Health Council of West Central Florida - HCWCF

09/28/2026

Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you. https://go.nih.gov/mxZl1X3

09/28/2026

Save the number, save a life. Add the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (988) to your phone now—it could save a life later. Trained crisis counselors are available to talk 24/7/365. Visit https://go.nih.gov/hoMF6tt for more info.

Learn about NIMH research on su***de. Find resources on warning signs of su***de, treatments and therapies, prevention, and finding help in crisis.

08/13/2026

🦟 TAMPA BAY DENGUE ALERT
Eight locally acquired dengue cases have been confirmed in Hillsborough and two in Pinellas County.
Dengue is spread by infected mosquitoes. Protect yourself, your family and your community:
🦟 Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
👕 Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
🏠 Keep doors and windows screened
💧 Empty standing water around your home at least weekly
🪣 Cover containers that can collect rainwater
Know the symptoms: Fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea or vomiting, and rash.
If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or other worsening symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Drain. Cover. Dress. Use repellent. Fight the bite!

08/05/2026

Empower your community with our new regional data report, shining a light on demographics and healthcare access in the West Central region. Together, let's uncover new insights quarterly! 💡https://tinyurl.com/mvzc4p8b

07/23/2026

Florida summers bring more than just high temperatures—they also bring high humidity. Together, heat and humidity can make it much harder for your body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Normally, your body cools down by sweating. As sweat evaporates, it removes heat from your skin. But when the air is very humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily. Instead, it stays on your skin, making it harder for your body to release heat. That’s why a 92°F day with high humidity can feel much hotter and be more dangerous than a drier day at the same temperature. The National Weather Service measures this combined effect using the heat index, often called the “feels like” temperature.
To protect yourself, drink water throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space.
If your home does not have air conditioning or loses power during severe weather, spend time in air-conditioned locations such as libraries, shopping centers, community centers, or designated cooling centers. Even a few hours in a cool environment can help lower your body temperature.
Know the signs of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, and cool, clammy skin. Move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, a body temperature above 103°F, hot skin, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
Finally, check on older adults, neighbors, and anyone who may not have access to air conditioning. During periods of extreme heat and humidity, a simple phone call or visit can help protect someone from a life-threatening emergency.

07/15/2026

Anyone can get cyclosporiasis, but some people are more likely to become seriously ill or dehydrated, including young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and international travelers visiting regions where the parasite is more common. Health officials say severe dehydration can sometimes require hospitalization, especially in vulnerable groups.

There are 5 confirmed cases in the Health Council of West Central Florida region as of July 4, 2026.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after eating contaminated food and may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks or return after seeming to improve. If you experience persistent diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider. Effective treatment is available with prescription medication.

07/01/2026

Civic engagement improves health by helping people gain access to resources, strengthen social connections, and influence the policies that shape their communities. Research has shown that communities with higher levels of civic participation often experience better health outcomes and greater well-being.
# VoteReady

06/26/2026

National HIV Testing Day is June 27. If you know, you know. And when you know, you are in control of your health. Many free and low-cost options can be found by visiting HIV.gov/Locator for testing sites near you.

06/19/2026

Today we honor Juneteenth — a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. We remember the past, recognize the progress made, and recommit ourselves to building a more just future for all.
Happy Juneteenth. ❤️🖤💚