Sunshine Health Announces Donation of 400 Tablets to Substance Abuse Treatment Centers across Florida
Date: 03/08/21
Tampa, Fla.
Today, Sunshine Health – one of the largest healthcare plans in Florida – announced its affiliate Staywell Health Plan donated 400 computer tablets to substance abuse treatment centers across Florida. The donation helps virtually connect patients and families to needed healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation provides tablets to 16 treatment centers that are supporting clients suffering from addictions. The centers will use the tablets to provide services to clients, families, and communities at a time when many are delaying medical attention because of concerns about COVID-19.
“Substance abuse treatment providers are doing such valuable work during the pandemic, and they have had to figure out how to provide services for those who are unable to come into their buildings for face-to-face treatment,” said Carole Matyas, Vice President of Operations for Staywell Health Plan. “We recognize this need and stepped in to help.”
Each treatment center has wide latitude in deciding how to use the tablets to strengthen their communications with clients to improve community health. For example, Operation Par in Pinellas County, is using its 50 tablets to safely communicate with clients during this challenging time.
“We have seen firsthand the increases in substance use disorders and behavioral health issues during the pandemic, and the needs of our clients have equally increased,” said Michele Russell, Chief Information Officer for Boley Centers/Operation Par. “Having this wonderful donation will continue to enhance the services we are able to provide.”
| Priovider | City |
|---|---|
Better Way of Miami | Miami |
Bridges International | Orlando |
Broward Addiction Recovery Center BARC | Fort Lauderdale |
DACCO Behavioral Health, Inc. | Tampa |
DISC Village, Inc. | Tallahassee |
Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County | Delray Beach |
Drug Abuse Treatment Association | Jupiter |
First Step of Sarasota, Inc. | Sarasota |
Gateway Community Services | Jacksonville |
Operation PAR | Largo |
Phoenix House of Florida | Brandon |
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare | Yulee |
Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare | St. Cloud |
WestCare Florida/ The Village South | Pembroke Pines |
The Grove | Orlando |
Central Florida Recovery Center | Orlando |
Sunshine Health strongly believes in supporting local organizations that provide healthcare, education, food assistance, and other programs to improve social determinants of health.
Employee at Operation PAR in Pinellas County unpack tablets, which will be used to stay in touch with patients during the pandemic.