Hallandale Beach Community Partnerships: There Are Many Ways The City Is Working To Assist Residents

Last month I had a chance to meet with VP Melida Akiti from Memorial Healthcare Systems who is in charge of Ambulatory and Community Service to discuss an amazing community partnership. I was invited to a briefing with her assistant, Chief Michel, Deputy Chief Thouez, Chief of Staff, Grace Mariot and Jonathan Carrillo of PAL. PAL and Memorial Healthcare Systems in an initiative called “One Community At A Time” to bring medical services directly to our residents in Hallandale Beach. The hospital wants to not just help residents, they plan to stay in the community for an entire year if not longer.

Memorial Healthcare Systems understands that when people do not take care of their health it has far-reaching implications. Many of us put off seeing the doctor. We miss Tests and Basic Preventive Care. Children miss their Health Checkups too. All too often people simply cannot afford care. This leads to High Blood Pressure and Diabetes and other serious ailments. It has been documented that in underserved areas there is a greater risk of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Preventive Health Care is proven to reduce hospital stays. It seems counter intuitive that hospital administration would want to keep people out of the hospital but with insurance controls and managed care the longer people are in the hospital they do not get reimbursed. In our health system this costs us all money and drives up the cost of Health Care.

PAL has finally moved into the Foster Park Center. PAL is not simply about sports anymore. They are now The Police Activity League. They are doing many activities. They have already hosted arts and crafts, leadership training and anti-bullying programs just to name a few. They have a wonderful blueprint to move forward and work side by side with our residents. With this new partnership the stars have aligned and the sky's the limit. The partnership will ensure that our local children have healthcare.

The timing also could not be more perfect as they have decided to host the Grand Opening of the PAL Offices at Foster Park. This saved money for PAL and allowed them to roll out the new medical services. Weekly they plan to have their mobile unit and utilize Foster Park for doctor visits.

This site will only be for our residents. This is for ALL residents within our boundaries. There is no need for insurance. Actually, if you do not have insurance they will help individuals apply for Medicare and Medicaid. They will not turn individuals away but send them to their hometown. For example, if you live in West Park they have a location there. Same for Hollywood, Pembroke Park, Miramar and Pembroke Pines.

The program is not just simply a doctor visit, but it is for all care. Pediatrics, Gynecology, Mental Health Care and Testing. There is also a plan to visit our schools with the mobile van. Once a week the program will be at Foster Park, located at 609 Northwest Sixth Avenue and Foster Road for at least a year. There will be no drugs on the vans or at Foster Park due to safety. The doctors will assist patients for access to their needs through the hospital. If you have issues with transportation, please know our minibus provides services at the park.

Join us on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at Foster Park for the FREE Grand Opening Kickoff from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be food, entertainment, face painting and much more for all ages.

Storm Update
Federal Aid is now available for residents and businesses impacted by the historic flooding. There are three ways to apply. Online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov on the FEMA App and by calling: 1 (800) 621-FEMA 1 (800) 621-3362. Our residents also can visit our website at: www.cohb.org where we have set up a resource link to all agencies helping the victims. My heart and prayers go out to those impacted. As noted we were not the reporting agency for damaged property, so if you are still having problems, please feel free to reach out to me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Or call my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700.

As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place. Please feel free to reach out to me at my office at: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org.