We have made efforts to view the community's health
and the people we serve, from a more comprehensive standpoint,
as opposed
to simply treating inpatients.
With that in mind we have
provided a variety of programs and services to educate and help
people needing assistance. We thought
we would share a few of those initiatives in this issue of "Here's
To Your Health".
We realize our work will never be done,
but we also feel that collaboration between healthcare providers
is making a positive
difference to assure everyone gets access to care.
The Haley
Clinic - Faith Based Care
First Baptist Church of Winter Haven
When Pastor Walter Davis came to meet with hospital leaders
several years ago he shared a vision he and his congregation
had for
a medical clinic to help people who did not have economic resources
to seek healthcare. He asked the hospital leaders for assistance
and after several years of planning, the one evening a week
clinic became a reality in December. The hospital is assisting
with
providing x-rays, lab work and other diagnostic services needed
for individuals who may not otherwise get easy access to healthcare.
Seven of our nurses have volunteered to participate, nine employees
have volunteered to help with clerical duties; Drs. Rafool
and Ford have also volunteered to provide care for these individuals.
Neighborhood
Services Center
The hospital began this wonderful center, primarily for seniors
in 1970. Glenda Jones, a hospital employee, who has been
the Director for 34 years, has devoted her life to the many
people
who have received assistance through the center. The County
provides hot lunches for the participants and Glenda arranges
for speakers, entertainment and health fairs. Having the
opportunity for social interaction and a Director who will
do whatever
it takes to meet the needs of her clients day or night makes
the Neighborhood Services Center a very special place.
The
Learning Series (listed in this publication)
The topics selected for our learning series lectures are suggested
by the people attending the lectures. There are a wide range
of topics and different healthcare professionals agree to
do the neccessary research and provide a meaningful session.
We
provide programs on specific diseases/conditions and we seek
to provide wellness related programs to assist people personally
and professionally.
The Classes (listed in this publication)
The Classes are more extensive programs that generally are
offered in a series of different sessions.
Arts in Medicine
Every new patient is greeted by our Patient Relations Representatives
and among the many things offered are a variety of artistic
opportunities. Our goal is to create a healing environment
and for many people the arts help provides that atmosphere.
Singers, musicians, clowns, puppetiers can be found visiting
patients periodically.
Medical Library
Our Medical Library is open to anyone and our terrific Research
Information Specialist, Hank Hasse, is happy to assist people
in getting medical information. He can be reached at 291-6033.
With our new major construction program we plan to have the
Library right off the lobby for easy access for everyone.
The Regency Medical Center also has an excellent Library
and is
pleased to share it with the community. Judy Hagler is the
Specialist there and her number is 294-7020.
Health Fairs
and Wellness
Over 750 runners and walkers participate in our annual Citrus
C lassic race (coming up March 4th) and hundreds of people
take advantage of Heart Smart, the Women's Health Fair and
Men's Health Days.
Volunteer Opportunities
Meaningful volunteer opportunities for all age groups (teenagers
through retirees) are available at the hospital. Flexible scheduling
is always available with day, evening and weekend positions.
Training is provided in each "ServiceArea" and all
Volunteers become familiar with the Hospital by attending a
comprehensive orientation program. Volunteers are an integral
part of the health-care team...providing assistance and comfort
to patients and families, as well as support for the Hospital
Staff. For more information, or to arrange an interview, call
the Whinte Haven Hospital Volunteer Services Department at
291-6750.
Lifeline
Winter Haven Hospital Lifeline is an easy to use personal response
service that ensures that older adults living at home get
quick assistance whenever it is needed - 24 hours a day,
365 days
a year. For more information call Gail Pyle (863) 297-1810.
Smart
Moves
Smart moves is a safety program aimed at preventing brain
and spinal cord injuries in all age groups. All of our information
is age appropriate. Younger students, are educated on safe
helmet use, seatbelt use and playground safety. With older
students and young adults, the focus is on risky behaviors
including substance use, inexperienced driving issues, and
sports safety. The program can be tailored to meet any group's
need for safety education. Our motto is: Think Smart, Move
Smart, Be Smart. Use your brain to protect yourself from
brain
or spinal cord injuries.
DART (Domestic Abuse Response Team
Several of our employees work closely with the Domestic Abuse
Response Team in Winter Haven. This team is led by the Winter
Haven Police Department.
Neighborhood Associations
Hospital leaders have voluntarily traveled to the state wide
Neighborhood meetings in the last three years and have a
wealth of information to share about successful neighborhood
associations.
They are eager to share their knowledge. Simply call 297-1896.
The City of Winter Haven also has an excellent Neighborhoods
Services Division that can be very helpful (contact Kay Boone
or Rick Bishop 298-4482).
Healthy neighborhoods are the foundation
of healthy communities. Want to improve your neighborhood?
Take advantage of these resources
and take action to strengthen your neighborhood and your community.
Support
Groups
The hospital works collaboratively with over 30 support groups
listed near the back of this publication.
Regency Services
Our Regency Medical Center offers numerous programs including
First Impressions Maternity Club, Babies Don't come with
Directions, Preparation for Breastfeeding, Prepared Childbirth,
Celebrate
Siblings, Smoke Free Babies, Baby Safe/Child Safe, First
Month Club and First Steps Club for new parents, Infant massage,
and Car Seat Use/Inspections.
Blood Banks of Mid-Florida
Coming in 2006, we are launching an exciting new program
for our donors who supply the blood needs for our community.
We
are pleased to announce that Ridge Art Association has teamed
with Blood Banks of Mid-Florida to provide blood donors an
opportunity to collect up to 6 limited edition, specially designed
T-shirts. Each shirt design will feature an original piece
of art by one of several well known local artists. The piece
will be professionally reproduced on t-shirts that can only
be obtained from Blood Banks of Mid-Florida by donating blood.
The first shirt design in the series will be available in January
and February. The title of the piece is "Our Children" by
Freddie Combs. Don't forget to donate when you are eligible
again so that you can collect the whole series. You and our
patients who depend on your blood will be glad you did.
Healthworks
Healthworks is another vital service offered primarily to local
businesses. It focuses on occupational medicine and workers
compensation care management. The programs focus on prevention
of potential medical events. Identification and the appropriate
level of intervention of health risks, hiring the right person
for the right position, and facilitating the return to work
as a result of work related injuries and illnesses. Worksite
health promotion, productivity, reducing turnover, improving
morale, increasing employee awareness and reducing healthcare
costs are all part of the plethora of services offered through
Healthworks. Business people interested in learning more
about Healthworks should call 291-6050.
Hospital leaders continue
to play important roles with the following organizations:
The Greater Winter Haven Area Chamber of Commerce,
Paint Your Heart Out, the Education Committee, the United Way,
Success by 6, Polk Businesses for World Class Education, Healthy
Start and PolkVision.
