AdventHealth opens new clinic for long-haul COVID treatment
ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth has opened a new clinic for long-haul COVID treatment. The new clinic will help people who still have COVID-19 symptoms three months after the virus left their bodies. It will also serve as a research center for long-haul COVID to prepare the hospital network for another pandemic. And we wanted to be there to help fill that need,” said Dr. Gordon. Officials said the clinic’s soft opened in March and has seen about 90 patients from all over Central Florida.
wftv.comOrlando firefighters, police officers bring holiday surprise to children at AdventHealth
ORLANDO, Fla. — ‘Tis the season to bring joy to those around us. The Orlando Fire Department, Orange County Fire Rescue and Orlando Police Department helped bring Christmas to patients at AdventHealth for Children on Tuesday. Photos: Orlando firefighters, police officers bring holiday surprise to children at AdventHealthExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 Orlando firefighters, police officers bring holiday surprise to children at AdventHealth Firefighters and police officers surprised children and their families in the sixth annual Holiday Elf rappelling event. (AdventHealth for Chilren/AdventHealth for Children)Firefighters and police officers surprised children and their families in the sixth annual Holiday Elf rappelling event. Read: Hispanic Federation delivers smiles to children right before ChristmasTeams rappeled down the side of the hospital with positive messages as a way to spread holiday cheer.
wftv.com‘Do you have a sense of peace?’ AdventHealth officials ask patients questions to check mental health
With the end of the year quickly approaching, many of us are squeezing in those last-minute doctor’s appointments. But you may have noticed some interesting questions your physician may be asking you.
Advent Health Looking For Women To Participate in Research Study — KnightNews.com
AdventHealth is looking for African American, Hispanic and Caucasian women who are interested in getting involved in a research study that aims to understand the relationship between muscle and glucose metabolism. The findings may help scientists better understand how to prevent diabetes. Qualified participants may be compensated up to $1,500. Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/3rd28Yg.
knightnews.comOrlando police responding to bomb threat at AdventHealth
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police are responding to a bomb threat at AdventHealth on East Rollins Street. Police said sometime after 9 p.m. they received a call from someone who only stated that there was an explosive put in the hospital. READ: Michelle Parker: $200K reward offered for tips in case of Orlando woman missing since 2011Channel 9 reporter Nick Papantonis is on scene gathering more information. READ: 2 witnesses claim 5th Amendment in Orange County ayahuasca wrongful death caseBREAKING: AdventHealth's main Orlando campus is roped off. Police website says bomb threat.
wftv.com9 things to know about brain-eating amoebas
ORLANDO, Fla. — Brain-eating amoeba infections are rare and deadly. Below are nine things to know about the brain-eating amoeba, naegleria fowleri, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:1. Read: How to avoid the brain-eating amoeba sometimes found in warm freshwater lakes2. Read: New test can detect deadly brain-eating amoeba infections in hours instead of days4. How to avoid brain-eating amoeba How to avoid brain-eating amoeba (NCD)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comNew test can detect deadly brain-eating amoeba infections in hours instead of days
ORLANDO, Fla. — A new test developed by AdventHealth speeds up the ability to detect deadly brain-eating amoeba infections to hours instead of days. The new test reduces the time for a result from days to as little as five hours, which officials said is a significant improvement for an infection in which every second counts. Officials said two cases of young patients who developed the infections led AdventHealth scientists to develop the new testing method, which can detect the three most common life-threatening amoebas found in freshwater. It detects genetic material from the amoeba through a sample of cerebral spinal fluid. Read: CDC: No brain-eating amoeba detected in Florida teenagerHow to avoid brain-eating amoeba How to avoid brain-eating amoeba (NCD)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comAdventHealth creates new nursing unit to help patients transition from hospital to home
AdventHealth creates new nursing unit to help patients transition from hospital to homeDELAND, Fla. — AdventHealth is helping patients go from the hospital bed to home with a new nursing unit. The Transitional Care Unit opened at AdventHealth DeLand and will serve patients as they transition from the hospital to home. The 12-bed Transitional Care Unit will provide services and amenities including physical, occupational and speech therapy, a gymnasium and a dining room. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<“We are dedicated to serving patients along the entire continuum of care,” said Michele Lebron, chief nursing officer at AdventHealth DeLand. Read: Safety and education are top priorities as Volusia County students return to class on Monday“We are pleased to provide this service to the West Volusia community right here in our DeLand hospital,” said David Weis, president and CEO of AdventHealth DeLand.
