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Medicare

Gov. DeSantis calls for special session of the legislature

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to take aim at a federal plan to force businesses of 100 employees or more to require their workers to be vaccinated.

“We have a situation in our country now, where very much, the federal government is trying to use the heavy hand of government to force a lot of these injections,” the governor said, during a news conference in Clearwater on Oct. 21.

“And, you have a lot of folks that actually believe that decision should be theirs, and believe in having basic medical freedom and individual choice, and that your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots,” he continued.

“And so, attorney general (Ashley Moody) and I — we are working — we want to contest that contractor mandate in court, as well. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got the right plaintiff, in terms of what we can do. You know a lot of these contractors probably aren’t going to do it themselves because they know there will reprisals, if they do it.

“But that has an impact on thousands and thousands of people in the state of Florida.”

“We’re also, when it comes out, going to contest the mandate they’re going to impose on hospitals through CMS, where they’re basically saying, ‘If you don’t do forced injections, then you lose Medicare/Medicaid funding.

“Well, none of these health care providers would be able to even function, particularly in a state like Florida, where most of their patients are on Medicare.

“So, we think that’s illegal, that’s wrong,” DeSantis said.

“We’re also going to be taking legislative action to add protections for people in the state of Florida. “That’s something that cannot wait until the regular legislative session next year.

“It needs to happen soon. So, we will be calling the legislature back for a special session,” the governor announced, and when he did, those gathered at the news conference cheered.

During this special session, the governor is asking the legislature to provide protections for employees facing termination because of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and to reaffirm that government entities including school districts may not fire any employee based on COVID-19 vaccine status, according to a news release on the governor’s website.

“Violating government entities should be held accountable. Employers’ broad liability protections should also be reevaluated if they harm employees through vaccine mandates,” the posting says.

The governor also is asking the legislature to provide greater protections to parents to manage the health care decisions of their children, including the freedom to opt their children out of mask mandates, the website posting adds.

In response to the governor’s call for a special session, Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls issued a joint statement.

“Across the country, hard-working employees and business owners trying to make a living are being threatened by the Biden Administration’s reckless one-size-fits-all approach to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, the rights of parents are being trampled on. Florida will respond to this gross overreach by the federal government,” their statement says.

“In the coming days, we will review the governor’s specific proposals as well as discuss our own ideas for legislative action, including whether now is the time for Florida to withdraw from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and establish our own state program. We believe that by doing so, Florida will have the ability to alleviate onerous federal regulations placed on employers and employees.

“We stand with the dedicated health care workers, law enforcement, first responders, military service members, and all workers across the country who never got a day off and couldn’t work from home during the pandemic. Too many of our esteemed heroes are facing termination thanks to heavy handedness at all levels of government. During the upcoming special session, our goal is to make our laws even more clear that Florida stands as refuge for families and businesses who want to live in freedom,” the joint statement concludes.

Published October 27, 2021

Floridians choose Trump, Biden in preference primary

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Floridians went to the polls in the midst of a coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — causing some disruptions, and requiring poll workers and election officials to take special precautions.

Lester and Bettie Coupland, both 84, wore surgical masks to their polling place at Pasco County’s Precinct 3, at Pasco-Hernando State College in Dade City.

Both favored Bernie Sanders.

Bettie said she supported Sanders because of his stand on health care. “That’s the main thing,” she said.

“I just think he’s the best candidate, to me, compared to all the others,” Lester said.

Judy and Glenn Alvarez said they went to their precinct in Lutz to vote because they consider it their civic duty. They weren’t worried about potential threats from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) because they had done their due diligence, regarding keeping safe, and trusted that poll workers would do the same. (B.C. Manion)

Meanwhile, at Hillsborough County’s Precinct 595 at the Lutz Community Center, neither Judy Alvarez or her husband Glenn were worried about going to the polls, despite the pandemic.

Judy said she trusted the poll workers to do their due diligence.

