem
Rising drug overdoses are trending across the nation.

Over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020. That’s the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While overdose deaths already were on the rise in the months preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest numbers suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the pandemic, the CDC reports.

This graphic shows fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Pasco County for each month in 2020. Absent is the month of December, which yielded 135 overdoses and two deaths. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield said, in a December news release. “As we continue the fight to end this pandemic, it’s important to not lose sight of different groups being affected in other ways. We need to take care of people suffering from unintended consequences.”

According to the CDC, synthetic opioids (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) appear to be the primary driver of the increases in overdose deaths, increasing 38.4% from the 12-month period leading up to June 2019 compared with the 12-month period leading up to May 2020. During this time period:

  • 37 of the 38 U.S. jurisdictions with available synthetic opioid data reported increases in synthetic opioid-involved overdose deaths
  • 18 of these jurisdictions reported increases greater than 50%
  • 10 western states reported over a 98% increase in synthetic opioid-involved deaths

More troubling trends
While overdose figures were substantially higher in 2020 compared to 2019 and some previous years in Pasco, the sheriff’s office’s intelligence-led policing unit likewise found a steady increase each year since 2017, which, of course, predates the pandemic.

This may result from lasting effects of Florida’s opioid prescription pill epidemic, Nocco said, with many users who initially got hooked on prescription pills turning to heroin, meth and other substances to get their fix.

“We’re still dealing with it. It’s not over,” the sheriff said of the statewide pill crisis. “You’re looking at individuals that would’ve never used hard drugs such as meth or heroin, but because they were prescribed Roxys (Roxicodone), Oxys (Oxycodone), Xanax for minor things like a minor surgery, a tooth issue, something like that, they then became addicts, and so those people with those addictions, they’re still suffering right now.”

Seeking solutions
To tackle these various substance abuse and related mental health issues, the local law enforcement agency is continuing to leverage its community-based health partners such as BayCare, Chrysallis Health and Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse and Prevention, and others.

The sheriff’s office has a rolodex of health care agencies that can provide help with a range of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, youth and family services, autism, suicide, and veterans and post-traumatic stress. More details on resources can be found on PascoSheriff.com/MENTALHEALTH.html.

“We want to get to people before they get to that crisis stage,” Nocco said, adding, “and if people are starting to feel depressed, if they’re starting to feel issues and concerns, please reach out to those resources immediately.

“If those health care issues are dealt with very early on, they don’t turn into criminal justice issues,” he said.

The CDC also has made recommendations that can help curb drug overdose epidemic in local communities:

  • Expand distribution and use of naloxone and overdose prevention education
  • Increase awareness about and access to and availability of treatment for substance use disorders
  • Intervene early with individuals at highest risk for overdose
  • Improve detection of overdose outbreaks to facilitate more effective response

On a related note, the sheriff’s office is working to make positive lasting impressions on the younger people, to help get a grip of at-risk mental health and substance use issues.

The agency has partnered with the Pasco County Council Parent Teacher Association (PTA) on a mental health initiative titled, “You Matter,” which mainly focuses on suicide prevention among juveniles. Part of the effort involves distributing magnets with upbeat reminders that can be attached to cellphones and wallets, and other places.

The sheriff said his agency is trying to get this message out to teenagers and young adults: “You matter in life.”

The fact is that many of these kids are isolated, Nocco said.

“They’re on their phones and they don’t feel like they’re engaged with what’s going on.
“I understand a lot of people go on social media and walk away depressed thinking about what they read or if somebody put a negative comment on there,” he said.

He wants to spread the word, to help people realize their value.

“It doesn’t matter what somebody wrote about you, you matter to somebody else, and your life is important.

“We don’t want to see people harm themselves or get an addiction over a comment made on social media by somebody who could live a couple of thousand miles away,” Nocco said.

Published February 03, 2021

Parent questions school quarantine policy

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When Mike Kidd’s daughter was exposed to someone at Sunlake High who tested positive for COVID-19, the school called to inform the family that she would need to quarantine.

Kidd took it in stride.

After all, the district has been asking families to do their part to help stop the spread of the virus.

In fact, he told the school that there were two other girls in the family that attend the same school, so his family would keep them home, too.

Initially, the school official agreed.

But then, the family was notified that the two girls who had not been directly exposed were deemed as being absent from school.

When the family tried to explain they were keeping the girls at home because their sister had been exposed to COVID-19, they were told that wasn’t the district’s policy, Kidd said.

The district’s practice follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for Pasco County Schools, said via email.

The Department of Health — Pasco County also follows the CDC’s guidance, according to an email from Melissa Watts, spokeswoman for the health department.

But that doesn’t make sense to Kidd, who said if his daughter was exposed at school and came down with the virus, it was very likely that the virus would be spread to his other two daughters, since they are frequently in close contact with each other.

“Obviously if students wearing masks and “socially distanced” at school would need to quarantine, my other daughters who sleep in the same room, lay in the same bed/couch and watch movies, hug, etc., should also quarantine,” Kidd told The Laker/Lutz News, in a letter to the editor, he sent via  email.

It just seems practical to quarantine the student’s siblings, when another student in the family is required to quarantine, he said.

