Pasco
Conference eyes remedies for health care issues
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Published: July 1, 2011
DADE CITY - There is work to do.
That was the shared message of participants in the 10th annual The American Dream Congress, which was held this week at Premier Community Healthcare.
The yearly event brings together leaders from business, government, nonprofit groups, schools and churches in an attempt to tackle issues facing Pasco County residents.
"This year we're bringing together health care professionals, child care professionals and practitioners for a networking event and educational experience," said event coordinator Bob Loring, executive director of East Pasco Toys for Tots. "Through discussing health care issues and options, we're piecing the puzzle together."
Speakers discussed statistics related to health care and social services.
"Soon it's estimated that 1 in 4 children will be living in poverty," said Roy Miller, founder and president of The Children's Campaign. "That is intolerable."
Deanna Krautner of the Florida Department of Health highlighted medical programs for needy children, such as MediKids and Florida Healthy Kids.
"The state of Florida offers health insurance for kids ages birth through 18, even if both parents are working," Krautner said. "Almost all children can be covered through this program."
Health options for seniors also drew attention.
Almost 30,000 people age 65 and older in Pasco are living in medically underserved areas; more than 31,000 live alone and nearly 42,000 are disabled, said Bill Aycrigg, president of Community Aging and Retirement Services.
"For those people, we are able to intervene with a holistic approach," Aycrigg said. "If we can help with the activities of daily living, like feeding, dressing and bathing, a little help goes a long way."
Collette Tomberlin of the Suncoast Health Council offered additional ideas for helping the medically underserved.
"We need to look at access to health care in Pasco, to look at the availability of providers and facilities," she said. "We need to ask ourselves, 'Where is there a need? Are there more people needing these services than are able to access them?' "
Possible solutions include providing public transportation, free clinics and expanded hours at health care facilities, she said.
Susan Arnett of the United Way of Pasco County highlighted the agency's 211 information line.
"If you call 911, you get sirens and people in uniform," she said with a smile. "If you call 211, you can find out where to get help for your aging parent, where to find the limited resources that are available in our community."
Doug Duffield, president of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, discussed how the hospital is offering employees wellness initiatives and bonuses, using everything from walking and weight loss challenges to stress management and smoking cessation classes.
Local legislators pondered remedies for health insurance problems.
Reform is greatly needed, said state Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.
"In no other instance does someone purchase a product without knowing, before or afterward, what it's going to cost," he said. "If a person goes to the doctor with a pain in their shoulder, they have no idea how many tests will be ordered and what it will cost."
Arnett noted the consequences of failing to tackle such issues.
"If a student is not healthy, how will they do at school?" she said. "If an adult is not healthy, how will they sustain a job? It's time for the community to come together and work in nontraditional ways to improve the state of our health care."
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