“They were good in there, wiping everything down. No problem,” she said.

Glenn, agreed: “It was very good to see how courteous they were and how concerned they were.”

Both said they supported Biden.

“I always look forward to voting. It’s our civic duty,” Judy said. “I think we need a kinder, gentler time right now. Bernie is a little bit angry, for me.”

Glenn agreed: “I just wanted to vote in the primary election. He’s just a calmer influence. We need to have a united country. I think Joe will be able to unite us.”

Across the state, Floridians overwhelmingly chose Biden and Donald J. Trump as their preferred candidates.

Florida is a closed-primary state, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote to select their party’s nominee.

Turnout in Pasco was 29.78%, with 76,957 ballots cast. Hillsborough’s turnout was 31.73%, with 196,972 ballots cast.

In Pasco, Biden received 56.79% of the Democrats’ votes, while Bernie Sanders received 24.92%. Michael Bloomberg, who has dropped out of the race, received the next highest share of the vote, at 9.72%.

Trump received 94.59% of the Republican party’s votes.

In Hillsborough, Biden received 55.35% of the Democrats’ votes, while Bernie Sanders captured 26.71%. Michael Bloomberg received the next largest share of the vote, receiving 9.53%.

A sign asked voters to keep a safe distance from each other at Precinct 8, at Heritage Park Building A, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The sign was to remind people to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Christine Holtzman)

Trump received 92.94%.

Across the state, polling places that had been in nursing homes were moved because of state restrictions forbidding outside visitors to nursing homes. Some counties also reported that poll workers simply did not show up for duty.

Voter Mirta Villa, who cast her ballot at her precinct at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, said she supported Biden.

“He was the vice president. He has more experience. We should have somebody who can speak for us. We should have somebody who has experience,” Villa said.

In Zephyrhills, at Precinct 6 at Alice Hall Community Center, 29-year-old Brittni Manautou gave her support to Sanders.

“I just think from the beginning, he has always been on the same platform, whereas other candidates have changed with the times, as what they see fit, but he has run on the same thing and before he was radical for it, but now he’s right on point.

“He just has so many different things he runs on. Between that and him with his support with AOC (Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), I just feel like he’s, aside from being consistent, the Medicare, he just doesn’t change. He cares for the students, the younger generation, whereas everybody else writes us off,” Manautou said.

Voters Joe and Charissa Garcia, of Zephyrhills, split their support.

Charissa supported Biden: “I believe he has the better chance beating Donald Trump.”

Joe voted for Sanders.

“The reason for that is because I’m going to vote for any Democrat come the general election, but right now I’m just voting with where my views align, regardless of whether they’re going to win or not, because it’s been so many years since I did that. It’s always the lesser of two evils, and I’m sick of that.

Mirta Villa, a voter who cast her ballot at her precinct at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, said she supported Joe Biden because of his experience as vice president. (B.C. Manion)

“So with Bernie, all of his ideas are great.

“We need a balance. We’ve gotten too capitalistic, and we kind of need the socialism to balance things out again. I think the way that we are today with capitalism, it’s way too much, like too overbearing on everything else, and there’s a good harmony when you have a bit of socialism mixed in with the capitalism. You know, I was a Republican before the last election. I’m fiscally conservative, but my social views are very liberal. There’s just not a place for me, there’s no centrists that I could fit into, and honestly that’s the real reason,” Joe said.

Blanca Roman, a 26-year-old medical assistant at Florida Medical Clinic, said she voted for Sanders because she supported his platform.

If Biden is elected, she said, “we’d probably just go back to the same way it was when (President Barack) Obama was in office.”

She said that wasn’t terrible, but she thinks “there were some things that could’ve been done differently, that Bernie would take and actually do differently. The whole Medicare for all thing, I’m down for it.”

Kevin Weiss contributed to this story

Published March 25, 2020

A new home health division at Gulfside

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Talk about having a good week.

