News and Events
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iMAD Program Finishes 2020-
Heartland Rural Health Network has been providing Sexual Health Education in Highlands County for over a decade now, most recently through our Competitive Personal Responsibility Education Program - iMAD Program. This program finished out the 2020-2021 School Year strong. We served a total of 2,429 Highlands County middle and high school students. See the table below for a breakdown of information on student participants from each school served.
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Child Vaccinations:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month |
August. The month you can see wheels on the school buses rolling again and smell the tip of a freshly sharpened pencil. This August, as more children return to school, we encourage you not to forget vaccinations.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
The pandemic caused a steep decline in child immunizations. Numbers plummeted in 2020 after COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. Data showed there were about 2.5 million fewer doses of vaccines ordered in a single month, including 250,000 fewer doses of measles-containing vaccines, compared to the year prior.
Central Florida Health Care Pediatrician Dr. Heather Wardy says as more children return to school after a year of distance learning, she hopes parents will protect their children from the diseases that vaccines have prevented for years.
Did you know there are 16 different diseases that we protect against with vaccines? Together, we must ensure that our current fight against COVID-19 will not come at the expense of these 16 others. Now, we need to stress the need for children and adolescents to get their routine vaccines and well-visits while emphasizing the extensive measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The last thing anyone wants to see is a new outbreak of Measles, Whooping Cough, or Mumps.
Dr. Wardy encourages all patients to get their annual flu vaccine to minimize the number of co-infections and reduce the burden of severe disease and respiratory illnesses in our communities. She says the pandemic taught us many lessons. One of the most valuable of these may be a renewed appreciation of the gift we have to prevent illness when we can – all thanks to vaccines and the healthcare workers who give them.
You have the power to protect against serious diseases. Be sure to talk with your provider about all the immunizations needed at different stages of life. As Ben Franklin once said, “A pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
The pandemic caused a steep decline in child immunizations. Numbers plummeted in 2020 after COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. Data showed there were about 2.5 million fewer doses of vaccines ordered in a single month, including 250,000 fewer doses of measles-containing vaccines, compared to the year prior.
Central Florida Health Care Pediatrician Dr. Heather Wardy says as more children return to school after a year of distance learning, she hopes parents will protect their children from the diseases that vaccines have prevented for years.
Did you know there are 16 different diseases that we protect against with vaccines? Together, we must ensure that our current fight against COVID-19 will not come at the expense of these 16 others. Now, we need to stress the need for children and adolescents to get their routine vaccines and well-visits while emphasizing the extensive measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The last thing anyone wants to see is a new outbreak of Measles, Whooping Cough, or Mumps.
Dr. Wardy encourages all patients to get their annual flu vaccine to minimize the number of co-infections and reduce the burden of severe disease and respiratory illnesses in our communities. She says the pandemic taught us many lessons. One of the most valuable of these may be a renewed appreciation of the gift we have to prevent illness when we can – all thanks to vaccines and the healthcare workers who give them.
You have the power to protect against serious diseases. Be sure to talk with your provider about all the immunizations needed at different stages of life. As Ben Franklin once said, “A pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Study and Survey Input Requests
Moffit's Study for Minority Men
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FRHA's Statewide training and workforce needs among rural stakeholders. Please take a couple minutes to complete the survey by clicking here.
Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida is partnering with all of the local health councils in Florida to develop the 2021 Florida State Health Assessment (FSHA) and the 2022-2026 Florida State Health Improvement Plan (FSHIP) and need your input!
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Minority Mental Health Awareness
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Mental Wellness is essential to everyone, but many minorities face more challenges these days when it comes to taking care of themselves and getting the treatment they need. Dr. Ingrid Atiles is sharing some vital information with us to spread awareness about this concern.
Dr. Atiles says many minorities tend to keep going on with their daily lives without dealing with mental illness. Sometimes financial barriers and lack of transportation lead to this. Paying bills first trumps medical attention, unfortunately. There are mental health discrepancies in co-pays, and some behavioral health providers don't even accept insurance.
Regardless, Dr. Atiles says when the mental illness starts affecting work, communication with others, and life in general, you should seek behavioral health treatment.
Lack of social justice, racism, and immigration challenges make minorities more prone to added stress and trauma. It's this reason Central Florida Health Care's goal is to create awareness. We're here to help everyone find hope and respite with our mental wellness services. We can all spread awareness simply by letting more people know about CFHC's program to treat those who struggle financially. No one should have to suffer alone.
