Free autism screening for young children Aug. 19

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.

The next screening will be held on Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.

It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.

Hope Healthcare to host Rainbow Trails Camp on Nov. 5

Hope Healthcare will host its Rainbow Trails Camp Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one during the past year.

The day camp, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes creative, stress-reducing activities like crafts, recreation and singing, as well as professional grief support. Led by experienced bereavement counselors, children and teens will have the opportunity to begin the healing process alongside their peers.

There is no charge to attend and Hope will host an orientation via Zoom for parents and guardians prior to the start of the camp. The deadline to submit camper applications is Oct. 28.

To learn more about Rainbow Trails Camp or to register a child, visit https://www.hopehcs.org/rainbowtrailscamp. For more information, contact Kay Kelly at 239-333-4256 or Kay.Kelly@HopeHCS.org.

Hope Healthcare is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every person and their loved ones in life’s closing chapter. To learn more about Hope’s innovative programs and supportive community services, visit HopeHCS.org.

HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center earns national quality award

Lee Health’s HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center has earned the 2022 Silver AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

It’s one of only 6 facilities in the state and 46 in the country to earn this honor.

This recognition is possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, a comprehensive organizational assessment and recognition program for long-term care providers. Each application is reviewed and judged against a set of nationally recognized standards for achieving excellence.

All three of Lee Health’s skilled nursing locations now hold a recognition from the AHCA/NCAL. In addition to HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center, Gulf Coast Medical Center’s skilled nursing unit earned a Bronze Award earlier this year and Lee Memorial Hospital’s skilled nursing unit earned the Bronze Award in 2021.

Located adjacent to HealthPark Medical Center, HealthPark Care & Rehabilitation Center is a 112-bed skilled nursing facility that combines the latest rehabilitative treatments with compassionate, patient-centered care.

The National Quality Awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 73rd Convention & Expo in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 9-12, 2022.

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Lee Health haas four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care located throughout the community.

You can learn more about LeeHealth or the award at www.LeeHealth.org.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program set to start Sept. 12 at Friendship Baptist Church

Lee Health’s “It’s All About You,” Chronic Disease Self-Management Program” a Self-Management Resource Program with the SMRC is offering a research based Chronic Disease Self-Management program for the community.

The program is designed for people 18 years of age or older with chronic health conditions to help them learn ways to better manage their chronic conditions and the symptoms that often accompany chronic health conditions. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book, “Living a Healthier Life with Chronic Conditions.”

The workshop is 2.5 hours once a week for 6 weeks and it is free.

The workshop will be offered on Mondays beginning Sept. 12, from 1-3:30 p.m., at the Friendship Baptist Church, 2030 Palm Ave., Fort Myers FL 33916

For more information or to register, please call 239-424-3121.