News around UF Health

News around UF Health

HPNP Field Day_MCM_7441

A day of fun

The colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health and Health Professions joined together Oct. 16 to offer HPNP Cookout and Field Day to benefit UF’s Campaign for Charities. More than 90 participants gathered in the HPNP Courtyard to enjoy a barbecue lunch from Adam’s Rib Co. and compete in wheelbarrow races, tug-of-war, a cornhole tournament and a personal fitness challenge sponsored by Gainesville Health and Fitness. When the dust settled, event organizers Stephanie McBride (PHHP), Jose Ortiz (Pharmacy) and Kelly Reid (Nursing) counted more than $700 raised for local charities. — Jill Pease

eagle scout

Scout’s honor

Patients at UF Health Jacksonville can now unwind with a good book, a captivating movie or a crossword puzzle — all thanks to Zuri Goodman(third from the left). Zuri, 13, met with Greg Miller, senior vice president of hospital operations for UF Health Jacksonville, to discuss creating an activity cart geared toward adult patients. He worked with his fellow Boy Scouts to sell hats door-to-door and ask for donations. After purchasing the items, the group donated the remaining $745 to the hospital for refurbishing future cart supplies. The entertainment cart is bursting with four portable DVD players, more than 50 movies, dozens of books and more that inpatients can request from hospital volunteers. “Finally, now that this project is completed, I feel extremely relieved, and I also feel a sense of accomplishment that comes from doing an enormous job well,” he said. Because of this project, Zuri will earn his Eagle Scout title, the highest achievement within the Boy Scouts. — Michelle Champalanne

Hoyt _MCM_6714

A different kind of decoration

When Christina Hoyt saw the new break room’s blank walls, she knew something had to change. At first, she considered bringing one of her sister’s paintings, but she changed her mind in favor of something a little more inclusive. Hoyt asked her UF Health Shands Core Lab (a general lab that runs various tests on specimens sent in) co-workers to bring in pictures of where they were from, turning the once-empty break room into an impromptu gallery of everyone’s hometown. As of now, there are around 30 pictures framed and hung on the walls, but with close to 100 total photo submissions, the art is expected to spread into the adjoining hallways. The locations range from places as far as Argentina to cities a little closer, such as Miami. The pictures have been instrumental in fostering friendships among coworkers and providing a way for employees to connect over something important to them. After all, there’s no place like home. — Dorothy Hagmajer