Free autism screening for young children March 3

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 March 3, 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.

Chronic Disease Self-Management program begins March 2

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

Workshop will be offered on Thursdays beginning March 2, from 1-3 p.m. (virtually)

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

Safe Kids Day event March 4 at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Kids of all ages will enjoy a day of fun-filled activities centered around safety at Safe Kids Day on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event is being held in Golisano Children’s Hospital parking lot, 9981 South HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers. Parking for the event will be free.

Families will find numerous activities to participate in as well as receiving free information and take-home articles. They’ll find food and music, free bicycle helmets, face painting, rock climbing, CPR practice, and other fun safety-related activities from the various vendors.

Kids will be able to view law enforcement and fire department vehicles. Those who get their “passports” stamped by the vendors will have an opportunity to win various prizes.

Two major activities at Safe Kids Day will be the “cold tub challenge” where individuals can provide safety information tips, then be “dunked” in a tub full of ice and cold water; they are then encouraged to challenge other individuals to do the same. Also, a “March 4 Safety” will be held where participants can march in a mini parade.

Safe Kids Day is an annual day–a time to celebrate kids, prevent injuries and save lives. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Sponsors, in addition to Golisano Children’s Hospital, include Humana, Lee County School District, Lee Health Trauma Center, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Fire Districts, and the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition.

Additional information about Safe Kids Day may be obtained by contacting Julie Noble, Safe Kids Day SWFL Coordinator, at 239-343-5224, or Julie.noble@leehealth.org.

SalusCare to rebuild its closed Crisis Stabilization Unit

SalusCare’s board of directors and executive committee have authorized a phased rebuilding of the Crisis Stabilization Unit, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian due to storm damage.

Construction is scheduled to begin once the permit is issued.

“We have explored our funding options and we are rebuilding. We made this decision because there are not enough crisis beds in Lee County to begin with, and every day we delay in getting the unit reopened, it hurts the community and those who need our services,” said Stacey Cook, CEO of SalusCare. “In making the decision, our board, in collaboration with our partners and regulatory agencies, did its due diligence to make sure we explored all options and the impact on our long-term operations and budget.”

During Hurricane Ian, SalusCare’s 46-bed (16-bed children and 30-bed adult) Crisis Stabilization Unit was flooded, with moisture rising two feet up the walls. As a result, the CSU, where some of the area’s most severe and immediate mental health patients are treated, remains closed. SalusCare’s insurers covering wind and water for the facility denied paying for repairs necessary for reopening.

The CSU receives 500 to 600 patients a month to evaluate through the Baker Act, with an average patient census of 250 to 300 children and adults in crisis a month. While the unit is closed, Lee Health emergency department, Park Royal Hospital, the David Lawrence Center and Charlotte Behavioral Health Care are having to process and care for patients that would typically go to the SalusCare CSU.

To get the unit reopened, SalusCare will fund the construction through a loan, with the hope of support from the community through donations to help cover the estimated $1.5 million cost. SalusCare is licensed and partially funded in part through contracts by the Florida Department of Children and Families through the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., Lee County, third-party payers, insurance, patient fees, donations and as a United Way partner agency. To donate to support rebuilding of the Crisis Care Center and other SalusCare’s mental and behavioral health programs, visit saluscareflorida.org.

For information, visit saluscareflorida.org or call 239-275-3222.