SB 1936 Filed by Senator Lauren Book would eliminate non-medical vaccine
exemptions for school-aged children and keep kids safe from preventable deadly illnesses
 
March 11, 2021  – The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes routine immunizations as a key component of pediatric healthcare and a critical pillar of public health. The Chapter supports SB 1936 filed by Senator Lauren Book which would remove non‐medical exemptions for vaccines statewide and help ensure that Florida’s children are protected from serious vaccine preventable diseases through the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.
 
“Vaccines are the most effective and safest way of preventing communicable diseases and save between two and three million children’s lives each year,” says Dr. Lisa Gwynn, President of the Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics. “The COVID‐19 pandemic has shown us firsthand that we cannot let our guard down and must continue to make vaccinations a number one public health priority.”
 
During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the State of Florida has seen a dramatic decline in childhood immunizations, leaving Florida’s children and most vulnerable populations at risk for vaccine preventable diseases. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children continue to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
 
Senator Book’s bill would not affect necessary medical exemptions for children who are unable to be vaccinated due to allergies or reactions to specific vaccines or those whose immune systems are compromised by medication or illness. In these cases, a physician would still be able to grant a medical exemption.
 
Parents should remember that proper steps have been taken to keep them and their family safe during their visit to their child’s pediatrician. Families without vaccine insurance coverage may be eligible for vaccines at reduced or no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. To learn about the Florida VFC program, visit www.floridahealth.gov and to find a pediatrician, visit www.fcaap.org/parents.
 
“Immunizations aren’t just for protecting ourselves, they help protect the people around us who may not be able to receive vaccines like newborns, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, patients with compromised immune systems, and the elderly,” said Dr.
Gwynn. “It’s important for all of us who are healthy – especially our children ‐ to do our part in reducing the spread of disease by getting vaccinated to protect our community and future generations.”
 
 
 
About FCAAP
Through its more than 2,400 members, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the health & welfare of Florida’s children and supports pediatricians & pediatric specialists as the best qualified providers of their healthcare. Learn more by visiting www.fcaap.org.
 


Special honor is part of Tenet Healthcare’s annual recognition program
 
March 10, 2021 – Hialeah Hospital announced today that Seena Jose, Director of Quality has been honored by Tenet Healthcare as part of its annual recognition program. Seena has been named a “Tenet Hero” for her incredible contributions in 2020. 
 
The Tenet Heroes program celebrates those individuals who make a meaningful impact within their respective communities that goes above and beyond their daily job responsibilities. Nominated by fellow colleagues, Tenet Heroes exemplify the company’s core values and key tenets of its Community Built on Care.  
 
Seena gave it her all during the pandemic. This led to her multitasking and doing unassigned tasks to keep up the quality, safety, and service that Hialeah Hospital has maintained over the years.  Seena, however, wore more hats than any other employee did.  With young children at home, she worked seven (7) days a week for months.  While always the DCQI, some days she was additionally the House Supervisor, the Risk Director, and an RN in the ICU caring for patients, and a friend to all who worked alongside her.  She, much like the rest of this Tenet HERO team, went out into the community to educate on how to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19.   She is a member of Hialeah Hospital’s emergency management team and played an instrumental part in executing the organizations emergency disaster plan.  She also is a member of the Environment of Care (EOC) program and while under a national EOC waiver, she still insured that safety came first.
 
Seena was recognized as a Tenet Hero for her commit to patient safety and for being a team player.  The commitment that she showed to our patients in such a challenging year has been extraordinary. 
 
“Seena has inspired us through her actions to make a positive and meaningful difference in our community,” said Michael Bell, Chief Executive Officer.  “We are grateful for Seena efforts, selfless nature and commitment to compassionate care particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are proud to work alongside her.”
 
 
 
About Tenet Healthcare
Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas with 110,000 employees. Through an expansive care network that includes United Surgical Partners International, we operate 65 hospitals and approximately 550 other healthcare facilities, including surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care and imaging centers and other care sites and clinics. We also operate Conifer Health Solutions, which provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers and other clients. Across the Tenet enterprise, we are united by our mission to deliver quality, compassionate care in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com. 
 


