National Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of arthritis on millions of lives. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability, affecting people of all ages.

This month, we encourage you to learn more about arthritis, support those living with the condition, and advocate for better treatments and resources. 

For more information and resources on arthritis, click here.

This week, we show the lifetime history of arthritis among HealthStreet members by age, race, and sex. Self-reported arthritis increases with age across all groups in general. Also, White women seem to report arthritis at higher rates than others. Compared to the US as a whole, HealthStreet members have a slightly higher reported lifetime rate of arthritis (33% vs 30%).

HeathStreet Welcomes Summer C.A.M.E.O. Program Volunteers & Interns

HealthStreet welcomes 28 new student volunteers and interns into the C.A.M.E.O. Program—a dynamic initiative focused on communication strategies, epidemiological and biostatistical analysis, community-engaged program management, community health education, and outreach. These passionate students will contribute their talents to advancing community health through research, education, and engagement. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll make this semester!

Let’s give them a warm welcome as they begin their journey to becoming champions of community-engaged health!

We are currently accepting applications for fall 2025 and spring 2026.

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 allows you to make 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.

Zucchini & Kale Salad

The HOPE at HealthStreet food pantry recently received alot of kale and zucchini to distribute to our members. So this week we are featuring a tasty recipe of these two green ingredients! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kale leaves
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces of goat or feta cheese (or cheese of your choice)
  
• Lemon Vinaigrette salad dressing (or salad dressing of your choice)

• Coat grill or stove top pan with cooking spray, heat to high heat.
• Cut zucchini into 1/4 inch slices- lengthwise, brush with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with sea salt and pepper.
• Place on zucchini on hot grill or stove top pan and cook 3-4 minutes until very dark with bits of charring.
• Turn over and repeat, remove from grill/stove.
• Divide kale among 4 serving plates.
• Add 3-4 slices charred zucchini to each salad and dabs of cheese of your choosing.
• Serve with Lemon Vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing.
  

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.