Last Wednesday, after months of organizational work, Gulfside Home Health accepted its first patient. And on Thursday, it celebrated the grand opening of its new Land O’ Lakes office with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting.

A ribbon cutting was held last week for Gulfside Home Health, a new division of Gulfside Health Services that provides skilled home nursing and therapies ordered by a physician. Celebrating with the ribbon held high is Gulfside President Linda Ward; holding the scissors is Cheryl-Ann Benn, administrator for Gulfside Home Health.

“It’s exciting to be growing and offering new services to our community,” said Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of the agency. “Providing skilled home care to patients is a perfect complement to our hospice and palliative care services that we have been providing for a long time.”

With the launch of its home health division, the nonprofit has changed its name to Gulfside Healthcare Services, with three distinct divisions — Gulfside Home Health, Gulfside Hospice and Gulfside Palliative Care.

“Gulfside has served Pasco residents since 1988, and we are well-known for our quality care and community focus for hospice and palliative care. We are bringing this same dedication to home health, and look forward to providing this much-needed service to our community,” said Ward.

Gulfside Home Health is offering skilled home health services that are ordered by a patient’s doctors, including nursing, therapy and patient education.

Gulfside’s nursing staff provides wound care, injections, IV infusions, pain management and medication oversight. And, its licensed therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapies. All services and treatments are done in a patient’s home.

“There are many advantages of taking care of someone in their home instead of in a hospital or rehab center,” said Cheryl-Ann Benn, who heads up Gulfside Home Health as its administrator.

“Patients are more comfortable at home, family is there for support, and no transportation is needed because our health care providers come to them.”

Benn adds that home care especially helps with patients who easily get confused in unfamiliar places, which is common toward the end of day when people with memory problems suffer from sun-downing effects.

“We plan our visits around a client’s schedule, right down to avoiding a favorite television show,” said Benn. “Families can choose the time that is best for them.”

Most appointments are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and only skilled care ordered by a physician is provided. Patients are not charged directly for the care they receive — Gulfside bills Medicare or private insurance, not its patients.

Benn clarifies that Gulfside’s service line features skilled nursing care and various therapies, unlike many other companies that simply offer companion care, bathing or assistance with meals and shopping.

“Our team specializes in the advanced care that must be done by a nurse or professional,” said Benn. “There are many private companies that offer non-medical services that do not qualify for payment under Medicare of private insurance.”

Benn joined Gulfside Home Health in February to prepare for Joint Commission Accreditation, to hire staff and get the office ready next to Gulfside’s thrift shop on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Gulfside Home Health received its license on April 5 for Pasco and Pinellas counties, and since then has hired RN and LPN nurses, home health aides, a social worker and physical therapist, as well as contracting for occupational and speech therapists.

“We have an outstanding staff with many years of experience — I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve put together,” said Benn.

Patient referrals come from hospitals, rehab facilities and doctors’ offices, and patients can choose which home health service best meets their needs.

Benn and Ward believe many families will chose Gulfside Home Health because of the stellar reputation of Gulfside’s hospice and palliative care services, and because it is a nonprofit.

“Being a nonprofit allows us to create programs for clients and their families they are not reimbursed for through Medicare or private insurance,” explained Ward. “We can host community events to raise funds for additional services, and are looking at developing programs on COPD, diabetic meals and foot care, caregiver support, and many others,” said Benn.

Ward added that offering home health services is taking Gulfside to a higher service level and is a logical next step. In the first few months, Gulfside Home Health expects to serve 30 to 50 patients, and then grow to over 120.

“We want to offer a continuum of service, while remaining community-based,” said Ward.

Published May 15, 2019

Enjoy beer and wine samples, and help a good cause

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The Fall Brewfest for Hospice on Oct. 6 gives people a chance to sample beer and wine, while benefiting Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care.

