This project targets low-income, uninsured school age children who require vision intervention (vision exams and glasses) in order to see the chalkboard and text. Without intervention, these students are at high risk of social and academic failure. For well over a decade, Florida’s Vision Quest has responded to concerns over the high dropout rate, unsafe neighborhoods, youth violence, crime, unemployment and other issues as they relate to the health and well being of our community. Addressing one of the root causes of these issues has become the focus in attempts to move the needle toward positive, lasting change. One of the elemental issues affecting these social concerns today is undetected and/or uncorrected poor vision in children.

The ABC (Always the Best Choice) for Teens Healthy Choices project is a primary prevention program for teens ages 12 to 18. It is designed to enhance positive youth development through empowering teens to make healthy choices in the five key at-risk areas of drugs, alcohol, sexual activity, violence and tobacco and to enhance academic achievement through intentional goals planning and implementation.

The South Lake Health Clinic (South Lake Hospital) serves residents of South Lake County with incomes equal to or less than 150% Federal Poverty Level (e.g. $2,200 monthly gross for a family of three). Over 2,953 patient visits are projected for 2011. The grant request will cover prescription medications for patients unable to pay and who are not currently enrolled in manufacturer prescription assistance programs.

The purpose of this project is to enhance and improve healthcare services for children at the South Lake Center. Providing new Pediatric care where there is only Family Practice care now will contribute directly to improved pediatric patient outcomes. As a result of this expansion, significant volume increases will occur in Pediatrics. Given the needs within the South Lake County community, these gains will be dramatic in improving health outcomes and will do much to preserve young lives. The grant request of $6,755 will be used for the purchase of medical equipment necessary for the care and treatment of pediatric patients.

Cornerstone Hospice provides end of life care - - described as those with a life expectancy of six months or less - - to anyone in the community. This care is provided regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The average reimbursement for a patient receiving Cornerstone Hospice care is under $200 per day. Those without insurance pay on a very generous sliding scale and many times pay just $10 per day and even less.

According to the Lake Sumter Children's Advocacy Center, they have seen an increase in the number of abused children referred for services each year since their inception. There have been 4 cases of shaken baby in 2011. The remedy is to educate the community regarding shaken baby syndrome and child abuse.