National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD currently affects around 12 million people, including veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse, and others who’ve experienced trauma.

Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages open conversations, and connects individuals to life-changing resources. This month, take a moment to learn the signs, share support, and advocate for mental health. 

For more information and resources on PTSD, follow the links to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or the VA National Center for PTSD. In addition, the following are resources for those who would like to advocate for mental health:
- PTSD Foundation of America
- NAMI Gainesville
- Mental Health America

Below we show the lifetime history of PTSD among HealthStreet members by age, race, and sex. The prevalence of PTSD is highest among 45-64 year old White women (40%) and White men (38%). Compared to the US as a whole, HealthStreet members have a slightly higher reported lifetime rate of PTSD (23% vs 19%).

HealthScreen at UF HealthStreet

The University of Florida HealthStreet Program, under the direction of Drs. Linda Cottler and Catherine Striley, was awarded an 18-month “Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant”  from the Florida Department of Health.

Called HealthScreen, the program is a collaboration between HealthStreet and the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Mobile Health Screening Team. The grant provides no-cost health care screenings to Florida residents. Through this program, HealthStreet Community Health Workers and UF CTSI nurses screen community members at greatest need for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. With our Mobile Health Vehicles, the team will provide point of care screening and testing—meeting people where they are—to enhance health and wellness.

Volunteer Opportunities at HealthStreet

At the HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) at HealthStreet food pantry 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 food pantry, which offers essential groceries to families and individuals in need of assistance.

We're seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team, especially June 23-27, 2025 & August 11-20, 2025, and help us 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.

Classic Cheeseburger

This week’s featured recipe is the classic cheeseburger—an all-time favorite, especially with summer cookouts and gatherings just around the corner. You can even add your own twist by adding sauces, lettuce, tomato, or other vegetables you see fit!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
  
• 4 slices of any type of cheese 
• 1 ½ teaspoon of black pepper 
• 1 teaspoon of salt 
• ½ teaspoon of paprika 
• 4 hamburger buns 
• Vegetable oil 
• Skillet pan 

• In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed. 
• Form the now seasoned ground beef into four evenly sized patties and place them on a separate plate. 
• Using the back of a tablespoon, gently press a small indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and stay flat. 
• Heat a skillet over high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. 
• Once the skillet is hot, cook one patty at a time. Sear on each side for about six minutes. 
    Tip: The patty is ready to flip when it no longer sticks to the pan. 
• After cooking, transfer the patty to a clean plate and immediately top with a slice of cheese to allow it to melt. 
• Place the cheeseburger in a bun, add your favorite toppings, and 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 310 NARCAN® kits—620 total units—during the month of April.

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.