Features

Central Florida Health Care’s Efforts Go Above, Beyond by TIM CRAIG As the region continues to navigate its way through the country’s health crisis, stories are emerging of people working together to go above and beyond the normal in order to meet the extreme. Central Florida Health Care prides itself in coming up with creative […]

BayCare Health System Heroes Open Up About Challenges, Change, and Keeping the Faith Carlos Felix Facilities Manager, Bartow Regional Medical Center    Felix is in 15th year as facilities manager at Bartow Regional Medical Center. He’s responsible for conducting fire drills, meaning he has had to find new ways to comply with regulations while keeping

Watson Clinic Urgent Care Treating Body and Mind in Trying Times by TERESA SCHIFFER As the world reels from the devastating effects of COVID-19, people are realizing the value of employees in essential industries, such as grocery store workers, delivery services, and especially healthcare professionals. Those in the medical field are facing a crisis like

Lakeland Regional Health Personnel Rise to the Challenge by PAUL CATALA Since the first case of coronavirus was detected in Florida, Anita Henry, supply director at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (LRH), has been working around the clock to purchase personal protective equipment.  LRH Population Health Coordinator Paul Needham has been working closely with skilled

Auburndale’s Keith Johnson Talks About His Journey and the Healthcare Workers Who Saved His Life by MARY TOOTHMAN Amid the confusion, sadness, and fear that COVID-19 has brought, an Auburndale man is calmly and gratefully sharing his story of recovery with others to praise and give  thanks to the healthcare workers who fought fiercely for

Charge Nurse Describes New Normal Caring for COVID-19 Patients by TERESA SCHIFFER As coronavirus deaths rise around the world, Central Florida is rushing to meet the increased demand on the healthcare system.  David Coicou is on the front line of the medical field’s fight against this illness, working as a charge nurse at AdventHealth Orlando

Virus Changes How Clinics Reach Patients by TIM CRAIG It didn’t take long for Central Florida Health Care CEO Ann Claussen to realize that the COVID-19 virus was going to change the way they do things. Claussen says that in early March, Polk County’s first confirmed case of the virus was diagnosed through the group’s

Florida Polytechnic University Using 3D Printers to Make Face Shields by PAUL CATALA When the opportunity to help patients affected by the coronavirus arose, Matt Bohm says it was the perfect time to share with those in need. Along the way, the current health crisis has allowed faculty such as Bohm, staff and students at

 Residents-Turned-Seamstresses Help Fill Demand With Homemade Masks by MARY TOOTHMAN Before COVID-19 changed daily life, it was usual to grab keys, sunglasses, wallet — and walk out the door to run an errand. But with concerns about the contagious virus spreading as fast as the virus itself, another item has been added to the list

Winter Haven Family Holds Tight to Beliefs While Recovering From Coronavirus by JESSICA WILCOX Danny Jones is a man of strong faith. The missionary from Winter Haven admits he has gone through a lot of tough times in his life, including heart disease and a frightening bout of spinal meningitis. Still, God has never let