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Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month is observed every April and is dedicated to increasing public understanding of stress, its causes, and evidence‑based strategies for reducing and managing it across personal, academic, and work settings. The observance emphasizes education, prevention, and early intervention.
Research consistently shows that chronic stress contributes to both physical and mental health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbances, weakened immunity, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
The following are a few practical ways to manage stress: - Incorporate daily movement: Even light exercise like walking or stretching can reduce stress hormones and boost mood.
- Practice mindful breathing: Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing can calm the nervous system and improve clarity.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no when needed, and protect time for rest and personal priorities.
- Stay connected: Talking with friends, family, or peers can provide emotional support and perspective.
- Limit information overload: Constant news and digital input can heighten stress. Take intentional breaks from screens.
- Seek professional support when needed: Therapists, counselors, and healthcare providers can offer tools tailored to your situation.
The graphic below depicts the self-reported stress levels within self-reported food security status among HealthStreet members from 2022 to 2026. Among people who are food insecure, 42.6% reported high stress, 29.1% reported medium stress and 28.3% reported low stress. Conversely, only 19% of food secure members reported high stress, while 37.8% reported medium stress and 43.2% reported low stress.
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Our Community, Our Health Town Hall - Importance of Dental Health
Join us for our next Our Community, Our Health Town Hall on April 23, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. featuring Dr. Olga Ensz. Dr. Ensz is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Community-Based Outreach at the University of Florida College of Dentistry Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science.
Dr. Ensz's research focuses on dental public health, interprofessional education, and oral health promotion and disease prevention. She currently oversees the department’s school- and community-based dental outreach programs in Alachua County and Collier County, Florida, which aim to provide accessible dental services for pediatric patients at high risk for dental issues.
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The Pantry Gourmet
Welcome to "The Pantry Gourmet!" Discover quick and easy recipes made with quality items community members can likely find in HealthStreet's food pantry! |
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Butternut Squash Enchiladas
A classic Mexican dish with a healthy twist — butternut squash. A nutritious, tasty recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups butternut squash (or other winter squash), cooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup onions, diced (1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped or 3 tablespoons dried cilantro
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup 2% fat cheese, shredded (like cheddar or Mexican blend), divided
- 8 (6 inch) tortillas
- 1 cup salsa or 1 can (10 ounces) red or green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Mix the squash, beans, onion, cilantro, garlic powder, and cumin in a bowl. Preheat oven to 375 ºF.
- Mix 3/4 cup of the cheese into the squash mixture.
- Put a 1/2 cup strip of filling on each tortilla. Roll the tortilla around the filling. Put the tortilla into a greased 9" x 13" baking dish with the seam down.
- Cover the tortillas with the salsa or enchilada sauce. Put the rest of the cheese (1/4 cup) on the salsa or sauce.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Serve each enchilada with 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
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Research Study Opportunities
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If you are interested in hearing about these or other studies, HealthStreet community health workers can navigate you to a study coordinator. They can be reached at 352-294-4880. |
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“Take care of yourself, be healthy, and always believe you can be successful in anything you truly want." – Alessandra Ambrosio
“In order to achieve the impossible, one must first try the absurd.” –Fernando Pessoa
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” –Robin Williams
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Community Events at HealthStreet
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H.O.P.E. Food Pantry
Available to our members facing food insecurity, and can be accessed by members once per week. Located at our building off of Old Archer Road.
Mondays & Thursdays Noon - 4 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays
& Fridays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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EAC Adult Eye Clinic
The Ophthalmology Equal Access Clinic provides eye care services for adult and pediatric patients who lack access to routine ophthalmologic care. Clinics focus on evaluation, screening, and referral.
Tuesday, April 28
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Appointments Only Register Here
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Al-Anon
Group
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of problem drinking.
Thursdays
Noon - 1 p.m.
(Hybrid Meeting Link)
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Cooking Demo Classes
Starting this March, UF HealthStreet, along with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, will once again host a series of cooking demos at HealthStreet throughout the spring.
Monday, April 20
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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HIV Testing & Counseling
HealthStreet’s free and confidential HIV testing and counseling, offered throughout Spring 2026, is scheduled to occur every Friday. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Fridays
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
To schedule call,
(352) 294-4880
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HealthScreen at HealthStreet
The community-based initiative offers free health screenings for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Don't wait—join us at UF HealthStreet or find us at one of our outreach events and receive your free assessment!
Mondays & Thursdays
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
To schedule call,
(352) 294-4880
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For a list of all of our upcoming community events and outreach locations view full calendar.
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NARCAN® Saves Lives
Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.
HealthStreet has distributed 16,772 NARCAN® kits—33,544 total units—since 2020.
HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.
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Consider Donating to HealthStreet
Together, we can make a difference!
Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.
Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 25 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.
We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.
Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.
Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.
Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!
Thank you for your kindness!
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