It's normal to seek help. Mental Wellness is a discussion that needs to happen more often within our communities. We need to provide support for each other. Dr. Atiles reminds everyone of the importance of prioritizing self-care daily. Simple tasks like reading, walking, and being in the present moment can lead to a happier life with reduced stress and health issues.
Dr. Atiles says many minorities tend to keep going on with their daily lives without dealing with mental illness. Sometimes financial barriers and lack of transportation lead to this. Paying bills first trumps medical attention, unfortunately. There are mental health discrepancies in co-pays, and some behavioral health providers don't even accept insurance.
Regardless, Dr. Atiles says when the mental illness starts affecting work, communication with others, and life in general, you should seek behavioral health treatment.
Lack of social justice, racism, and immigration challenges make minorities more prone to added stress and trauma. It's this reason Central Florida Health Care's goal is to create awareness. We're here to help everyone find hope and respite with our mental wellness services. We can all spread awareness simply by letting more people know about CFHC's program to treat those who struggle financially. No one should have to suffer alone.
It's normal to seek help. Mental Wellness is a discussion that needs to happen more often within our communities. We need to provide support for each other. Dr. Atiles reminds everyone of the importance of prioritizing self-care daily. Simple tasks like reading, walking, and being in the present moment can lead to a happier life with reduced stress and health issues.
2021 Quarter 3 Job Announcements
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National Dental Care Month
May 2021
Seeing your dentist regularly allows you to build a lifelong relationship with a Great Dental Teams which will…
COMMUNICATE It’s likely no surprise that one of the top strengths among strong dental teams is their ability to communicate. Teams with top-notch communication often work in dental offices that foster a culture of collaboration — where no one hesitates to ask questions, provide encouragement and share knowledge. Some dental teams even start their workdays with morning “huddle” meetings to ensure the workday goes smoothly for everyone, including the patient. COORDINATE Deliberate coordination of patient care activities between two or more participants involved in patient care to facilitate the appropriate delivery of health care services. Perhaps we need our wisdom teeth removed and the procedure is beyond the scope of our family dentist. Or take for example someone who is suffering from gum disease. It is important that these patients maintain regular visits with their general dentist and in addition establish specialized care with a periodontist. This patient may need initial restorative surgeries followed by occasional visits with their specialist. Clearance from dentist to oncologist and cardiologist. Cancer patients can be at a high risk of developing complicationso their mouth and teeth, both as a result of their condition and the treatment of it. CONTINUITY OF CARE How often should your teeth be cleaned? How often should you have an oral exam? How often should have new dental radiographs taken? The benefits of being treated by your own long-term dentist are considerable. Known as continuity of care, your dentist’s familiarity with your oral health & treatment history means they are best placed to aid you and make treatment choices based on that knowledge, ensuring that you receive the highest level of dental care on an ongoing basis. This continuity of care is a critically important healthcare relationship. |
What is National Dental Care Month?
National Dental Care Month is celebrated in May. It was established in efforts to bring awareness to the importance of preventative dental care and improve oral hygiene. Positive oral habits can enable individuals to enjoy lifelong oral health and overall wellbeing. Celebrate this month by scheduling an appointment with your dental care home! As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has stated, “Oral health is integral to overall health”. The misconception that oral health is different from general health must be assiduously dismissed. Oral Health Links to Systemic Diseases Awareness of associations of oral and general health are important. Many systemic conditions manifest themselves in the mouth. Health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy can have oral implications. Oral bacteria do not simply remain in the oral cavity, in fact, Porphyromonas gingivalis has been found in the heart and is known to cause vascular and atherosclerotic changes in the Cardiovascular system. In 2007 a 12-year-old Maryland boy died after bacteria from a decayed and abscessed tooth traveled to the brain. Prevention is Key and Starts at an Early Age Children’s Oral Health An Infant's first tooth will usually come in around 6 months on the lower arch. There is a total of 20 primary teeth. There is a misconception that these teeth are not important since they “fall out”. Primary teeth or baby teeth are vital to the transition of permanent teeth, as they lead the way for the latter to erupt. Early childhood caries is the most common chronic infectious disease among this age group. For infants, oral care may start with a wet gauze or soft bristle toothbrush. For older children, a soft bristle toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. Brush for 2 minutes, twice daily along with flossing. Visit your dentist once yearly for a comprehensive examination. LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTHAdult’s Oral Health
Adults have a total of 32 teeth. By adulthood, 85% of people will have at least one cavity. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults by the age of 30 will have some form of Periodontal Disease. Care should be taken to avoid losing any teeth as they are part of the beginning of the digestive system, allow for speech, and maintain a youthful appearance by retaining bone structure around the face. Visit the dentist yearly to help ensure great oral care. What is gum disease? There are two types of gum disease (Periodontal Disease). Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, caused by bacteria and poor oral hygiene. The second is periodontitis. Periodontitis involves inflammation of the gums as well as bone and gum loss. It is the most severe of the two. Both have common symptoms such as bleeding and inflamed gums. Periodontitis can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Risk Factors for gum disease:
LEARN MORE ABOUT GUM DISEASE. |
Celebrating Black History Month
February 2021
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February is Black History Month. Last year, we celebrated by sharing information on black pioneers in medicine. This year, I thought we would shed some light on black medical professionals that are leading the way today. I stumbled upon an article pointing out several black medical professionals changing lives and medicine today on trustedhealth.com.