Special honor is part of Tenet Healthcare’s annual recognition program
 
March 11, 2021 – Hialeah Hospital announced today that Danay Rodriguez Arritola,  Director of Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit   has been honored by Tenet Healthcare as part of its annual recognition program. Danay has been named a “Tenet Hero” and also inducted into the Tenet Heroes’ Hall of Fame for her incredible contributions in 2020. 
 
The Tenet Heroes program celebrates those individuals who make a meaningful impact within their respective communities that goes above and beyond their daily job responsibilities. Nominated by fellow colleagues, Tenet Heroes exemplify the company’s core values and the key tenets of its Community Built on Care. 
 
Each year, a smaller group of nominees are inducted into the Tenet Heroes’ Hall of Fame, the Company’s most prestigious honor for employees. This year, a total of 24 individuals were named to The Hall of Fame. 
 
Danay was recognized as a Tenet Hero and Hall of Fame winner for her commitment to Hialeah Hospital and her commitment to the community. The COVID-19 surge in our community stressed the entire healthcare system of East Hialeah, Florida.  With the first indications of the virus’ movement into our community, Danay Rodriguez led the emergency management team at Hialeah Hospital to prepare for its unknown impact.  Leveraging her relationships with local EMS, she collaborated with local ambulance, fire and EMS agencies on best practices to ensure patients transported to Hialeah Hospital were safely screened and routed to the best location in the hospital based on their needs.  
 
With the many best practices that Danay developed during the pandemic, she created playbooks for community partners to improve the communities response to the surge. As a member of the Miami-Dade Healthcare Coalition, she is a recognized expert in the community for her effective management during the surge and has positioned Hialeah Hospital as a valuable resource to meet the needs of our community.  
 
“Danay has inspired us through her actions to make a positive and meaningful difference in our community,” said Michael Bell, Hialeah Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.   “We are grateful for Danay efforts, selfless nature and commitment to compassionate care particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are proud to work alongside her. 
 
 
 
About Tenet Healthcare
Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas with 110,000 employees. Through an expansive care network that includes United Surgical Partners International, we operate 65 hospitals and approximately 550 other healthcare facilities, including surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care and imaging centers and other care sites and clinics. We also operate Conifer Health Solutions, which provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers and other clients. Across the Tenet enterprise, we are united by our mission to deliver quality, compassionate care in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com. 
 
 
 


March 11, 2021 – Jackson South Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification. 
 
To be eligible, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center and meet additional requirements, including 24/7 availability of specialized treatments by neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists; having dedicated neuro intensive care beds for complex stroke patients; and providing staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
 
“The stroke team at Jackson South is unmatched in its expertise and clinical outcomes, which is why Jackson South has long been considered a leader in stroke care in South Florida,” said Ben A. Rodriguez, CEO of Jackson South Medical Center. “Because of the outstanding stroke care offered at Jackson South, people who have suffered debilitating strokes have their lives restored. Each patient success story is a testimony to the team’s excellence.”
 
The Joint Commission reviewers conducted a rigorous evaluation of Jackson South’s compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements.  Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. The commission’s findings earned the hospital the highly sought after certification with no required areas for improvement.
 
“The Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Jackson South for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.”
 
“We congratulate Jackson South for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
 
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.
 
 
 


Leader in substance misuse prevention programming presents authors, experts in interactive format
 
March 10, 2021 – Boca Raton residents Michelle and John Makris are marking a tragic one-year anniversary this month by encouraging parents of all ages to educate themselves on the signs of substance use disorders. A board member of Hanley Foundation, John Makris and his wife Michelle are sharing the story of their son Brice to call attention to a free virtual parenting series presented by Hanley Foundation starting on March 25. Open to the public, the series is titled “Some Days We Thrive; Others We Survive” and features a variety of authors and parenting experts headlining four online sessions. 
 
“I tell people who call me for advice to look for the signs,” said Michelle Makris. “As parents, we always blame ourselves when something happens to our children. I have learned that Brice was dealing with a terrible disease. I just wish I had known more about it and had been able to see its signs. The free lecture series is a wonderful resource for all parents and offers conversation starters to connect with children of all ages.”
 