The venue for the event is Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and it’s scheduled for Oct. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

During the Spring Brewfest in March, festival-goers enjoyed live music and sampled beer and wine offered by local breweries. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care)

Admission is $25 for one ticket, $45 for two and $120 for six.

The entrance fee covers beer and wine samples from various local breweries and wineries.

Food trucks will offer an array of choices, and picnic benches will be available.

Strictly Business, a band made up of local business owners, will provide live entertainment.

There also will be health care organizations offering information, and vendors selling arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and other goods.

Festival-goers will be able to play cornhole and other games, too.

“It’s a fun event, but we’re doing it for a good cause,” said Kirsty Churchill, community relations manager for Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, the only nonprofit hospice care that serves Pasco County exclusively.

The hospice organization accepts patients regardless of whether they can pay the expenses.

The fundraiser is important, Churchill said.

“Events like this really help cover the gap of what’s not paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and insurance,” she explained.

The event is open only to those age 21 or older.

Tickets are available online at BrewfestForHospice.org and by calling (727) 845-5707.

For additional information, contact Leesa Fryer at or (727) 845-5707.

Fall Brewfest for Hospice
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
When: Oct. 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 for one ticket, $45 for two and $120 for six
Details: Brewfest offers event-goers a chance to sample beer and wine, play games and purchase meals from food trucks.
Info: Contact Leesa Fryer at or (727) 845-5707. Tickets are available online at BrewfestForHospice.org and at (727) 845-5707.

Published October 3, 2018

 

Bilirakis focuses on veterans at chamber stop

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, emphasized efforts he’s making on behalf of veterans during a recent appearance at a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The congressman indicated “a top priority” is fighting to improve and expand veterans’ health care benefits and offerings.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis

“The veterans are a big deal for me,” said Bilirakis, the featured guest speaker at the chamber’s August luncheon at Fox Hollow Golf Club, in Trinity.

Bilirakis, who serves as vice chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, outlined several pieces of legislation that would provide veterans “the health care they deserve.”

One such bill that he’s introduced — Protection for Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Act of 2018 (HR 6582) — would allow veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan to immediately access the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) medical care and disability benefits by providing a presumption of service connection.

Bilirakis cited a correlation between burn pit exposure causing cancer, and other lung and respiratory problems.

The VA currently does not recognize toxic burn pit exposure as a contributing factor to the development of such illnesses.

He compared the burn pit issue to veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange in earlier wars and died while the VA took decades to study its effects.

“A lot of heroes are coming home and they’re sick — some have passed away,” Bilirakis said. “I don’t want to see another Agent Orange issue.”

Ensuring veterans’ access to dental care is another undertaking, the congressman said.

Last year, Bilirakis introduced the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act, to require the VA to put in place a four-year pilot program providing dental care for veterans.

Current law places limitations on the availability of dental care for veterans through the VA. Access to VA dental care is primarily restricted to patients with a 100 percent disability rating, former prisoners of war, and a few special exceptions.

“Right now, it’s extremely limited,” Bilirakis said of veterans’ access to dental care, noting such preventive health care could result in lower overall health care costs for the VA.

“We want to make sure every veteran, ultimately, has an opportunity to get dental care,” he said.

“First of all, we’ve got to take care of our veterans. Secondly, we’re going to save money on the backend — if we take care of our veterans,” Bilirakis said.

Since 2015, he has partnered with the West Pasco Dental Association and Pasco-Hernando State College to highlight the need for VA dental care, and to provide free treatment for local veterans at the Stars, Stripes and Smiles event.

Bilirakis also mentioned the need for wholesale improvements to the VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life.

Said Bilirakis: “It takes what, six months to train a soldier, and then, they get a week in the TAP program? That’s not enough to get them back into society, find them jobs and treat any issues they may have.”

Remedying some of those problems within TAP are already in progress.

Last month the House passed the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act (HR 5649), which would provide grants to organizations that deliver veteran job readiness services, such as resume building and interview training, while connecting veterans with businesses in their community.