Dr. Patrice Harris: Dr. Harris, the current President of the American Medical Association, focuses on addressing implicit bias in healthcare at every stage, including at medical school admissions and during the hiring process.
Dr. Beverly Malone: Dr. Malone, the CEO of the National League of Nursing, has a distinguished and decorated background in nursing, including being recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as the fifth most influential person in healthcare on their 2020 list. She has been and continues to be a strong advocate for excellence in patient care as well as in nursing education, including promoting increased diversity in nursing and the inclusion of social factors in nursing education. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett: Dr. Corbett, the Scientific Lead of the Coronavirus Team at the National Institute of Health’s Vaccine Research Center, presented research on spike proteins and mRNA encoding as a potential means of triggering an immune response led to a partnership with Moderna and ultimately to the development of one of the early COVID-19 vaccines. She has also spent a lot of time educating members of the black community about the vaccine, recognizing that many are hesitant to take the vaccine due to safety concerns and historical contexts around medical research and vaccinations. |
These amazing black women are leading the way and changing lives today. We celebrate them and all the many members of the black community serving in many capacities to improve access to quality health care for all.
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National Children's Dental Health Month
February 2021
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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The American Dental Association is celebrating NCDHM this year with the theme “Water, Nature’s Drink.” This year’s theme encourages Health Educators to discusses the dental health benefits of drinking water. Drinking water with fluoride helps strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is considered a natural cavity fighter and is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities. Water keeps your mouth clean because unlike drinking juices, soda and sports drinks, water does not leave unwanted sugar behind on your teeth when you drink it. It also helps fight dry mouth. Saliva helps fight against tooth decay but sometimes your saliva supply can run low causing dry mouth. Water is calorie-free, so it is a no-guilt solution for quenching your thirst.
Heartland Rural Health Network and our partners in health encourage you to take time this February (or really any time of the year) to go over with the children in your life the importance of brushing and flossing regularly and reviewing proper brushing and flossing techniques. Want to check out some resources for talking to your children or promoting National Children’s Dental Health Month? |
National Nutrition Month
March 2021
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Every March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics hosts National Nutrition Month. This is an opportunity for everyone to take the month to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year they are focusing on “Personalize Your Plate.”
“Personalize Your Plate” drives home the idea that not everyone’s plate will look the same even if everyone is trying to eat healthful because there is no one-size-fits-all to nutrition and health. If you have the opportunity to work with a dietician through your primary care provider to put together a eating plan that works for your body and your goals, than you are good to go. If not, here are some quick tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
To find out more about National Nutrition Month, check out EatRIght.org. To learn more about Advent Health’s Food is Health Program, call their toll free number at 1-877-252-6094. |
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January 2021 Awareness Topics
National Mentoring Month
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January was National Mentoring Month. Heartland Rural Health Network runs two different after-school mentoring program – iMAD Girls and Why u-MAD Bro. Both programs focus on equipping middle school students with tools in the areas of healthy relationships, adolescent development, healthy life skills and parent (trusted adult)-child communication. Last school year, prior to the pandemic shut down, the iMAD Girls and Why u-MAD Bro program did many different special presentations and started work on community service projects. Over the years, we have seen the big impact that having mentoring programs for the middle school students has on our communities. We are thankful for continued funding of this program through 2021 and hope to be able to find additional funding to maintain this program for many years to come. For more information on our iMAD Girls program, please visit our iMAD Website www.hrhnimad.org.
