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  • ⭕ Peer Support Program Offers New Hope for First Responders' Mental Health

⭕ Peer Support Program Offers New Hope for First Responders' Mental Health

Issue #141

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Ormond Local Pulse
18 Mar

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Peer Support Program Offers New Hope for First Responders' Mental Health

The LSF Health Systems' First Responder Peer Support Program, funded by a $12 million state grant and launched in June 2022, offers critical mental health support to first responders across 20 counties in Florida, including Volusia and Flagler. The initiative, which has assisted over 1,400 individuals, aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community by providing free, confidential support from peer specialists. Bridget Wick's journey from a struggling former EMT to a certified recovery peer specialist underscores the program's life-changing impact, demonstrating the power of peer support in fostering resilience and recovery among those who serve on the front lines of crisis response.

Target Enhances Customer Checkout Experience with Nationwide Express Lanes

Credit: Target

Target is rolling out Express Self-Checkout lanes for purchases of 10 items or fewer in most of its nearly 2,000 stores across the nation starting March 17. This move comes after a successful pilot program indicated that self-checkouts could double the speed of transactions. The retail giant is also expanding traditional checkout options and investing in team training to enhance the overall customer experience. This initiative reflects Target’s commitment to adapting its services to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers, ensuring a convenient, efficient, and enjoyable shopping experience.

Historic Settlement Ends 6% Real Estate Commission, Paving Way for Cheaper Home Sales

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to a $418 million settlement that ends the traditional 6% commission on home sales, marking a significant change in the U.S. housing market. This decision, resulting from antitrust lawsuits, is expected to lower real estate commissions by up to 50%, promoting more competitive and diverse selling models. The settlement introduces several new rules, including the elimination of mandatory MLS subscriptions and the requirement for buyer's brokers to have written agreements with their clients. This shift could lead to substantial savings for home sellers and reshape the real estate industry by fostering transparency and competition. The settlement is pending judicial approval but is already considered a historic move towards a more equitable housing market.

Are Your Allergies Bad This Year? Here’s Why

A recent report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America indicates that allergy seasons are becoming longer and more intense, particularly highlighting Florida's struggle with this issue. Eight cities from Florida, including Orlando and Daytona Beach, ranked within the top 50 challenging metro areas for allergy sufferers. The report attributes this to factors like high pollen counts from oak trees and other plants, significant sales of allergy medications, and the climate conditions that favor pollen distribution. Orlando is specifically mentioned for its "worse than average" allergy conditions, illustrating the broader trend of increasing allergy challenges in the state and across the nation.

Billionaire's Investment Brings New Osteopathic Medical College to Orlando

Central Florida has inaugurated its inaugural osteopathic medical school, a venture spearheaded by billionaire Dr. Kiran C. Patel. With an investment of $200 million, including $75 million dedicated to constructing the 144,000-square-foot facility in Winter Garden, the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine sets forth to blend traditional medical education with a focus on holistic health and preventative care.

Dr. Patel, during the opening ceremony, emphasized the institution's mission to democratize healthcare access, irrespective of socio-economic distinctions. Slated to commence classes in August, the school is prepared to enroll nearly 100 students, aiming to significantly expand its capacity in the coming years.

This establishment marks the region's 11th medical school and offers a beacon of hope in addressing Florida's dire physician shortage. The facility, equipped with advanced educational and health care training amenities, including specialized labs and a manipulative medicine lab, underscores a modern approach to medical education.

The school arrives amidst growing concerns over a projected physician shortfall in Central Florida, expected to exceed 1,900 by 2035. This concern has prompted legislative measures, including a $700 million health care initiative to fortify the state's medical workforce.

The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine not only promises to bolster the local economy, with an anticipated economic impact of $1.7 billion and over 9,000 jobs by 2045 but also aims to enrich the community's health care services through partnerships with local health departments and hospital systems for student clinical rotations. With a tuition of $64,256 per year, the school, currently holding pre-accreditation status, is positioned to make a significant impact on the health care landscape in Florida.

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