Bilirakis also touched on some of his other legislative priorities — mental health, the opioid crisis and improving care for people with congenital heart disease. He also stressed the importance of increased bipartisanship “for the good of the country.”

Bilirakis receives award
During the luncheon, Bilirakis also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award, which he received in recognition of his support of pro-growth policies in the first session of the 115th Congress.

The annual award was given to 249 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 48 members of the U.S. Senate.

During the first session of the 115th Congress, the Chamber scored members on seven Senate votes, including those on tax reform legislation and the confirmation of Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch; and 14 House votes, including votes on tax reform legislation, access to Medicare, and lawsuit abuse. Various votes in support of small businesses were scored, too.

Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award; Bilirakis had a 93 percent voting record.

“I guess I earned it,” Bilirakis said of the award.  “I’m a pro-business guy, I’m a small business guy, and, I know that these tax breaks are going to really do a lot,” he said.

“We want you to grow, we want you to innovate, and hire more employees at a higher rate. Things are going good right now, and we have to keep it going,” Bilirakis said.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Published August 15, 2018

Crowd gives Bilirakis an earful

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A crowd — that sometimes became raucous — turned out to a listening session held by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis on the issue of health care reform.

Bilirakis billed the session as an opportunity to receive feedback and ideas from constituents on the future direction of the nation’s health care system, including the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

Many people brought signs to help communicate their views on the health care issue.
(B.C. Manion)

People filled every seat of the Pasco County Commission’s chambers at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey during the Feb. 11 session.

They stood in the back of the chamber, and along both walls, and the overflow spilled into government center’s lobby and down a hallway corridor.

The crowd was made up of men and women, of all ages and ethnicities. Some came in wheelchairs. Some used walkers or canes.

Some carried signs proclaiming such messages such as: “Repair, not repeal.” “The ACA is pro life” and “Health Care is a Human Right.”

Television reports on the event aired on local and national networks, and excerpts of speakers streamed on social media.

The vast majority of speakers protested repealing and replacing the ACA.

Speakers told Bilirakis that repealing the ACA will cause chaos.

Some told Bilirakis that keeping the ACA, for them, or their loved ones, is truly a matter of life or death.

The crowd jeered in reaction to comments by Bill Akins, secretary of the executive committee of the Republican Party of Pasco County, who said: “There is a provision in there (the ACA) that anyone over the age of 74 has to go before what is effectively a death panel.”

As the crowd booed and shouted “no,” Akins insisted he was right. “The provision is in there.”

As speakers took their turn at the microphone, some folks in the lobby occasionally chanted, “Medicare for all. Medicare for all.”

In response, one man counter-chanted: “Make someone else pay. Make someone else pay.”

One speaker told Bilirakis that the ACA had not really worked because it was too expensive, and another said he preferred keeping the government out of his back pocket.

But, most of the speakers, including Ivana Sheppard, a member of Action Together Tampa Bay, want to see Obamacare improved — not repealed and replaced.

“Your job as a congressman is to fix it,” Sheppard told Bilirakis.

Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies should not be involved in reform efforts, she added. “Take their seat from the table. The insurance companies, the pharmaceutical companies should not be at the table,” she said.

“We are actively searching for (U.S. Sen.) Marco Rubio,” Sheppard added.

Beverly Ledbetter, active in Pasco County Democratic politics, reminded Bilirakis: “Affordable health care is more than being able to go to the doctor. It’s peace of mind. It’s the ability to know that you can be treated when you have an illness.

“I taught at Pasco High School, and I would have students who would come in that would be very upset. When I talked to them, I found out that mom had Stage IV breast cancer, or dad had lung cancer … They had to balance between paying their mortgage or getting health care.

“In East Pasco County, we have a 33 percent poverty level. Having access to affordable health care is important. We need a commitment that these people are not going to be left behind. We need a commitment that you’re going to listen and you’re going to act on our behalf.

