The following are press and media releases submitted from local health organizations and businesses to What’s What NPR and published as is.
Updated April 23, 2024
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
Florida Department of Health Pasco Issues Rabies Alert
Press Release | April 5, 2023
Florida Department of Public Health, Pasco
Christina Louv, Public Information Officer, Pasco
Christina.Louv-Pickle@flhealth.gov
Mike Napier, County Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco), has issued a rabies alert for the west-central geographical region of Pasco County. This is in response to a cat that tested positive for rabies reported on April 4, 2023.
All citizens in Pasco County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Pasco County. Alerts are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named as under an alert. The recent rabies alert is for 60 days. The center of the rabies alert is in the west central
area of Pasco County and includes the following area boundaries:
- North of Ridge Road
- South of Midvale Avenue
- West of the Pithlachascotee River
- East of Moon Lake Road
An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not
been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies
and all wildlife contact should be avoided particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks,
otters, bobcats, and coyotes. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to
warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is
rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started
soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.
The following advice is issued: - Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all pets.
- If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal
immediately. - Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food
outside, or garbage cans open. - Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they
appear friendly. - Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches,
schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people
and pets. - If you are bitten by any animal seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly
with soap and water. Go to your family doctor or hospital for medical attention
immediately. - Contact Pasco County Animal Services at (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212, or
(352) 521-5194 to report animal bites or scratches and for information on stray
dogs and cats. - Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-863-648-
3203 for concerns about wild animals.
For further information on rabies, please visit the Florida Department of Health
website or contact the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, (352) 521-
1450 option 4.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works
to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated
state, county, and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HealthyPasco. For more
information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
DOH Pasco Early Detection Program Hosts Mobile Mammography Bus in New Port Richey
Press Release | March 15, 2023
Florida Department of Public Health, Pasco
Christina Louv, Public Information Officer, Pasco
Christina.Louv-Pickle@flhealth.gov
The Florida Breast Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP) DOHPasco has partnered with AdventHealth to bring a 3D mobile mammography bus to New Port Richey. Early detection is the best protection! FBCCEDP-Pasco encourages everyone to take charge of their health and have that peace of mind. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 at DOH-Pasco, 10841 Little Road. New Port Richey.
To make sure you are eligible for this screening, and to schedule an appointment please call
727-619-0369 or 727-619-0371 or email at Pasco.web@FLHealth.gov
Why are mammograms important?
1 in 8 women will have breast cancer, and 8 out of 9 have no family history. However, when
detected early, breast cancer has a nearly 100% survival rate. Regular yearly 3D mammogram
screenings help with early detection and better outcomes. Early diagnosis reduces long-term
absenteeism by treating the disease early when treatment is less severe.
Benefits of mobile mammography:
Convenience – Mobile unit is conveniently parked right outside your business or in your
neighborhood which makes it convenient to not have to take time off work or travel far from
home.
Who is eligible to receive a mammogram on the bus?
• Florida resident
• Have no health insurance that pays for breast cancer screening exams
• Net family annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Asymptomatic (no breast symptoms)
• Eligible female who has not received a screening mammogram within the past year. This
will be considered their annual wellness screening mammogram.
• Women under 40 years of age require a prescription from their doctor.
• If you need diagnostic imaging, you will be unable to use this mobile unit as the bus
provides a 3D SCREENING mammogram. You are not eligible to be screened on the
mobile unit if you are currently experiencing symptoms in your breasts or are pregnant or haven’t stopped breastfeeding for five months.
How much do mammograms cost?
• If you don’t have health insurance, are considered low-income; We can review the eligibility
into the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP), and the BCCED
Program will provide coverage at this event.
How to schedule an appointment and to make sure you are eligible on the Mobile
Mammography Bus?
• Call: 727-619-0369 or 727-619-0371 or email: Pasco.web@FLHealth.gov
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