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention MonthJanuary was also National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is happening all around us. Although most people tend to associate this issue as an urban issue, we see it in our rural areas as well. Victims are often hidden away but sometimes, people can and do encounter them. This is why the Hope for Justice, a 501(c)3 operating in the USA and internationally, says it could save a life if you are able to ‘spot the signs’ of Human Trafficking. There are six main categories of Slavery and Human Trafficking signs – General Indicators, Sexual Exploitation, Forced Labour, Child Abuse, Criminal Activities, and Domestic Servitude.
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World AIDS Day
December 1, 2020
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December 1st is World AIDS Day. HIV.gov posted the following about World AIDS Day:
“The theme for the 2020 observance is ‘Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact’ (‘Erradicar la epidemia del VIH/SIDA: Resiliencia e Impacto’) World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. Each year, organizations and individuals across the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic, endeavor to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increased response to move toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America.” |
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Many HIV/AIDS Advocates and Advocate Organizations will be having different virtual events today to celebrate. To learn more about some of these events, we encourage you to check our www.hiv.govor https://www.worldaidsday.org.
At HRHN, we encourage everyone to protect themselves and to make choices that are going to set you up for the best outcome for you. It’s a fact that the only way to 100% protect yourself is through ABSTINENCE. But, if you are sexually active, KNOW YOUR STATUS and your partner’s status and USE PROTECTION CORRECTLY EVERY TIME.
National AIDS Awareness Month
December 2020
December is AIDS Awareness Month, a time when we pause to remember and honor those that are fighting or fought this disease, one of the gravest health epidemics of the modern world.
HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease that attacks the body's immune system and leaves a person vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Because there is no cure, reducing the transmission of HIV while minimizing its effect on those living with HIV, is critical.
Chesapeake Health Care reports that “While great strides have been made in AIDS treatment thanks to massive research efforts, which have reduced overall transmission rates, for young adults, HIV/AIDS still remains one of the most serious health threats. This group, which includes all of the young students around the country, is experiencing the fastest rising rates of HIV infection in comparison to any other age group.”
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that New Diagnoses Among Adults and Adolescents of HIV in 2018 in the state of Florida was 4,573 new cases – earning us #2 in the Nation. That year, the highest rate of new diagnoses was among 25-29 year olds across the US. The CDC goes on to estimate that by the end of 2018, 1.2 million people aged 13 and older had HIV in the US, including an estimated 161,800 (14%) people whose infections had not been diagnosed.
Chesapeake Health Care went on to share: “HIV is the virus which causes AIDS. It was first identified back in the 1981 when gay men became acutely sick and later died when their immune system could no longer ward off infection. The illness was erroneously attributed to some form of a rare cancer, but this belief was soon corrected once research was conducted on the virus itself. Since then, great strides in how the virus lives and thrives and treatment measures have been developed. Today, while AIDS is still a very serious health condition, more and more people are living with AIDS than ever before.
To protect yourself against AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases, follow these safe practices.
1. Be safe. Always use condoms or practice abstinence.
2. Get tested regularly. Most campuses offer anonymous or confidential STD testing, including HIV/AIDS testing.
3. Talk to your partner about their sexual history and be open about yours.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs, which can impair judgement and lead to unprotected sex.
5. Don’t share needles, syringes, eyedroppers, or cookers, if you use drugs.
It doesn’t take much to prevent HIV/AIDS, but it also doesn’t take much to contract it. A person living with HIV who takes HIV medicine as prescribed and gets and stays virally suppressed can stay healthy and has effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to HIV-negative partners.”
Links for National AIDs Awareness Month
https://www.worldaidsday.org
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids/index.html
HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease that attacks the body's immune system and leaves a person vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Because there is no cure, reducing the transmission of HIV while minimizing its effect on those living with HIV, is critical.
Chesapeake Health Care reports that “While great strides have been made in AIDS treatment thanks to massive research efforts, which have reduced overall transmission rates, for young adults, HIV/AIDS still remains one of the most serious health threats. This group, which includes all of the young students around the country, is experiencing the fastest rising rates of HIV infection in comparison to any other age group.”
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that New Diagnoses Among Adults and Adolescents of HIV in 2018 in the state of Florida was 4,573 new cases – earning us #2 in the Nation. That year, the highest rate of new diagnoses was among 25-29 year olds across the US. The CDC goes on to estimate that by the end of 2018, 1.2 million people aged 13 and older had HIV in the US, including an estimated 161,800 (14%) people whose infections had not been diagnosed.