“We ask that you not make America sick again,” Ledbetter said.

Other speakers told Bilirakis that repealing the ACA will cause people with pre-existing conditions to lose their access to health care. They said medicines will be too expensive, and they said without subsidies, people won’t be able to afford insurance.

Two doctors told Bilirakis that the ACA has resulted in people getting medical treatment sooner, before their conditions worsened.

In response to comments about Medicare, Bilirakis assured the crowd that Medicare will stay the same.

“Medicare will not be affected. Medicare is the greatest program in the history of the United States, and we’re going to keep it,” Bilirakis said.

He also said he knows that health care reforms are needed.

“Premiums are very, very high. We have to fix that,” said.

He said that increased competition between pharmaceutical companies will reduce prescription drug prices.

As speakers continued to share their opinions and experiences, Bilirakis told them: “We are taking notes, and I know this is being recorded. So, I’m going to take all of these stories with me to Washington.”

Published February 15, 2017

Check out information, and fun, at local libraries

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A new year always offers a fresh chance to become more disciplined, learn new things, explore new hobbies and have more fun.

All that, and more, awaits visitors to local libraries.

One of the creatures that Stacy Dunn, an animal educator from Pinellas County Reptiles, brought to a show at New River Branch Library last June. She had a crowd of about 90 people hanging on her every word during the reptile show.
(File)

Besides a vast collection of books, CDs, DVDs and digital offerings, libraries host scores of events every month.

So, depending on your interests or your needs, you can often find just what you’re seeking at the library — for free.

And, if not at your local library, chances are you can find it at a library in a nearby community.

So, whether it’s learning more about Medicare, camellias, cooking or crafts — there are libraries in northern Hillsborough County, and east and central Pasco County, offering classes or events on topics like these and more.

Maybe you’re a gamer, or a movie buff. Libraries have free game nights and free movies, too.

A photo of 2nd Lt. Phil Rasmussen shows the airplane pilot in his pajamas with a pistol strapped around his waist. Rasmussen shot down a Japanese Zero during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

You can be a hands-on type, or a listener; someone brand new to a pursuit, or someone who knows what’s what. Regardless of your personality type or interests, you likely can locate a library that is offering what you’re hoping to find.

Here’s a look at just a few of the selections available at your local libraries through the end of January.

For future months, visit HCPLC.org to find out more of what’s happening in Hillsborough County libraries or PascoLibraries.org to find out about more offerings in Pasco County libraries.

What’s happening in northern Hillsborough County libraries

Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
Jan. 18, 1:15 p.m.: Wee Artists: Arts and crafts for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Jan. 24, 1:15 p.m.: Motion Commotion: This 30-minute program incorporates music, literacy and fitness for the whole family. Recommended for children ages 2 to 5.

Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.: Adult Tech Bytes: Did you get a new electronic device over the holidays? Discover the library’s large selection of e-books, audiobooks and more. Upload free apps from the library. Those attending must have a working email address and wireless capabilities on their devices.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
Jan. 13, 4 p.m.: Knitting for beginners
Jan. 14, 10:15 a.m.: English practice at Conversation Corner
Jan. 14, 2 p.m.: Introduction to 3D Printing
Jan. 21, 2 p.m.: Introduction to 3D Modeling with Tinker CAD
Jan. 25, 4 p.m.: Art after school
Jan. 28, 2 p.m.:3D Scanning with 123D Catch
Jan. 31, 4:30 p.m.: Storytelling workshop

Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
Jan. 17, 4 p.m.: E-books for Tablets and Smartphones

Jan. 28, 3 p.m.: Super Science: Pirate Polly and her parrot, Crackers, will lead a pirate-themed program featuring science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recommended for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and their families.

New Tampa Branch Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
Jan. 12, 3 p.m.: How to Write a Resume

Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Yoga for Well-Being

Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring a project, and meet new people in this sit and stitch program. Beginners welcome. Bring your own supplies.