Hegarty explained the school district’s practice works like this: “The family would have received a call from the school, as well as an official letter from the Pasco Health Department informing them of the need to quarantine their daughter. That letter would not have instructed anyone else in the home to quarantine because there was no evidence that any other family members had been in close contact with a person who tested positive.”

Hegarty said the district requires quarantine only “for those students and staff members who were in close contact.”

He also noted: “What definitely would not be practical is requiring quarantine for anyone who came in close contact with a person who came in close contact with a person who tested positive.

The district has had thousands of students quarantining and the number would be much higher, if it followed the practice of quarantining all siblings, Hegarty wrote. In fact, that practice could result in entire school populations being sent home, in some cases.

A parent can decide to keep a student at home, Hegarty said.

“It will be marked as an absence. It could be an excused absence, but still an absence. It would be up to the school and the family to ensure that the students don’t fall behind academically – regardless of whether they are quarantined or simply absent,” the school district spokesman said.

Pasco County Schools, COVID numbers*
1,319 positive student cases; 16,999 students impacted
594 positive employee cases; 1,492 employees impacted
Impacted cases are those who were required to stay away from school due to a positive case that resulted in quarantine.

* As of Jan. 25

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published January 27, 2021

Vaccine demand continues to outpace supply

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Complaints about difficulties in registering for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have resulted in changes to those systems, but demand for vaccinations continues to outpace the supply of available vaccines.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough now are using the same registration system for vaccines.

Anyone age 65 and older who needs the COVID-19 vaccination must go to PatientPortalFl.com or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire: Health & Medical (CDR Maguire).

Saint Leo University hosted the first COVID-19 vaccine distribution in East Pasco County on Jan. 15, at its campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Jason Longo/Saint Leo University)

An account with CDR Maguire is required to register for a vaccination appointment.

Those who have created an account with CDR Maguire must log into the patient portal to register for an appointment.

Pasco’s health department announced that it would hold four vaccination clinics this week. Registrations for the clinics began on Jan. 17. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department planned to provide 400 vaccinations on Jan. 19 and 400 on Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Sears Auto Center in the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

There also will be 500 appointments on Jan. 20 and 500 on Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33710 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Those receiving the vaccinations should be sure to have a photo ID, when checking in for your vaccination appointment. If using the online patient portal, be sure to bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email you receive, containing the QR code.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties continue to have a fundamental issue with vaccine supply.

On the Hillsborough website, a health department note says: “Please understand that the vaccine is not widely available in Hillsborough County at this time and the distribution plans depend on vaccine supplies. Supplies are provided by the federal government and distributed to the states, which then allocate them to counties.”

Pasco County Commission members expressed frustrations about the vaccine supply problem at their Jan. 12 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised the issue, noting that Pasco’s health department was supposed to receive 3,500 doses on a particular day.

“They received zero, as we all know,” Moore said to his colleagues.

“Our current population, we’re guesstimating, is 560,000 —  I’m sure when the census comes out it will be closer to 600,000,” Moore said.

About a third of Pasco’s population is over the age of 65, he added.

If the county was to get 1,800 vaccines a week, it would take about 7 ½ years to vaccinate the population in Pasco County. At 3,500, it would take 3 ½ years to vaccinate the population of Pasco County, he said.

Moore said he’d been working on the problem with Dan Biles, county administrator; Andy Fossa, county director of emergency management; and Mike Napier, public health officer for the Department of Health — Pasco County.

Moore then reached out to Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“I was able to get him to send at least 1,000,” Moore said. “While I do appreciate that, that’s not enough.”

Moore said he and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley reached out to State Sen. Danny Burgess, and Burgess was able to secure another 500 vaccines.

“So, we ended up with 1,500 this week,” said Moore, who also expressed gratitude to Senate President Wilton Simpson and Rep. Randy Maggard, for their efforts.

But, Moore expressed his continued frustration about Pasco’s inability to get adequate vaccines.

“Every one of us (county commissioners) are getting the calls and the emails from our constituents. I know that each and every one of you, as well as I do, wish we could do more for them. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing that we can do is ask and beg. I really feel like I was begging yesterday, on behalf of our citizens. We need more vaccines in Pasco County,” Moore said.

Administrator Biles said “to be honest, the entire region is being shorted.”

“At the rate we’re getting it, it’s six-plus months, just to get the over-65 community,” Biles said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said “I’m trying to figure out why we’re getting shorted.”

She suggested sending a letter to the governor and state emergency management director, urging that “vaccines be distributed per capita, in a fair and uniform manner.”

The letter also should go to Senate President Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Starkey suggested.

“Let’s get that letter off immediately and get our fair share,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in: “I think we need to get a federal letter, too.”

Commissioners agreed with Starkey and Mariano’s suggestions, and approved separate motions to send both letters.

For more information on signing up for a vaccination and about the availability of appointments, visit the Pasco health department websites at Pasco.floridahealth.gov and the Hillsborough health department website at Hillsborough.floridahealth.gov.

Vaccines in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that outlines that providers can only administer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • Health care facility residents and staff
  • Those age 65 and older
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact
  • Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Keep wearing your mask
Even if you’ve had two vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s not enough information yet to say when it will stop recommending people to wear masks and to avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While experts learn more, they recommend that people continue to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often

Published January 20, 2021