Chesapeake Health Care went on to share: “HIV is the virus which causes AIDS. It was first identified back in the 1981 when gay men became acutely sick and later died when their immune system could no longer ward off infection. The illness was erroneously attributed to some form of a rare cancer, but this belief was soon corrected once research was conducted on the virus itself. Since then, great strides in how the virus lives and thrives and treatment measures have been developed. Today, while AIDS is still a very serious health condition, more and more people are living with AIDS than ever before.
To protect yourself against AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases, follow these safe practices.
1. Be safe. Always use condoms or practice abstinence.
2. Get tested regularly. Most campuses offer anonymous or confidential STD testing, including HIV/AIDS testing.
3. Talk to your partner about their sexual history and be open about yours.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs, which can impair judgement and lead to unprotected sex.
5. Don’t share needles, syringes, eyedroppers, or cookers, if you use drugs.
It doesn’t take much to prevent HIV/AIDS, but it also doesn’t take much to contract it. A person living with HIV who takes HIV medicine as prescribed and gets and stays virally suppressed can stay healthy and has effectively no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to HIV-negative partners.”
Links for National AIDs Awareness Month
https://www.worldaidsday.org
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/aids/index.html
World Human Rights Day
December 10th, 2020
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World Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th - the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted (in 1948) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
2020 Theme: Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights This year's Human Rights Day theme relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts. We will reach our common global goals only if we are able to create equal opportunities for all, address the failures exposed and exploited by COVID-19, and apply human rights standards to tackle entrenched systematic, and intergenerational inequalities, exclusion and discrimination.* *This is taken from the United Nations page about World Human Rights Day. You can visit that page to read the full article by clicking here. |
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Universal Human Rights Month
December 2020
Universal Human Rights Month Links:
www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day www.civilandhumanrights.org www.hrc.org |
Universal Human Rights Month is celebrated in December. The most important day of which is World Human Rights Day. World Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): a milestone document proclaiming the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.
This year and in 2021, it is more important than ever that we virtually come together to work toward making human rights universal to all people regardless of where they were born, where they live or how they live. As we start to recover from COVID-19 across the world, it will be important to push for Universal Human Rights. We invite you to visit the links below to learn more about Universal Human Rights Month and the UDHR. |
Project ECHO Sessions
Self-Care: Holiday Help
Need a little extra help this Holiday Season? We are posting some helpful tips and advice from partners on our Social Media (Facebook.com/heartlandrhn) that you can check out. If you need a little more support, here is some places you can check out.
Tri-County Human Services
Peace River Center
Warplanes
Mental Health America on Inspire
Reachout App
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
See our Additional Resources under National Suicide Prevention Week.
Tri-County Human Services
Peace River Center
Warplanes
Mental Health America on Inspire
Reachout App
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
See our Additional Resources under National Suicide Prevention Week.
National Drugged and Drunk Driving (3D)
Prevention Month
December 2020
The Holidays bring a lot of cheer and celebration - but we need to stay responsible while celebrating. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.
Links for information about National 3D Prevention Month:
https://www.sheriffs.org/December-Impaired-Driving-Prevention-Month
https://www.madd.org/december-is-national-impaired-driving-prevention-month/
If you or someone you know is suffering with alcohol or drugs, here are some local resources for help:
Tri-County Human Services
Peace River Center
Links for information about National 3D Prevention Month:
https://www.sheriffs.org/December-Impaired-Driving-Prevention-Month
https://www.madd.org/december-is-national-impaired-driving-prevention-month/
If you or someone you know is suffering with alcohol or drugs, here are some local resources for help:
Tri-County Human Services
Peace River Center
National Rural Health Day
November 19th, 2020
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HRHN will join the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 19th.
National Rural Health Day Links: Power of Rural National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health Florida Rural Health Association National Rural Health Association |
Flu Vaccine Information
Central Florida Health Care submitted an article for our Quarter 4 Newsletter about the importance of the Flu Vaccine, especially this year due to COVID-19. It is important to protect yourself and your loved ones :)
Central Florida Health Care
CDC's Flu Resources Center
FDOH's Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?
Central Florida Health Care
CDC's Flu Resources Center
FDOH's Where Can I Get a Flu Shot?
