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Pictured from left are members of the Breast Program Leadership Committee at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital: Courtney Gibbons, Prudence Ashley, Dr. Jeffrey Eisenstein, Dr. Jennel Carreras-Montgomery, Dr. George Rossidis, Christina Follett, Lisa McGuire, Amy Abbott, Laura Veith and Brandi Valdez. Members not pictured include Dr. Luis Carrascosa, Dr. Vipul Patel, Dr. Amanda Aulls and Danielle Rogers. [Photo courtesy HCA Florida]

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Posted December 17, 2024 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Ocala hospitals accredited for breast health services
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital have received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancers. Programs accredited by the NAPBC follow a model of multidisciplinary, integrated and comprehensive breast cancer services. The NAPBC focuses on the patient’s journey with breast cancer or breast disease, including prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship. By setting high standards, NAPBC accreditation guides breast centers in providing comprehensive breast care based on scientific evidence, noted the news release.
As accredited cancer programs with ACS, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are designated ACS Surgical Quality Partners, which signifies dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches while maintaining a critical eye on process.

Organizations offer holiday outreaches
Kerry Eck of Gentiva Hospice and Carissa Meadows of Hampton Manor are bringing holiday joy to children in need by leading the Senior Health Advisors Toys for Tots campaign this year.

The two rallied local businesses, community members and senior care providers to participate in the charitable effort.
“Our community has always come together to care for one another, and this year is no different,” said Eck in a news release. “The Toys for Tots campaign is a wonderful opportunity to give back and bring smiles to children’s faces during the holidays.”
“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support from our partners and collection locations. Together, we can make this season brighter for so many families,” Meadows added.
The collection locations included Hampton Manor ALF, Gentiva Hospice, Timber Ridge SNF, Hawthorne SNF and ILF, Bridgewater Park SNF and ALF, The Bridge ALF, Canterfield ALF, Brentwood ALF, Paddock Ridge ALF, Pacifica ALF, LifeCare SNF, The Lodge SNF, Avante SNF, Encompass Rehabilitation and Bo Collision Center.
Gentiva Hospice also held a holiday celebration for residents of Harmony House Assisted Living. The event, organized by Morgan Thompson and Simone Biersay, with the help of the Harmony House Care Team of RN Brandi Lane, Chaplain Jim Sandoval and CNA Pam Nelson, took place on Dec. 18 and included treats and gifts.

Firefighters donate to annual food drive
Members of the Professional Firefighters of Marion County donated 3,458 pounds of non-perishable food to the recent Bring the Harvest Home food drive. The donation was 909 pounds more than in 2023. This was PFFMC’s fourth year of participating and members also collected $4,000 for a shopping trip.

The PFFMC labor union organization represents active and retired first responders working for or retired from Marion County Fire Rescue. The drive was in partnership with MCFR’s collection in competition with other county departments, according to the news release.
Bring the Harvest Home helps restock food pantries that benefit Marion County citizens, including Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army.
“We are committed to Marion County daily, both on and off duty. We are part of this community and love being part of the bigger picture,” PFFMC President Rolin Boyd stated in the release.

Foundation receives grant for youth program
The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Papa John’s Foundation’s Building Community Fund. The funds will support the CEP’s Leadership Ocala Marion Youth program, helping to keep participation costs affordable while also providing scholarships.
The LOMY program targets high school students entering their junior year in Ocala and Marion County. This demographic represents a critical period in their academic and personal development, making it an ideal time for leadership and career exploration. With approximately 45% of students in the county qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the need for programs like LOMY is particularly urgent. Many students face significant financial challenges that limit their ability to participate in extracurricular activities or explore potential career pathways. Although LOMY is not free, the grant will help reduce fees and provide scholarships, addressing financial barriers that may otherwise limit participation, the news release noted.

Aviation center earns designation
PRP Aviation, a provider of aviation services, charter flights and flight training, has been designated a Platinum Cirrus Training Center.
The training center’s appointment comes as Chris Prusak, a U.S. Air Force veteran and PRP Aviation CEO, was recently awarded platinum status as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, which requires more than 1,000 hours of instructing in Cirrus aircraft while adhering to strict procedures and safety protocols, the news release stated.
The platinum designation is awarded to flight training centers and instructors demonstrating exceptional dedication to safety, innovation and customer service. PRP Aviation is based at the Ocala International Airport.