wftv.comAdventHealth’s Holy Land site project has changed. Here’s what’s next.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. AdventHealth has adjusted its plans for the former Holy Land Experience site it bought last year in Orlando. The Altamonte Springs-based health system — which owns some of the largest hospitals in Orlando — filed paperwork with the city of Orlando to change the proposed project at 4655 and 4615 Vineland Road to a three-phase project. The first phase would include a one-story, 24-bed, 19,600-square-foot, freestanding emergency department with a helipad. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comSanta and Mrs. Claus join Orlando police and firefighters to cheer up children at AdventHealth
Video: Santa and Mrs. Claus join Orlando police and firefighters to cheer up children at AdventHealth If you’ve ever wondered what Santa does in the summer, he stays busy – he just dresses for the heat. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’ve ever wondered what Santa does in the summer, he stays busy – he just dresses for the heat. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: Soccer, Summerween, and SeaWorldSanta and Mrs. Claus wore their summer gear this week to make an appearance at AdventHealth’s Christmas in July event in Orlando. Santa didn’t bring his sleigh, but instead used a ladder truck to greet young patients through the windows. Photos: Santa and Mrs. Claus join Orlando police and firefighters to cheer up children at AdventHealthExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Santa and Mrs. Claus join Orlando police and firefighters to cheer up children at AdventHealthOrlando firefighters and police officers also greeted the children by rappelling down the side of the hospital, carrying signs of encouragement.
wftv.comCentral Florida couple delivers donated medical supplies to Ukraine
VIDEO: Central Florida couple delivers donated medical supplies to Ukraine VIDEO: Central Florida couple delivers donated medical supplies to Ukraine (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida couple recently returned from their humanitarian trip to Ukraine, in which they delivered much-needed medical supplies to the war-torn country. Julia and Oleg Kostyuk felt the need to act when they saw their family and friends suffering. After doing some research, they found out about a major demand for medications, like insulin. AdventHealth donated around $14,000 worth of medication and medical supplies for the couple to deliver to Ukraine. Read: Floridians encouraged to get out and garden with free starter seed packetsThe couple said their children donated their own toys for families in Ukraine.
wftv.comAdventHealth opens inpatient tower in Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — AdventHealth announced the opening of a new inpatient tower at its Winter Garden campus. Read: Lockheed Martin wants to hire you so it can get to the moonThe five-story, 80-bed tower adds about 227,000 square feet to AdventHealth’s Winter Garden campus and provides more space for new services. AdventHealth Winter Garden CEO Kari Vargas said the new tower will allow the hospital to better serve the area. Read: Winter Park dad in need of heart, lung, kidney transplant following COVID-19Hospital officials said the new inpatient tower will also bring an extra 400 medical and support jobs to the community. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 AdventHealth opens inpatient tower in Winter Garden (AdventHealth Winter Garden)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comLooking for a career? AdventHealth is seeking to fill hundreds of positions across Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Are you or someone you know looking for a career in health care? AdventHealth is hosting a Career Expo in Orlando on Monday. The two-day hiring event is being held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.AdventHealth’s hiring event will feature same-day offers, virtual reality tours, sign-on and relocation incentives up to $15,000. Recruiters from across the Central Florida Division will be at the expo offering hundreds of opportunities from Flagler County to Osceola County to those interested. Read: 2 arrested after missing Orange County man found dead in trunk of his car, deputies sayAdventHealth is looking for registered nurses, graduate nurses, licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, patient care techs, and more.
wftv.comWinter Park Road Race
ORLANDO, Fla. — Join 9 Family Connection and our partners, McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store for the Track Shack Winter Park Road Race 10 Mile and 2 Mile presented by AdventHealth at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 12th at Park Avenue in Winter Park, or participate VIRTUALLY! This is the Grand Finale of the Track Shack Running Series. Run or walk the 10k through beautiful, neighborhood friendly Winter Park. All proceeds will benefit the Meridian Club of Winter Park Scholarship Fund. The Meridian Club of Winter Park has served the City of Winter Park and surrounding region for 38 years.