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November 2020
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This November, we urge you to learn more about Lung Cancer and what you can do to help. It is important that if you are a smoker or vaper, that you get assistance to help stop (see the flyer below for virtual quitting resources from our partners at Central Florida AHEC).
Everyone can mitigate their risk and better their chance of survival for any type of cancer by having regular, annual check-ups with their primary care provider, and following recommendations for screenings. Also, remember on November 19thto participate in the Great American Smokeout 2020! Lung Cancer Awareness Resources: American Lung Association Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition (International) Lung Cancer Foundation of America ACS - Great American Smokeout 2020 CDC's Lung Cancer Awareness Central Florida AHEC |
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National Diabetes Awareness Month
November 2020
In the past, HRHN has had several programs geared toward empowering and supporting the diabetic populations of Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto Counties. Community Health Workers helped individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or struggling with self-management of their type 2 diabetes, learn proper self-care, self-advocacy, and cooking techniques to increase their ability to manage (and sometimes eradicate) the disease. This American Diabetes Month, we want to remind all our former clients to remember that they can control their diabetes instead of it controlling them. Just remember your tools that your CHW taught you.
If you are struggling with Diabetes, please talk with your provider about additional assistance they might offer including diabetes classes, cooking instruction, and/or a diabetes educator. |
The American Diabetes Association reminds us that this American Diabetes Month is a time to take action together, as a community. Because together, we can conquer this disease. Together, we stand greater than diabetes. November is a time for those at risk to talk about diabetes, get educated, find resources, and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk, too. For those with diabetes, it is a time to tell your stories and awaken the world.
National Diabetes Awareness Month Links: American Diabetes Association NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Joslin Diabetes Diabetes Education/Resource Links: Central Florida Health Care ADCES Diabetes Educator Diabetes Foundation John Hopkins Diabetes Self-Management Patient Materials American Heart Association's Diabetes Tools & Resources Florida DOH Diabetes Resources |
National COPD Awareness Month
November 2020
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This November for National COPD Awareness Month, join Heartland Rural Health Network in raising awareness about COPD. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, health care provider, advocate, or researcher, share your perspective. We all have a voice when it comes to COPD and we should use it to help people understand and recognize it earlier, so they can receive treatment to breathe easier.
COPD Awareness Month Resources: Learn More Breathe Better Program COPD Awareness Month Toolkits and Info World COPD Day |
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2020
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Links:
https://nomore.org/campaigns/dvam/ https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/florida_2019.pd |
Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.
If you or someone you know is dealing with Domestic Violence, seek help. Locally, Peace River Center is a good resource for help dealing with Domestic Violence and many of our law enforcement offices have branches specifically to help with Domestic Violence. If you see, hear, or suspect someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. Links for help: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) loveisrespect (Dating Abuse Helpline) Call or text "loveis" to 1-866-331-9474 National Helpline for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse or Assault |
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Join HRHN in taking a stand to end Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by taking the #NoMore pledge.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or
Safe Sleep Awareness Month
October 2020
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The Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties shared the following with us this October:
Sleep-related deaths are 100% preventable and consistently one of the leading causes of death in children under 1 in Polk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep only on their back for every sleep by every caregiver until the child is one year of age. Infants should be placed alone in their crib and on their backs. There should be no bumpers, pillows, loose bedding, or other soft surfaces (i.e. stuffed animals) in the crib with the infant. Caregivers responsible for the infant should never be under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs; caregivers should never share beds with the infant. Polk County recognizes that this is a serious, but preventable issue; together we can ensure all caregivers have access to education and resources on safe sleep practices. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the Polk Safe Sleep Task Force, please contact Tonya Akwetey, MPH at takwetey@healthystarthhp.org. Safe Sleep Awareness Month Links: Healthy Start Coalition of HHP NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Digital Toolkit American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep CDC's Safe Sleep for Babies Nemour's Safe Sleep for Babies |
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 2020
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Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue of the breast. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
What can you do? Remind the women in your life to get a mammogram according to recommended ages and history. Learn about and complete self-testing for breast cancer. Donate to cancer research. Learn more and protect the women (and men) you care about because early detection goes a LONG way. Breast Cancer Awareness Links: National Breast Cancer Foundation CDC's Breast Cancer Center Mayo Clinic American Cancer Society Breast Cancer.Org NIH's National Cancer Institute MD Anderson Cancer Center |
Bullying Prevention Month
October 2020
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October was Bullying Prevention Month. With your help, we can come together as a community to promote inclusion and acceptance over bullying and exclusion.