The Makrises lost their youngest son, Brice, in March 2020 to a Fentanyl overdose. At 23-years-old, Brice had recently graduated from Florida State University with a biology degree. An all-around good student, athlete, former camper and camp counselor, and “everyone’s best friend,” Brice was born and raised in Boca Raton and attended Spanish River High School. Michelle says their family is incredibly close, and when Brice began experiencing signs of depression in his senior year at FSU, he reached out to his parents often as he wrapped up his studies and planned to come home.
 
“We were so focused on his mental health and getting the help we thought he needed for his depression that we never realized he was in a life-or-death struggle with opioids,” said John Makris.  “When he did ask for our help for his addiction, he went through a local treatment program and was in a sober home after. Sadly, it just took one time of using drugs laced with Fentanyl for us to lose him just a year ago.”
 
Designed to offer an exceptional interactive opportunity for education and parenting tips, “Some Days We Thrive; Others We Survive” has been created specifically for parents, guardians, caregivers, grandparents, foster parents, educators and more. Scheduled monthly on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., on March 25, April 22, May 19 and June 24, the programming will address topics including: how to help preschool to high-school students navigate anxiety and stress; tips and guidelines on raising healthy kids who are free from substance use; drug culture trends in our community and how parents can spot the signs; and the importance of challenging the ways kids see drugs and alcohol portrayed in the media.
 
“Hanley Foundation is all about family, and family time is time well spent,” said Jan Cairnes, Hanley Foundation CEO. “We know that family time, education and connection are keys to preventing substance misuse. We are offering this parenting series to increase awareness and hopefully change minds around the stigma of addiction. In the end, our goal is really to save lives. While the series is hosted virtually due to the pandemic, we also know that the pandemic is why so many families are feeling unprecedented strain and stress, and substance use is on a dramatic rise. We hope this series will be both beneficial and educational.”
Hanley Foundation combats substance use disorders within our communities by raising awareness and providing prevention education programming in schools and communities throughout Florida. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to working alongside community partners to promote healthy lifestyles and positively influence attitudes, norms and values by empowering individuals and families. Through its Lifesaver Scholarship Program, the Foundation also helps supply treatment scholarships to individuals with demonstrated needs in Palm Beach County. 
 
“Before he passed, Brice told us his goal was to save 100 men and women from this insidious disease,” said John Makris. “His goal is now our mission. Together with the resources Hanley Foundation has to offer, we are striving to honor our son and save lives. We hope other parents will join us for this important parenting series.”  
 
To learn more about Hanley Foundation’s parenting series or for more information about substance use disorder prevention programming, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or contact Hanley Foundation’s Chief Program Officer Ryan Wertepny at 561-268-2351.
 
Some Days We Thrive; Others We Survive:
 
Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Michele Borba, Ed. D, author of Thrivers, will address the staggering increase in anxiety, stress and emptiness children experience from preschool to high school. She explains why the old markers of accomplishments (grades and test scores) are no longer a reliable predictor of success in the 21st century and offers 7 teachable traits that will safeguard our children for the future. 
 
Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Jessica Lahey, author of The Addiction Inoculation, will speak to how parents and educators can prevent substance use disorders in children through evidence-based strategies and practical tools adults need to understand to support and educate resilient, addiction-resistant children. She will recommend age-appropriate and actionable guidelines, from navigating a child’s risk for addiction to interpreting signs of early use to advice for broaching difficult conversations with children.
 
Thursday, May 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Officer Jermain Galloway, also known as “Tall Cop,” is an expert in various drug and alcohol trends and has specialized in underage drinking and drug enforcement. Officer Galloway’s many years of experience have taught him one thing above all else: “You can’t stop what you don’t know.” He will speak to the ever-evolving drug culture trends in our community and how everyday items that you might not have taken a second look at will take on a whole new meaning once you learn about drug culture.
 
Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. 
Dr. DeBenedittis is the developer of the popular evidence-based prevention curriculum, the Alcohol Literacy Challenge (ALC). ALC effectively reduces underage and binge drinking because it systematically challenges the beliefs individuals hold about the effects of alcohol. He explains the importance of media literacy and how media uses advertisements to sell the beliefs associated with their products and not necessarily the products themselves.