wftv.comAdventHealth Ocala receives $1.7 million donation to launch maternal fetal medicine program
OCALA, Fla. — AdventHealth Ocala announced it has received a $1.7 million donation to launch a maternal fetal medicine program. The program will allow women to remain in the AdventHealth system, which has expertise in caring for women with multiple high-risk pregnancy factors and babies who are born after high-risk pregnancies. Local doctor weighs in“As Marion County’s only obstetrics and neonatal intensive care unit, we are committed to investing in the programs, technology and teams to help us positively impact families for years to come,” said Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala. READ: AdventHealth lays out plans to build hospital, medical office on former site of Holy Land ExperienceThe program will officially start fall 2022. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comPlans moving forward to transform former Holy Land Experience site into a hospital campus
ORLANDO, Fla. — Plans are moving forward to transform the now-closed Holy Land Experience into a hospital campus. The project needs city council approval next before the 14-acre site is transformed into a massive medical campus. Last year, AdventHealth purchased the Holy Land site along Interstate 4 at the Conroy Road exit. READ: AdventHealth lays out plans to build hospital, medical office on former site of Holy Land ExperienceIt is a two-phase project, starting with a four-story medical office building and helipad. READ: AdventHealth’s site plan for former Holy Land Experience takes next step forwardLopez lives in the apartment complex across the street.
wftv.comAdventHealth’s site plan for former Holy Land Experience takes next step forward
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The city of Orlando staff on Feb. 8 recommended the approval of a site plan for AdventHealth’s proposed project at the former Holy Land Experience. Read: AdventHealth lays out plans to build hospital, medical office on former site of Holy Land ExperienceHoly Land Experience Ministries Inc. -- an entity related to Tustin, California-based theme park operator and landowner Trinity Broadcasting Network -- sold the site last summer for $32 million to AdventHealth. Read: Temperature could affect accuracy of at-home COVID-19 testing kitsThe second phase would include a five-story, 250,100-square-foot hospital and a possible parking garage. Click here to read Ryan Lynch’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comTemperature could affect accuracy of at-home COVID-19 testing kits
ORLANDO, Fla. — There’s one thing you should consider when using your free at-home COVID-19 test from the federal government: its temperature. “Make sure you store them appropriately because, it can reduce their effectiveness,” Hendrix said. Hendrix said to store the test in a cool, dry place in a normal temperature range. Also, before administering the test, there’s a way to check if it’s usable. If the control line doesn’t highlight, then you can’t trust the result,” Hendrix said.
wftv.comFlorida doctor says antibody treatments ineffective against omicron
AdventHealth in Orlando continues to offer a preventative monoclonal antibody treatment for people who’ve been exposed and have not tested positive. The treatment is aimed to help high-risk individuals reduce their chance of contracting the virus.
AdventHealth COVID-19 hospitalizations decreasing, but omicron still spreading
ORLANDO, Fla. — The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at AdventHealth facilities in Central Florida is decreasing, according to hospital officials. As of Tuesday, officials said there are about 960 COVID-19-positive patients in AdventHealth’s hospitals across seven Central Florida counties, and about 150 of those are receiving ICU-level care. The latest numbers represent a downturn from omicron’s peak in Central Florida during the week of Jan. 17 of more than 1,100 inpatients with COVID-19 in the health care system’s Central Florida Division. AdventHealth officials said it remains at “green” status and continues to operate normally, with no disruptions to scheduled procedures. While the trend is headed in the right direction, officials said that number still represents the high transmissibility of the omicron variant throughout the community.
wftv.comHelp fund a mammogram for local women! (Lady Track Shack 5K)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Join 9 Family Connection and our partners McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store as we help raise funds to fight breast cancer! Since 1978, thousands of mothers and daughters, sisters and friends have come together at the Lady Track Shack 5k to celebrate women’s health and fundraise to provide early diagnosis for those in need. All online donations, and race registrations will go to the AdventHealth Breast Cancer Care Fund. Visit https://www.trackshack.com/event/19 to register today! Cox Media Group
wftv.comMore than 11,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida has seen a steady increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations since right after Christmas. The Florida Hospital Association said as of Wednesday, there are now more than 11,000 people hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state. In the past 14 days, the FHA said COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased more than 224% in Florida. READ: COVID-19 tests are free starting Saturday; how to get one; how to get it deliveredOrlando Health is no longer releasing COVID-19 patient data. READ: Federal government to send millions of free rapid COVID-19 tests to schoolsDemings is continuing to push vaccines, boosters and repeated advice of safety protocols like wearing a mask.