Bullying Prevention Month Links: Stomp Out Bullying Pacer Stop Bullying |
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Healthy Literacy Month
October 2020
Links for more information on Health Literacy Month:
https://healthliteracymonth.org
https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html
https://www.hrsa.gov/about/organization/bureaus/ohe/health-literacy/index.html
https://healthliteracymonth.org
https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html
https://www.hrsa.gov/about/organization/bureaus/ohe/health-literacy/index.html
National Suicide Prevention Week
September 6th - 12th, 2020
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If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. |
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Learn how to help prevent suicides.
Link to Article about Trusted Resources for Suicide Prevention from HRSA, Click Here. To Download the State Suicide Fact Sheet, click here. To look at other state's fact sheets, click here. |
Pulmonary Rehabilitation:
Why is it so hard to qualify?
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This quarter, our newsletter featured an article on Pulmonary Rehabilitation from DeSoto Memorial Hospital. Due to space limitations, we were unable to post the references from the article. However, if you click here you can down the article in its entirety, including the references. If you have any questions about the article, please feel free to reach out to us at support@hrhn.org or Sarah Hipp at DeSoto Memorial Hospital at shipp@dmh.org. |
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Yoga Awareness Month
The Self-Care topic for the Quarter 3 Newsletter is yoga, which can do great things for your mind, body and soul. September is Yoga Awareness Month. During September, you might see more posts about Yoga and about free virutal classes. Yoga is a great workout option for women, men and kids. Maybe this September, you try one out?
Article from Health Corps about Yoga can be found here. |
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Prepping for a Hurricane
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Hurricane season for the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. As we are sitting right dab in the middle of Hurricane Season, our Quarter 3 Newsletter has important information on getting prepared for Hurricane Season, especially with the added wrench of the COVID-19 Pandemic this year.
The article we brought over to our newsletter can be found in its entirety on the CDC Webpage here. Hurricane Preparedness Pages for each county (click on county for each link): Charlotte County DeSoto County Hardee County Highlands County Polk County |
National Breastfeeding Month
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August is National Breastfeeding Month. To get more information about National Breastfeed Month and to see resources for Breastfeeding families, visit the following links:
National Breastfeeding Month Links About Breastfeeding Month Link 1 Link 2 Articles about Breastfeeding Article 1 Article 2 |
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National Health Center Week
August 9th - 15th, 2020
Here is the highlights of each day during the week:
visit the National Health Center Week 2020 page by clicking here. |
Health centers are an integral part of our communities, providing preventive care and primary care services, as well as often taking the lead in providing social services and fighting social determinants of health. This National Health Center Week, help us celebrate our Health Centers for all that they do for our communities!
Central Florida Health Care, Inc. serves Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties, FL. Central Florida Health Care is also an active member of our Board of Directors. They have worked hard to remain open during the pandemic to serve all residents and non-residents. Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida serves Charlotte County, as well as Glades, Lee and Sarasota Counties, FL. MCR Health Inc. serves DeSoto County, as well as Manatee and Sarasota Counties, FL. Suncoast Community Health Centers has one center serving Polk County, as well as Hillsborough County, FL. 
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Job Announcements
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As part of the ongoing COVID response, DOH in Highlands county has been authorized to hire individuals for OPS positions in the areas listed in the HRHN Newsletter. The positions will be funded through 12/31/20. If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out the Employment Application below and send it to Sherry Gaffney at Sherry.Gaffney@flhealth.gov.
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June is Alzheimer's and
Brain Awareness Month
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To get more information on Alzheimer's and other Brain Awareness Month and the Alzheimer's Association, visit the following links:
Alzheimer's Awareness Links Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month Alzheimer's Association |
May is Mental Health
Awareness Month
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In the Quarter 2 Newsletter for HRHN, we presented an summary of an article posted to the National Alliance on Mental Illness about How to Ease Children's Anxiety About COVID-19 that was written by Dawn O'Malley, Psy. D. on March 25, 2020. To view the article in its entirety and find more Mental Health Resources, visit the following links:
Mental Health Month Links NAMI's Article National Alliance on Mental Illness Mental Health America Tri-County Human Services (Partner in Prevention) Peace River Center (Partner in Prevention |
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Peace River Center promotes Mental Health Awareness
Peace River Center's Spring 2020 virtual magazine is live! Check it out here.
