By B.C. Manion
Eighteen-year-old Justin Zloty knows a thing or two about websites.
The senior in Land O’ Lakes High School’s International Baccalaureate program designed his first one — with the help of his brother, Joshua — when he was in third or fourth grade.
And when he learned that the Pasco County Medical Mobile Unit needed a website, Zloty stepped right up to fill that need.
Zloty, who plans to be a surgeon, said he considered the project as a way he could combine two of his greatest interests: medicine and helping others.
He met with Pasco Commissioner Pat Mulieri, a huge backer of the mobile health unit, to find out what the website should include.
Then, he went to work.
About 50 hours and a few consultations later, the mobile medical unit website was born.
The medical unit travels throughout the county tending to the health needs of the homeless and the uninsured.
The website describes the medical unit’s mission, includes a schedule of its planned stops and offers information on how others can help. Notes about the unit’s staff and articles are also posted.
While the website provides practical information for those wanting to find out where it will be headed, it is also a place where potential supporters can learn more about it.
“One of the main reasons Commissioner Mulieri wanted me to do it is because they don’t get any government funding,” Zloty said. “They rely on donations and grants. A website gives them a greater presence, which allows them to look more official to the grant agencies and donors.”
Zloty maintains the website, posting calendar updates and fresh content. He also fixes problems, such as broken links.
For him, developing the website was fairly simple.
After all, this is the same young man who has created computer games and iPhone apps.
When he’s not tinkering on the computer, he’s playing classical piano, doing research for school, tutoring mathematics or volunteering in the community.
Zloty lives in Land O’ Lakes. His parents are Martin and Colleen Zloty and he has three brothers, Joshua, 20; Weston, 14; and, Daniel, 11.
He was honored on Feb. 19 by the Pasco County Commission for creating the website.
Commissioners adopted a resolution commending his efforts, which heaped high praise on the young man.
Zloty “implemented a website with more complexity and originality than was expected,” the resolution reads. “His diligence, hard work, innovative ideas and high-level skills resulted in a final product that was outstanding. … His professionalism sets him apart from other teenagers.”
The resolution goes on to state, “Justin is an amazing young man who cares deeply about others and does not hesitate to be of service to the community. He had already surpassed the required community service hours needed for his IB Diploma, but still donated his time to work on this additional project.”
Zloty, who plans to attend Cornell University, said he was surprised by the recognition he received for creating the website: “For me, it was just a little project.”
To find out more information about the mobile medical unit, visit www.pascomobilehealth.org.
He’s willing to do more
If you are involved with a nonprofit organization that needs help developing its website, Justin Zloty said he’s willing to help. You can reach him at .