Jan. 17, 3 p.m.: Pig Out on Reading: Daisy the pig, along with Farmer and Mrs. Minor, will visit the library with stories about the pampered swine’s life. For ages 2 to 6.

Jan. 24, 3 p.m.: Intro to Cybersecurity: A beginner’s guide

What’s happening at East and Central Pasco County libraries

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Friends of Hugh Embry Used Book Sale

Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.: Learn how to become a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer

Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Astronomer Ken Manning presents “When Celestial Bodies Collide: Eclipses & Other Phenomenon”

Jan. 24, 2 p.m.: In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Roslyn Franken, author of “Meant to Be: A True Story of Might, Miracles and Triumph of the Human Spirit,” will present an inspirational program based on her book.

Jan. 26, 4 p.m.: Coder DoJo Jr.: For grades six through 12. Javascript and more coding club. Bring your email address and password.

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Jan. 14, 2 to 4 p.m.: An introduction to tools for junior woodworkers, ages 9 through 15

Jan. 21, 10 a.m.: Turning 65: Medicare assistance: The purpose of the program is to educate elders regarding Medicare insurance.

Jan. 28, 10 a.m.: Sylvia’s Kitchen: Participants will make chocolate-covered creations, ages 13 and up.

Jan. 28, 2 p.m.: Pre-teen jewelry: Making Pop Tab People, ages 9 through 15

New River Branch, 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
Jan. 17, 2 p.m.: Learn about camellias from a master gardener
Jan. 19, 11 a.m.: Medicare 101: Get answers to your Medicare enrollment questions.
Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Want to learn about gardening? Attend the community garden meeting.
Jan. 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: After-hours community gaming night. Participants will play a wide array of board games, including such classics as Monopoly and Scrabble.

Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., Zephyrhills
Jan. 12: 9:45 a.m.: Career Source Mobile One: Job Search and Career Assistance: Job seekers will find help in searching for work, writing and printing resumes, and finding out about resources that can help them in their quest for employment.

Jan. 12, 6 p.m.: Lawyer in the library: Attorney Bret Galbraith will field questions on small business issues.

Jan. 18, 1 p.m.: AARP Seminar: Fraud Prevention: Learn how to protect yourself from ID theft and to protect yourself from scams.

Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.: Cookbook Book Club: If you love to eat, love to learn new recipes and enjoy meeting new people, this club is for you.

Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m.: I Quit — Smoking Cessation. Learn strategies for quitting all forms of tobacco in a friendly and supportive setting.

Published January 11, 2017

Celebrating health care services in Lacoochee

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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

Health care startup to hire 500 workers

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CareSync, a Wesley Chapel-based health management company, is in the midst of a growth spurt with new investments of $18 million, and a plan to hire 500 new employees over the next 18 months.

About 100 jobs will be in marketing, sales and development. But, most will be for people with medical backgrounds, including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and clinicians. Some positions also might go to people who have the drive and desire to become a nurse.

The start-up company launched nearly four years ago as a software and service provider for chronic disease management. There currently are nearly 120 employees.

Travis Bond is the founder of CareSync and its chief executive officer. (Images of CareSync)
Travis Bond is the founder of CareSync and its chief executive officer.
(Images courtesy of CareSync)

The company’s users include health care providers, caretakers and individual patients who want to collect, organize and store medical data for quick, easy reference.

The idea is to put everyone involved in a patient’s care on the same page, sharing an entire medical history.

“We are all about creating care plans,” said Travis Bond, the company’s founder and chief executive officer.

The company offers options on how to accomplish that task.

A free app is available for people who want a “do-it-yourself” approach.

However, the company also offers a range of fee-based services where retrieval specialists collect, enter and organize medical information from multiple providers. Physicians, nurses and family members, as well as individual patients, can access the centralized data to coordinate care. This can include scheduling appointments, putting together a list of questions to ask the doctor, tracking medications and avoiding the duplication of medical tests.