wftv.comCentral Florida COVID hospitalizations continue to rise, AdventHealth doctors say
ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth doctors are urging those who haven’t received COVID-19 vaccines or boosters to get them, as hospitalizations in Central Florida continue to rise.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
AdventHealth doctor says it could be weeks before omicron cases peak in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, AdventHealth gave an update on how the omicron variant is impacting the health care system and community.
Dr. Vincent Hsu, AdventHealth’s executive director of infection prevention, said he doesn’t believe Central Florida has hit its peak with omicron cases.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<
Oviedo couple welcomes first baby of the new year
Oviedo couple welcomes first baby of the new year at AdventHealth The 7-pound, 10-ounce baby boy, Melvin Rodriguez, was born at 12:00:05 a.m. (AdventHealth Clelebration)CELEBRATION, Fla. — AdventHealth Celebration announced the delivery of its first baby of 2022. Read: ‘Shine As One’: As the year ends, the countdown to the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando beginsJessica Gonzalez Colon and Brian Rodriguez from Oviedo, Florida, welcomed their newborn son Melvin just after the stroke of midnight Saturday. Read: Orlando ringing in New Year’s EveWeighing in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces, Melvin Rodriguez was born five seconds past midnight. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comAdventHealth lays out plans to build hospital, medical office on former site of Holy Land Experience
ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth has unveiled its plans to turn the property once home to the Holy Land Experience into a hospital and medical offices. The proposed project for AdventHealth Millenia will be done in two phases along 14.21 acres on the northeast corner of Vineland Road and Conroy Road. The second floor will house a 20,000 square-foot medical office, and the third and fourth, each 19,0000 square feet, will consist of either a medical office or ambulatory surgical center. READ: Orlando’s Holy Land Experience theme park sells to AdventHealthAn existing stormwater management system will be used for improvements during phase one, the project description states. Holy Land Experience The Holy Land Experience announced it is laying off nearly all of its employees.
wftv.comCentral Florida hospitals beginning to feel omicron surge
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Central Florida’s hospitals began to feel the effects of the now record-setting COVID-19 omicron surge Wednesday, even as officials remained hopeful that high vaccination rates would keep numbers below levels seen during the delta surge. READ: Here’s where you can find COVID-19 testing in Central Florida“The health care system is prepared for the increase,” a spokesman for the company noted. Across town at Orlando Health, 209 patients were being treated, less than a third of the more than 600 that system saw at its peak. Supplies of monoclonal antibody therapies were limited at AdventHealth, since the two most frequently used products have been determined to be less effective against omicron. Patients painted a bleaker picture, saying they were told the system was out, and they weren’t sure when they’d get their injections.
wftv.comHealth care workers battling fatigue prepare for next wave of COVID-19 cases
WASHINGTON, D.C — Hospital workers nationwide and right here in our community are bracing for a perfect storm. The new omicron variant is surging, flu cases are on the rise and all of these are happening during a busy holiday travel season. Just when health care workers thought there could be some relief, they’re gearing up for another variant, another surge, another fight. Read: Fauci: Vaccine mandate for those on domestic flights ‘should be considered’But Dr. Patel said he’s counting the number of lives saved each day. Some relief is on the way for health care workers.
wftv.comAdventHealth sees COVID-19 cases rise in clinic locations
ORLANDO, Fla. — The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have the COVID-19 positivity rate over 7% in Orange County. As the COVID-19 infection rate climbs higher, medical experts are intensifying their push for vaccinations and boosters. READ: Coronavirus: FDA authorizes Merck’s COVID-19 pillThe latest push comes from AdventHealth. Earlier this week, hospital leaders said the positivity rate at their Centra Care locations had jumped from 5% to 21%. “I’ts really hard to say whether or not omicron is going to infect a greater number of folks than delta,” Hsu said.
wftv.com‘We are convinced it’s really omicron:’ AdventHealth official answers your COVID-19 questions
On Tuesday, Dr. Victor Herrera, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Orlando, sat down with Tom Johnson, a public affairs official on their media team, to answer some of the public’s lingering questions about the latest variant.
