World Cancer Support Month

World Cancer Support Month is observed every August. The month is dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and honoring the courage of those impacted by cancer.

It's important for communities to come together, share stories, and promote early detection, treatment access, and emotional healing. 

In our community, we are fortunate to have North Central Florida's only Cancer Center of Excellence with the National Cancer Institute-designated UF Health Cancer Center. The center offers a range of diagnostic, treatment and after care services for all types of adult and children’s cancer. 

Skin, breast and lung cancers are the most common type of cancers among HealthStreet members. Skin cancer is the highest of all cancers among the three cancers (men-38% and women 29%). Breast cancer is higher among women (29%) compared to men (1%) and the history of lung cancer is the same among men and women at 3%.

Volunteer Opportunities at HealthStreet

At HealthStreet we are committed to providing crucial resources and support to those in need in our community. One of the ways we're making a difference is through our HOPE at HealthStreet food pantry, which offers essential groceries to families and individuals in need of assistance.

We're seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team, especially August 11-20, 2025, and help us continue to make a meaningful impact in our community. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Assist with food sorting and distribution
• Help clients navigate our resources and services
• Support our mission to provide healthy food options and promote community well-being

Volunteering at the food pantry is a rewarding experience that makes a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors. Whether you're available for a few hours a month or can commit to a regular schedule, we invite you to join our team.

Italian Sausage Creamy Tomato Pasta

This week’s featured recipe is Italian sausage creamy tomato pasta! A rich, savory dish with garlic, tomato, and cream—perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. 

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• 16 ounces Italian sausage
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

• Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta and cook the chosen pasta according to package directions. 
• Meanwhile, add the sausage meat to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 7-10 minutes or until nicely browned, break it up with your spoon as you go along.  
• Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the garlic and sauté for about a minute. 
• Add in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. 
• Taste and season the sauce with salt & pepper as needed.
• Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. 

  
  Bonus Tip: add a splash of hot pasta water to the skillet prior to draining if the sauce gets too thick. Enjoy! 

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 2,950 NARCAN® kits—5,900 total units—spanning June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

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.

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 32 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., 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!