American Heart Month

This year, the AHA encourages individuals to see themselves as part of a “Nation of Lifesavers” by learning Hands‑Only CPR, a skill that can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. Their message emphasizes that heroism isn’t limited to professionals and that bystanders can save lives with knowledge, courage, and readiness to act.

American Heart Month also serves as a reminder to adopt daily habits that support long‑term heart health, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and avoiding tobacco. These healthy choices help reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading health concern nationwide. 

UF HealthStreet encourages our community to join the movement by learning more about heart‑healthy living, sharing resources, and taking part in activities that support cardiovascular wellness. Together, we can strengthen community health one heart at a time.

Community members, if you are interested in checking your heart health, stop by HealthStreet or attend one of our mobile outreach events and be screened through our HealthScreen initiative. HealthScreen offers no-cost screenings for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and stroke to Florida residents.

Bystander Overdose Action Team at the University of Florida Receives Award

By Jill Pease

UF HealthStreet Director of Operations, Robert Baez, Ph.D., along with members of the UF Bystander Overdose Action Team, were recognized with the UF Superior Accomplishment Award in the Team Collaboration category of the UF Health Science Center Division.

BOAT@UF was founded in 2022 at UF HealthStreet to bring together public health, emergency medicine, psychiatry, health promotion and community engagement disciplines to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis and empower bystanders to respond to an overdose emergency. Since its inception, the team has provided more than 30 campus and community trainings; contributed to the distribution of more than 16,000 Naloxone kits; embedded overdose prevention training into medical education and peer programs; and mentored multiple student-led projects at the undergraduate and professional program levels.

Baez facilitates community facing operations of BOAT@UF, manages naloxone distribution in collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and Families, and oversees BOAT@UF website communications, data collection and community engagement logistics.

“The Bystander Overdose Action Team exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond,” a nominator wrote. “Through its innovative approach, interdisciplinary collaboration and measurable results, the team has transformed UF’s academic mission into tangible, life-saving community engagement.”

Sautéed Zucchini, Tomato and Chickpea Ragout
This Simple Cooking with Heart, Italian recipe from the American Heart Association is a delicious way to get more vegetables and beans into your eating routine.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini (chopped) or 3 yellow squash (chopped)

• 28 oz. canned, no-salt-added, or, low-sodium tomatoes (crushed)

• 6 cups Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumber

• 1 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

• 3 cup whole-wheat couscous

1. Spray a large sauté pan with cooking spray. Add chopped zucchini and cook over medium-high heat. Stirring occasionally with spatula, cook until zucchini are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, Chickpea Salad, cumin, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover with lid or foil. Reduce heat to low so mixture is simmering. Let ragout simmer 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make couscous according to package directions (omitting the salt and fat).
4. Serve ragout over couscous.

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 16,248 NARCAN® kits—32,496 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.

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. 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!