DESOTO COUNTY
DeSoto County in Southwest Florida
is one of the most beautiful rural counties in the state.
Arcadia, the county seat, takes pride in its regal old
homes, historic structures, numerous antique shops, and
the county health department.
![](../images/desoto01dchdt.jpg)
Click on photo
above for full size version.
Most clients of the health
department have needs that go beyond the traditional
image of health care, although that has definitely been
lacking in many of their lives. The department takes a
holistic view of health and is making efforts to help
clients build the skills that will enable them to become
more self sufficient and financially stable. This, in
turn, will help them improve their knowledge of healthy
lifestyle behaviors, their access to medical treatment,
and their quality of life.
Volunteers are needed to make this
vision come true. The health department needs licensed
health care professionals so that it can expand the
services offered and it needs other volunteers, such as
retired teachers, grandparents, and others to read to
children in the waiting room, help students with
homework, and teach adults to read and speak English.
If you are interested in becoming
a part of this exciting challenge, please contact Cynthia
Scott at the DeSoto County Health Department, 34 South
Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, FL 34266. She may also be
reached by phone at (941) 993-4601 ext. 117 or e-mail at Cynthia_Scott@doh.state.fl.us
Click on photo above for full size version.
According to the health departments administrator,
Don Toews, Ph.D., M.P.H., "Volunteers are the
backbone of any organization serving the residents and
visitors to our county. On behalf of the DeSoto County
Health Department, I would encourage anyone to volunteer
with a service agency in our community. The rewards of
your volunteerism will be appreciated by all."
![](../images/desoto03clinicat.jpg)
Clinica de Ayuda Health Center is
a joint volunteer effort between the DeSoto County Health
Department and Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital. Through a
state grant, the health department was able to purchase
dental equipment for the clinic. The state also provides
sovereign immunity to dental volunteers. The clinic
serves the medical and dental health care needs of low
income persons in Arcadia.
Click
on photo above for full size version.
A medical history and vital signs
are taken of every patient coming to the clinic,
regardless of whether they are seeking medical or dental
services. If it is determined that a patient is in need
of additional services which can be provided by the
clinic, they receive them. This will ensure, for example,
that all children coming to the clinic are current with
their immunizations and adults with high blood pressure
are effectively treated.
Sister Elaine Davia, A.R.N.P., of
Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital worked tirelessly to
organize the clinic, from seeking donations of time,
money and materials to purchasing the building and
equipment, coordinating volunteers, obtaining necessary
permits, and promoting the clinic in the community.
![](../images/desoto04sisterelainet.jpg)
"To me, the number of
volunteers has been the most exciting thing. They were
out here working; painting, cleaning, and making the
clinic ready for the patients long before we opened our
doors."
Click on photo above for full size version.
If you would like to know more
about volunteering at the Clinica de Ayuda Health Center,
Sister Elaine can be reached at (863) 491-5110.
Contact
Information
Postal
address, telephone and fax:
- Region
8 Coordinator:
-
- Wendy
Wilderman, M.P.H.
Lee County Health Department
3920 Michigan Ave.
Ft. Myers, FL 33916-2205
(941) 332-9546 (SC) 743-1546
FAX (941) 332-9656 (SC)
743-1656
- State
Coordinator:
-
- Shannon
Lease, M.S.
Department of Health
Headquarters
BIN #A13
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee FL 32399-1722
Telephone (850) 245-4104
(SC)205-4104
FAX (850)
414-6091 (SC)994-6091
Electronic mail:
- Volunteer
opportunities contact regional
coordinator: Wendy_Wilderman@doh.state.fl.us
- General
Program Information: Shannon_Lease@doh.state.fl.us
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Copyright ©
2000 Department of Health
Last
modified: August 21, 2000 15:11 |
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