Miami, FL – The Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade County will be hosting the 2021 Annual Event and Awards Ceremony virtually which will include the Florida Worksite Wellness Awards on Friday, October 1, 2021. The combined event will highlight the initiatives promoted by the Consortium and its partners, as well as, recognize the important strides that local businesses have made in improving employee health and well-being. This year we are celebrating Fall into Healthy Habits.

Event:               Consortium Annual Event & Awards Ceremony Location:                        Virtual Meeting Platform

Date:               Friday, October 1, 2021

Time:               10:00am-12:00pm

The event will recognize the work of the Consortium members and committees as well as Florida businesses that have demonstrated workplace wellness programs and whose employees have achieved positive health outcomes. The event  provides community members from  diverse backgrounds with a unique opportunity to come together in an effort to reflect, analyze, develop, and advance strategies to increase the health of the Miami-Dade community. For this year’s theme “Fall Into Healthy Habits”, attendees will have the exciting opportunity to learn from national leaders in the field of public health, learn best practices on how organizations are promoting healthier lifestyles in their workforce and how to achieve health equity in their communities.

At this year’s event, we will have two keynote speakers. Dr. Marissa Levine, a professor of the Practice Pathway, from the University of South Florida, College of Public Health. She will be discussing health equity and how to leverage community partnerships to improve Public Health. Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, former dean of the school of education and human development at the University of Miami, where he currently serves as Professor of Educational and Psychological Studies and Vice Provost for Institutional Culture. He will be discussing the importance of mindfulness and wellbeing in the workplace.

In the area of public health, one agency alone cannot do it alone; however, through transparent and integrative collaboration, the Consortium’s vision of a healthy environment, healthy lifestyles and a healthy community for all Miami-Dade County residents and visitors can be fulfilled.

The Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade was established in 2003 by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County to address the increasing rates of chronic disease in the community. The goals of the Consortium are to:

  • Integrate planning and assessment processes to maximize partnerships and expertise of the community in accomplishing its goals.
  • Increase the percentage of adults and children who are at a healthy weight.
  • Build and revitalize communities so people can live healthy lives.
  • Increase access to resources that promote healthy behaviors.

The Consortium is guided by the goals and objectives established in Healthy People 2030. It is comprised of over 400 organizations, all united by the common belief that through collaboration and prevention-focused initiatives, Miami-Dade County residents can live longer, healthier, and happier.

The 2021 Annual Event and Awards Ceremony is in part being sponsored by West Kendall Baptist Hospital, one of the many partners of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade.

The event is open to the community with a $25.00 registration fee. To register and learn more, please click here.

For additional information on the event, please visit https://www.healthymiamidade.org/annual-  event-and-award-ceremony/ or contact 305-278-0442.

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 Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.



New administration codes effective now for third doses of Pfizer and Modern COVID-19 vaccine

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced that the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set is ready for the rollout of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. The CPT Editorial Panel has expedited approval of a new administration code that is unique to a third dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna. A new administration code for a third dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer was announced by the AMA on July 30.

The two vaccine administration codes are effective for immediate use as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized third doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for certain people with weakened immune systems.

“Given that CDC data shows some immunocompromised patients lack the antibodies needed to fight COVID-19 infection, adding an additional dose to the primary series for this population can help protect these individuals from unnecessary hospitalizations and deaths” said AMA President Gerald Harmon, M.D. in statement responding to the FDA’s authorization. “It is important to keep in mind that this recommendation is for a limited population and an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for all fully vaccinated people at this time.” 

For quick reference, the CPT codes and long descriptors assigned to third dose administration of the current Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are:

Pfizer

0003A – Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 30 mcg/0.3 mL dosage, diluent reconstituted; third dose

Moderna
0013A – Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 100 mcg/0.5 mL dosage; third dose

These CPT codes and descriptors are used to report the actual work of administering the vaccine, in addition to all necessary counseling provided to patients or caregivers and updating the electronic record.

