Bay County Sheriff speaks on Special Needs Registry

HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Bay County, is proud to announce a donation of $1500 to the Panama City Beach Senior Center. This contribution is earmarked for the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a crucial life-saving device intended for use in cardiac emergencies.

The donation underscores HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital's dedication to enhancing the health and safety of the local community, particularly its most vulnerable members. By equipping the Panama City Beach Senior Center with an AED, the hospital aims to foster a safer environment for seniors, staff, and visitors, ensuring immediate response capabilities during cardiac emergencies.

"HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital is committed to not just treating patients within our walls, but also ensuring the wellbeing of our community at large," said Sushma Banda, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. "We recognize the importance of having accessible life-saving devices like AEDs, especially in facilities that cater to populations at higher risk of cardiac events. This donation is a reflection of our ongoing effort to extend our care beyond the hospital and into the heart of our community."

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The Panama City Beach Senior Center, a vital hub for senior activities, wellness, and companionship, welcomes the donation as a significant enhancement to their emergency preparedness. "This donation is not just for the purchase of a piece of equipment; it's a beacon of hope and a layer of security for everyone who walks through our doors," remarked Cheryl Brown, Board Member at the Panama City Beach Senior Center. "Thanks to HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, we can now provide a sense of security and potentially save lives in critical situations."

The AED will be installed in a central and accessible location within the Panama City Beach Senior Center, with staff and volunteers receiving training on how to use the device effectively in emergency scenarios. This initiative not only elevates the center's readiness to respond to cardiac incidents but also highlights the importance of community health partnerships in building resilient and prepared communities.

Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, shown in photo above, our guest speaker in March, described the Special Needs Registry, an initiative of the Bay County Sheriff's Office.

Its purpose is to compile and maintain a list of individuals who have "special needs" due to mental or neurological disabilities and who may reside in Bay County, Florida.

Residents are invited to proactively provide information about a loved one with special needs of any age, who may require special assistance.