“You can invite others to share your data,” Bond said. “That’s helpful, because typically a caretaker feels intimidated because of lack of data. They lack training and confidence.”

About one-third of CareSync’s users are children caring for elderly parents, Bond said.

The program also aids physicians in coordinating care, especially when multiple providers are involved.

CareSync also aids in billing procedures and meeting requirements for Medicare’s chronic disease management goals.

Bond’s motivation in creating his company, in part, came from a friend’s struggle to manage the care of her daughter who has an autoimmune disease.

The friend is a nurse, but even she was overwhelmed trying to cope with 12 doctors and six emergency medical records (EMR) in three states.

“If she can’t do it, no one can,” Bond said. “It bogs down the velocity of care.”

caresync-logo-web-179x40 rgbAnd, he said it creates a “dark space between doctors and appointments. How is it we can help individuals become more informed when not at a point of care?”

While CareSync’s headquarters are in Wesley Chapel, the company operates a nursing center in Wauchula in Hardee County where medical advice and planning is available on a 24-hour basis. Bond hopes to open a nursing center in Wesley Chapel, too.

The $18 million in funding is from new investors Merck Global Health Fund, Greycroft Partners and Harbert Venture Partners, and also current investors Tullis Health Investors, Clearwell Group, CDH Solutions and Bond.

The funding reflects the growth in the chronic disease management industry and recognition by physicians that case management will be here for years to come, Bond said.

“These are lasting, long-term careers. It’s really a big deal,” he said.

For information call CareSync at (800) 587-5227, or visit CareSync.com.

Published October 21, 2015

Dr. Christina Gomez is new OB/GYN in North Pasco

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Dr. Christina Gomez believes practicing medicine is truly a calling. Growing up in Tampa, she volunteered in nursing homes and hospitals as a teenager before attending USF.

My Gynecologist’s Pasco office staff are Kristina, Dr. Gomez and Doris.
My Gynecologist’s Pasco office staff are Kristina, Dr. Gomez and Doris.

During her residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dr. Gomez gravitated toward obstetrics and gynecology. “It’s what I loved best during rotations,” she said.

Gomez approaches patients by focusing on their overall health and well-being. She believes patients should be educated about their health and be their own advocates. She encourages patients to ask questions about any and all health issues.

Before opening her new office on State Road 52 close to the Suncoast Expressway, the closest My Gynecologist office for Land O’ Lakes residents was in Spring Hill. Now, patients have convenient access to annual exams, contraceptives, menopause management and obstetrical care.

“I live three minutes away from my office,” said Dr.Gomez. “I shop here, work here and play here. I understand why it’s so important for women to have convenient access to the medical care they need.”

My Gynecologist provides patients with access to an online portal where medical information is available to them 24 hours a day. In addition, a medical liaison is available to answer any questions. These services set My Gynecology apart from other medical providers and allow patients to become their own health and well-being advocates.

My Gynecologist’s north Pasco office is staffed by Dr. Gomez and two assistants, and has the full support of the practice’s main office in Spring Hill. Tests and procedures can be performed at either location. Dr. Gomez has privileges at Bayfront Health Spring Hill.

“I feel like I’m fulfilling a need in the community, while doing what I truly love,” said Dr. Gomez.

Whether riding on the Suncoast Parkway Bike Trail,or visiting Lowry Park Zoo with her young son, Dr. Gomez enjoys living in the community where her patients also live.

“This is home. Getting to work so close to home is great. I love taking care of people, especially helping women understand the importance of good health.”

My Gynecologist accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare. The Pasco office offers open extended hours during the week.

My Gynecologist is located at 14751 State Road 52, Suite A105, in Hudson, in the Hays Road Town Center. Learn more at MyGYN.net.

– Jenny Timms

This story is a feature of the advertising department.