Wear Green to show your support of Mental Health Awareness on MAY 6th!
Also, we encourage you to join us in promoting Mental Health Awareness by wearing green on Wednesday, May 6th. Make sure you upload your photo to social media and use the hashtags #greenforPRC #hrhn and #mentalhealthawareness. We can't wait to see your pictures!
April is National
Child Abuse Prevention Month
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To get more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities and the Champion for Children Foundation of Highlands County, visit the following links:
Child Abuse Prevention Month Links Child Abuse Prevention Month Champion for Children Foundation |
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COVID-19 Myth Busters:
Separating Fact from Fiction
The World Health Organization (WHO) posts regularly on their website Myths and Facts about COVID-19. In our Quarter 2 Newsletter, we highlighted some of the most frequently heard myths in our community. To see them all, follow the link below:
COVID-19 Facts
To see a collection of resources for COVID-19,
visit our dedicated COVID-19 Resource page
by clicking HERE.
2020 Census: How it Affects Your Community
The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in the United States and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail—between March 12-20.
Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community, because the results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.
The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information confidential. This law protects your answers to the 2020 Census. Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. Violating Title 13 is a federal crime, punishable by prison time and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.
To read more about the census, click here and look at the options under the Get The Facts tab.
To take the Census online (you will need your Census ID), go to 2020 Census website and click Respond.
Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community, because the results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.
The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information confidential. This law protects your answers to the 2020 Census. Under Title 13, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court. Violating Title 13 is a federal crime, punishable by prison time and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
The answers you provide are used only to produce statistics. You are kept anonymous: The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or anyone else in your home.
To read more about the census, click here and look at the options under the Get The Facts tab.
To take the Census online (you will need your Census ID), go to 2020 Census website and click Respond.
February is American Heart Month
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To get more information on American Heart Month and February 7th's National Wear Red Day, visit the following links:
Heart Month Links Amercican Heart Association National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute |
Diabetes Resource Links
Mayo Clinic Resources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
American Diabetes Association
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
American Diabetes Association
HRHN's iMAD Program's I Make A Difference
Conference 2019
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Heartland Rural Health Network's iMAD Program is hosting their first conference centered on Adolescent Health and Development, specifically focusing this year on mental health. The I Make a Difference Conference 2019 will have speakers and small break-out sessions. The featured speaker is Donna Lucero, MA, LPCC, NCC. Lucero who is the director of clinical services at All Faiths Children’s Advocacy Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She will be talking about recognizing, understanding and responding to the impact of childhood trauma. The conference will be held at Sebring's Circle Theater on December 18th from 8 am - 4 pm. It is free and open to the public, but we do request that people pre-register to insure we have enough space. To register, email karen.clogston@hrhn.org.
See the Highlands News-Sun write up on this conference here. |
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HRHN's iMAD Program's Wizard Camp
Highlighted in FYSB Success Stories
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Heartland Rural Health Network, Inc.'s iMAD Program hosted its second annual summer camp in Summer of 2018. Recently, FYSB posted an interview with our Program Director, Larry Moore, about the program's inaugural year. To read about the article, click here.
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HRHN launches new website for iMAD Program
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Heartland Rural Health Network recently launched its newest website for its iMAD sexual health education program. The website that went live September 1, is designed for students and their parents to provide more information about the topics covered in the in-school program as well as some essential life skills. These main topics include Relationships, Life Skills and Youth Development. If you would like to learn more about the iMAD Program or read up on some of its staff please click here to check it out! |
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One in every fifteen people living in the United States depends on health center services. Health Centers deliver high quality, cost effective, accessible care while serving as critical economic engines helping to power local economies.
In addition to their long history as health care homes to millions, Health Centers are also proud to celebrate over 50 years of service and continue to be ranked among the highest quality and cost effective care providers in the nation. Health Centers provide their services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Each year we celebrate the work and services Health Centers provide to special populations within their community on designated days during the week. This year is no different! NHCW has added focused themed days, which will allow for more opportunities to showcase the innovative services and programs at Health Centers.
In addition to their long history as health care homes to millions, Health Centers are also proud to celebrate over 50 years of service and continue to be ranked among the highest quality and cost effective care providers in the nation. Health Centers provide their services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Each year we celebrate the work and services Health Centers provide to special populations within their community on designated days during the week. This year is no different! NHCW has added focused themed days, which will allow for more opportunities to showcase the innovative services and programs at Health Centers.
Want to learn more about Health Centers?
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