Meet the Hospital's Leadership Team PAID - St.Joseph's Hospital

A series of articles giving readers a “behind-the-scenes” look at SFBH departments.
department spotlight on community health
Community Health began as a grassroots
effort on the part of several managers at South Florida Baptist
Hospital. The managers wanted to bring health care services
outside the walls of the hospital directly to local residents –
and they wanted to deliver those services in a setting that was
convenient and cost-effective.
With sufficient time, energy and enthusiasm, the
managers’ efforts paid off.
First they developed a plan,
then they raised the funds,
including launching the
Children’s Golf Classic.
In 1997, they went forward,
introducing the Wellness
on Wheels (WOW) bus
to the Greater Plant City
community.
Today, Community
Health is not only a fully
staffed department, but a
highly visible ambassador
of SFBH. Each year, the
team delivers vital health
care services to thousands of
adults and children. In fact,
The community health department provided free screenings during the heart
and vascular center grand opening.
last year the department served 7,530 people at 153 events.
In addition, 2,986 children in Hillsborough County schools
received vision, height, weight and scoliosis screenings and
505 children participated in health safety education programs.
“Our goal is and has always been to improve the health
of the community,” say Jana Butler, manager of community
health, and Heather Coats, community health coordinator.
You’ll find the Community Health team at schools,
senior centers, churches, local businesses, shopping malls and
similar venues. The busiest times of year are spring and fall,
especially with flu and pneumonia vaccines. Heart healthy
and diabetes screenings are the most frequently provided
screenings year-round.
Many community events are collaborative efforts. For
example, a smoking cessation program is conducted with the
American Lung Association. Back-to-school physicals are
offered in partnership with the Hillsborough County School
System.
Community Health also organizes
popular SFBH-initiated events such
as the Children’s Health Fair, the
Spring Health Check for adults,
and Ladies Night Out, a program
focused on women’s health care that
is financially supported by the SFBH
Foundation. In addition, the team
teaches health education programs
like CPR and first aid, Safe Sitter, a
babysitting program for young teens,
and offers free weekly blood pressure
checks.
“With the downturn in the economy
and the rise in unemployment in our
area, we have seen participation in our
programs increase significantly,” says Jana. “People are truly in
need of health care services at low or no cost. What we offer
has a direct impact on families in our community.” It’s all part
of the SFBH mission.
A Plant City resident for 20 years, Jana has worked for
St. Joseph’s Hospital and South Florida Baptist Hospital for
23 years. She has a master’s degree in exercise science and
adult education. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in wellness
leadership from the University of South Florida. She has been
in the SFBH Community Health Department for four years;
three years as coordinator of the program.
Have You Visited Our Website?
Did you know the Foundation is online and has its
own website? Go to www.sfbhfoundation.org to learn
more about upcoming events, how to get involved and
ways to give through the secured website.