On March 20th we received a presentation by the Youth Guidance Pathfinders Excel Club on preventing child abuse. Felix Cruz, Executive Director of Youth Guidance introduced the group. Each officer of the club introduced himself/herself and participated in the presentation. The Pathfinders goal is to increase awareness in our community of what child abuse is, the signs and symptoms resulting from it, and how to report suspected abuse. Below is some of the information that was presented:
- Neglect has a higher percentage than any other type of child abuse
- Children less than one-year-old are most vulnerable to maltreatment
- Physical abuse includes pushing, shaking and cornering
- Depression is a symptom of child abuse
- April is designated as National Child Abuse Awareness Month
The Youth Guidance Pathfinders Excel Club achievements were presented by Kim Prado, Youth Guidance Board Chair and Florida Exchange Club District President. The club was “four years strong” in November 2018. It has been awarded 69 badges/stars for the banner. It has received Best Excel Club award 2 years in a row and Best Program for raising funds for caps and gowns for 5 graduating students. Members have participated in proper American Flag etiquette, attended three Honor Flights, created a haunted house for youth, served a spaghetti dinner for By the River Senior Center, and assisted with PAWS animal programs. Pathfinders have received the National Service Award 3 years in a row. Congratulations to the club and its mentors on so many accomplishments!
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On March 27th Kyle Sanders, President of Sebastian River Medical Center spoke to our club. Kyle is originally from Texas, but he moved to SRMC recently from the Jacksonville area. He said he is excited to be a part of this community.
Sebastian River Medical Center strives to serve the needs of its communities by delivering the highest quality of care with compassion and respect. SRMC is dedicated to the communities it serves to deliver affordable health care to all and being a responsible partner.
Since Sebastian River Medical Center became a Steward Family Hospital, there have been significant changes and improvements, big and small and it is now in the nation’s top 10 percent for patient safety.
Changes include:
- A new director and seasoned physicians in the ER Department with an open front desk manned by a clinician
- A culture which includes paying competitive wages to new hires as well as existing employees
- Employee appreciation – the patient comes first -accountability and reward
- Developing EMS relationships (Hero’s Room for all first responders which provides food and beverage on breaks)
- An Improved Community Perception
Highlighted Services include Bariatric surgery, an Orthopedic Joint Center and Joint Camp, Cardiac and Interventional cardiology services and emergency services. All of the services offered at SRMC have exceptional physicians and staff, many of whom have won multiple accreditations and distinctions.
Construction is already in process for the new addition. There will be a new entrance, new operating rooms, and 48 private rooms as well as multipurpose rooms. The time plan is to have a certificate of occupancy by 12/31/19 and a planned opening on 02/01/20.
In concluding his presentation Mr. Sanders said, “I am honored to be here and to become a part of the Exchange Club, and to become a part of the community family.”
Margie Duffell