The following are press and media releases submitted from local health organizations and businesses to What’s What NPR and published as is.
Updated August 5, 2024
DOH-Pasco Encourages Floridians to Donate Blood
Media Release | August 2, 2024
Florida DOH Pasco
Pasco County, Fla. — This week, OneBlood, an Orlando-based blood center, experienced a cyberattack that has brought some of their systems offline.
During this time, the Florida Department of Health in Pasco (DOH-Pasco) encourages Floridians to consider donating blood to alternative blood centers to help boost Florida’s blood supply. Donating blood saves lives!
Florida is partnering with LifeSouth, SunCoast, and other local blood centers to receive blood
donations and help distribute them appropriately across the state. Locations for these
community-based blood centers can be found at FloridaDonates.com.
DOH-Pasco encourages residents and visitors to make an appointment with alternative
providers to support the blood supply for Florida’s hospitals and fellow Floridians.
Media Release | April 30, 2024
DOH Pasco
Pasco County, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) advises residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pasco County.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus was detected in a group of sick emus. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Pasco County Mosquito Control and DOH-Pasco continue surveillance and prevention efforts.
DOH-Pasco reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take
basic precautions to help limit exposure. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and Cover”: DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys,
flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. - Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items
that aren’t being used. - Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic
swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent. - Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection
may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present. - Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
o Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil
of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are
effective.
o Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Tips on Repellent Use - Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a
repellent. - Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply
permethrin directly to skin. - Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and
age appropriate:
o Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthanediol should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.
o DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
o Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
o Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the
child’s skin and clothing.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. - Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental
Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products.
The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses,
including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria,
chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
For more information, visit the Department’s website or contact DOH-Pasco at 727-619-0300.
Pasco County Opioid Task Force Opens Applications for Projects
Media Release | April 23, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
~~Funding proposals should support treatment, prevention and recovery~~
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- The fight against opioid addiction continues – and you can help. The Pasco County Opioid Task Force is opening year two of the Opioid Treatment, Prevention and Recovery Fund to support programs and services for people impacted by the opioid crisis in Pasco County. Community projects seeking grant funding may apply from May 6 to June 7, 2024.
WHAT: Opioid Treatment, Prevention and Recovery Fund Application
WHEN: The window to apply is open from May 6 to June 7, 2024 (by 5 p.m.).
HOW: Applicants are required to attend a virtual information session and can join on the day of the session using one of the below links:
- Tuesday, April 30 | 2 p.m., Join: mypas.co/April30Training
- Thursday, May 2 | 8 a.m., Join: mypas.co/May2Training
The application link will be provided to everyone who attends a virtual session.
“By allocating opioid settlement funding to bolster community health initiatives, we’re not just addressing a community problem – but investing in the well-being and resilience of our County,” said Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Chair Ron Oakley. “Let’s turn the tide on substance use disorder and transform these funds into pathways of hope, healing and a brighter future for all.”
The more than $6 million fund gives grants to community-based organizations across Pasco County with projects that directly address treatment, prevention and recovery for people and communities affected by the opioid crisis.
If you’d like to learn more about the Pasco County Opioid Task Force, please click HERE.
Pasco County Approves Money for Opioid Fight
Media Release | January 18, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- It’s a momentous milestone in the fight against opioids. The Pasco Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the approval of nine recommended projects submitted to the Opioid Task Force – all committed to providing necessary aid to those struggling in our community with substance use and mental health disorders.
More than $8.1 million will be used for projects among
city/county and regional organizations. The money comes from the global settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Areas covered include:
- Treatment and Supportive Services
- Education and Caregiver Support
- System Level Abatement
- Prevention and Education
- Mitigation and Enforcement
“The services funded through these projects are vital tools toward integrating preventative measures
and necessary resources into our community,” says Pasco County Support Services Director Paula
Baracaldo. “It demonstrates Pasco County’s commitment to fighting the horrible effects and
consequences of substance-use disorder.”
Funding will provide access to the following services:
Mental Health Support
Medical Supplies
Supportive & Transitional Housing
Comprehensive Case Management
Community Outreach Efforts
To learn more about the Opioid Task Force, please visit: mypas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees
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