Short, medium and long descriptors for all the new vaccine-specific CPT codes can be accessed on the AMA website, along with several other recent modifications to the CPT code set that have helped streamline the public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease. To help ensure accurate coding and reporting of COVID-19 vaccines and immunization services, the AMA offers a code finder resource to help identify the appropriate CPT code combination for the type and dose of COVID-19 vaccine provided to each patient.

Changes to the CPT code set are considered through an open editorial process managed by the CPT Editorial Panel that collects broad input from the health care community and beyond to ensure CPT content reflects the coding demands of digital health, precision medicine, augmented intelligence, and other aspects of a modern health care system. This rigorous editorial process keeps the CPT code set current with contemporary medical science and technology so it can fulfill its vital role as the trusted language of medicine today and the code to its future.



August 16, 2021 – Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce its annual Champion of the Year Gala hosted by Best Buddies in Southwest Florida.

Champion of the Year is an annual fundraising competition organized by our staff, Event Committee and Advisory Board, featuring a select group of individuals, professionals and prominent community leaders. These philanthropic trailblazers compete to raise the most funds for Best Buddies and earn the ultimate title of Grand Champion of the Year. By reaching out to the community to raise funds and spread awareness, candidates champion for Best Buddies, our mission, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Everyone in the Best Buddies Program touches the heart of a lot of people,” says participant Julie Lyle. “We all have different abilities and make a lot of friendships. Best Buddies does amazing zoom meetings like citizens class, zumba, Friendship Friday, ambassador training, buddy matching and dancing. Everyone on zoom sees everyone as perfect. We all have beautiful smiles to light up and shine. We accept everyone for who they are as they are. Our only requirement is to be ourselves. That is what Best Buddies is about.”

The event will take place on Friday, October 22, at Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs. The Champion of the Year Gala will celebrate the efforts of 14 philanthropic leaders from Southwest Florida while partying with a purpose to raise funds for Best Buddies programs. The gala will feature a silent and live auction, dinner, cocktails, dancing, a keynote address from a Best Buddies buddy pair and a special awards ceremony. This year’s Champion of the Year Gala will raise funds to expand the programs offered for students and adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Corey Lazar, morning anchor of WINK News, will serve as emcee with Rick Gallo as auctioneer.

The official kick-off party for the friendly fundraising competition will take place on August 24 at Discovery Village at the Forum. Champions will gather with their top supporters and campaign managers to share their passion for inclusion and friendship. The 2021 Champion candidates include: Matthew Boggan, Design MNB Web Design Studio; Edye Button, Cash Flow Strategies Business Coaching; Cody Eads, Florida Division of Vocational Rehab; Laura Georgelos, Coldwell Banker Realty; Haley Marra, FGCU student; Kevin Montoya, Vera Bradley @ Miromar Outlets; Laura Morrina, Embassy Creek Elementary School; Alexis Poore, Publix; Sheena Reagan, Zimco Entertainment; Char Seuffert, Brightway Insurance, the Seuffert Agency; Mary Shea, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Team Lenny & Kristine: Lenny Cannova and Kristine Skaarsgard, Modern Woodmen of America; and Dre White, I Want That Yummy.

Visit www.bestbuddieschampion.org/southwestflorida for more information and to purchase tickets for the event.

Host Committee Members for this year’s Best Buddies in Southwest Florida Champion of the Year Gala include chair Alina Gonzalez-Dockery of Life Law Planning; Eileen Snider, Broward Factory Service Lee and Collier; Edye Button, Cash Flow Strategies Business Coaching; Marty Wisher, Starlight Productions; Tanya Lockett, Discovery Village at the Forum; Juana Rodriguez, the Lactation Whisperer; Valerie Lee, Val’s Angel Love; Marilyn Santiago, Creative Architectural Resin Products; Courtney Sharkey, Moorings Park; Amanda Slade, Vera Bradley; Julie Lyle; Molly Morrina; and Caroline Vives.