COVID-19 positivity rate has tripled at AdventHealth urgent care clinics, doctors say
ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth doctors said the COVID-19 positivity rate has tripled at its urgent care clinics over the past few weeks. READ: Omicron now dominant US coronavirus strain, CDC saysThe doctor also said the hospital has activated the hospital’s COVID-19 command center. According to health officials, the omicron variant has not been detected in local AdventHealth hospitals. See: 9 things to know about the new omicron COVID-19 variantHerrera said studies are showing that the omicron variant spreads faster and is very infectious. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Omicron COVID-19 variant On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a “variant of concern” and named it omicron.
wftv.comNemours Children’s Health to offer mental health help for kids in primary care offices
Children's mental health Nemours Children’s Health will soon offer mental illness treatment as an integral part of children’s primary care. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — A second Central Florida health system is expanding its services after a pandemic spike in mental health crises among kids. Nemours Children’s Health will soon offer mental illness treatment as an integral part of children’s primary care. The world is different now,” said Dr. Tom Lacy, Central Florida division chief of Nemours Children’s primary care. Those increases are why Nemours will soon have mental health counselors directly accessible within its children’s primary care offices.
wftv.comAdventHealth suspends COVID-19 vaccine requirements for employees
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — AdventHealth has announced it is suspending its COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to prevent private employers from enforcing vaccine mandates, among other legislation. READ: DeSantis signs bills to prevent employers from firing workers over COVID-19 vaccination mandates“Based on scientific evidence and what we see in our hospitals every day, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing both the risk of becoming infected and the level of harm in the case of a breakthrough infection,” AdventHealth said in a prepared statement. “As part of our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our team members, patients and communities, we strongly encourage all of our team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”AdventHealth said it will continue to monitor the ongoing litigation regarding the federal law. Coronavirus: Colorado reports first case of omicron variantClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comAdventHealth doctors encourage parents to get newly eligible children vaccinated for COVID-19
ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth doctors said COVID-19 vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 should be available at various facilities including urgent care clinics, doctor’s offices, retailers, and schools around Central Florida, possibly by next week. On Thursday, the chief medical officer and medical director of its hospital for children reiterated the safety of the vaccine for kids and the impressive results of the studies. READ: See where your child can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange CountyThe doctors said it’s still critical to get kids vaccinated despite the current lower rates of infection, because of the area’s lack of herd immunity. They advise entire families to get vaccinated, if possible, to ensure the best protection against the virus. READ: Coronavirus: United Kingdom authorizes Merck’s COVID-19 pillClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comMultiple patients missed breast cancer screenings due to pandemic, AdventHealth surgeon says
Dr. Lisa Minton, a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer care with AdventHealth, explained many patients chose to avoid their annual breast cancer screening within the last year because they were concerned of potential exposure to COVID-19.
AdventHealth, W.K. Kellogg Foundation partner to help improve health equity across Central Florida
Kellogg Foundation said the companies have partnered to help improve health equity across Central Florida. The program, “Building Health Equity across Health Care Systems and Communities,” is designed to address health inequities across racial and ethnic minority populations. “COVID-19 has highlighted health disparities across different groups based on race, ethnicity and income. But the truth is the pandemic has only intensified pre-existing disparities,” said Dr. Alric Simmonds, chief health equity officer at AdventHealth. “Our partnership with AdventHealth is an opportunity to transform the capacity of the health care system,” said Monica Beltran, program officer for the W.K.
wftv.comCOVID-19 has impacted Americans’ life expectancy, minority populations
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Studies show COVID-19 took about two to three months off Americans’ life expectancy, and the effect is even greater for minority populations. Dr. Alric Simmonds, the chief health equity officer for AdventHealth, said it’s largely because of preexisting conditions like higher rates of diabetes, hypertension and morbid obesity. Coronavirus: Total US COVID-19 cases pass 44 million markHe said those health disparities come from a combination of fewer health care options, being underinsured and general poverty. It also took many Black and Hispanic families longer to trust the COVID-19 vaccine. READ: Coronavirus: Pfizer, BioNTech ask FDA to authorize COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 5-11Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
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