Julie Lyle continues, “I love doing things with my best buddy. We have fun growing together. I also love attending the Gala committee meetings and being a part of the planning. I feel included and that makes my light shine. So does giving speeches and networking with others. My favorite part is meeting up with my Best Buddies to go out to eat. We laugh so much. We raise money for Best Buddies by hosting the Gala with an auction. We also get matched with community champions that help raise money. We love when anyone helps us in any way. Everyone is a gift.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Area Director Melanie Musick by email at melaniemusick@bestbuddies.org or by phoning 859-314-5807.



August 17 2021 – The Florida Hospital Association, the state’s leading voice for hospitals and health systems, provided the following update today on COVID-19 in the state. Statewide data is derived from the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS Statewide COVID-19 Update:

Current Confirmed COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 16,521

Percent of Previous Peak (7/23/20): 162%

Total New COVID-19 Cases: 21,669

Inpatient Bed Availability (all patients): 14.2%

Inpatient ICU Bed Availability (adults): 8.2%

Percent of Inpatients with Confirmed COVID-19 (all patients): 36.1%

Source: COVID-19 Reported Patient Impact and Hospital Capacity by State

FHA Hospital Update:

The following information is being released by the Florida Hospital Association from a survey of hospitals completed Monday, August 16, 2021. This survey reflects responses from hospitals representing 83% of Florida’s acute care hospital beds.

  • COVID-19 patients in ICU: 22.5% (steady from 8/12)
  • COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 15.1% (steady from 8/12)
  • COVID-19 patients transferred from nursing homes/long-term care: 2.5% (steady from 8/12)
  • Hospitals expecting critical staffing shortage in next 7 days: 75.6% (8.7% increase from 8/12)
  • Hospitals expanding into non-care areas in next 7 days: 29.2% (steady from 8/12)

“There can be no question that many Florida hospitals are stretched to their absolute limits,” said Mary C. Mayhew, President and CEO, Florida Hospital Association. “While hospitalizations continue to increase, three out of four Florida hospitals expect to face critical staff shortages in the next seven days, an increase of nearly ten percent since last week, and half of our hospitals will no longer accept transfer patients from other facilities.”

The Florida Hospital Association will continue communicating with all Florida hospitals and state officials and provide additional updates as events warrant.

About the Florida Hospital Association Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of more than 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association has offices in Tallahassee and Orlando and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions. For more information, visit www.fha.org. 



August 17, 2021 – Independent Living Systems (ILS), a privately owned Miami-based national health care services company, announced it has repurchased $120 million of the company’s stock from Oak Investment Partners and other investors.   

Connecticut-based Oak Investment Partners has been a primary investor in ILS since January 2012 and has played a significant role in providing the financial backing and advisory needed to advance the company to its next stage of growth.  

“This repurchase reflects the confidence we have in our managed care and support services business lines, our overall financial position and ability to generate cash flow that supports our operational plans,” said ILS Founder and CEO, Nestor Plana. “We are celebrating our 20th year in business and have exciting plans to grow the company.” 

“We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Nestor and his team and look forward to the opportunity to work together on other strategic initiatives and investments in the future.”  said Annie Lamont.  “It’s a great company with a solid management team.” 

ILS will continue to expand its managed care business in Florida with their Medicaid Long Term Care Plus Plan and a new Medicare Special Needs Plan pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). ILS is also continuing to partner with home and community-based service providers to deliver services designed to improve social determinants of health (SDOH) including nutritious food, safe housing, and reliable transportation for at-risk populations. Focusing on SDOH is critically important to one’s ability to live independently and age in place.  

“Our mission from the beginning has been to make people’s lives better by improving the quality of care for at-risk populations including seniors and those in underserved communities,” added Plana.  

About Independent Living Systems: 

Founded in 2001, Miami-based Independent Living Systems (ILS) is a national health care services company offering a range of care management services partnering with health plans, long term insurers, providers, hospital systems and ACOs to provide solutions aimed at improving health outcomes while rebalancing costs. The company is also active in supporting healthcare delivery options to those covered by the VA, Medicare, Medicaid (including dual eligibles), and those with special needs. ILS is proud to be the largest provider of in-home meal delivery in the nation, recognizing the importance that good nutrition plays in keeping seniors healthy.  For more information, visit www.ilshealth.com