Politics
U.S. hospital ship Comfort delivers medical assistance to Panama during 5 day stay
The medical vessel U.S. Naval Ship Comfort concluded a five-day visit to Panama last week that saw several good will activities in the Central American nation.
The visit to Panama was part of a broader program called Continuing Promise 2025 which aims to provide humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange. The Comfort’s crew provided support to the Panamanian Ministry of Health and lived up to its classification as a hospital ship.
The services provided included general medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, radiology, pharmacy, veterinary care. The ship visited two ports in Colon and Veracruz.
The Comfort was in Panama between June 26 and 30, according a news release from the U.S. Embasy in Panama.
“Continuing Promise 2025 facilitated care for 2,845 patients. U.S.N.S. Comfort medical personnel supported by (the Panamanian Ministry of Health) performed seven surgeries aboard the hospital ship, conducted seven CT (Computed Tomography) scans, along with 124 electrocardiograms, 487 tooth extractions, and 339 laboratory tests. The mission also dispensed 3,577 medications and distributed approximately 29 physical therapy devices,” the news release said.
Veterinarians aboard Comfort also provided veterinarian services for animal friends in Panama. Along with Panamanian veterinarians, there were 375 animals that were spayed or neutered during the ship’s visit.
There was also an exchange of medical education during the Comfort’s call.
“The mission carried out 23 technical knowledge exchange sessions with Ministry of Health staff, involving 466 participants. Technicians aboard the U.S.N.S. Comfort repaired medical equipment worth $245,000 at Santo Tomás Hospital and Veracruz Health Center. U.S. (Non-Governmental Organizations) also donated $198,000 in medical supplies,” the news release said.
In addition to medical procedures and education, the Comfort’s engineering crew pitched in to repair kitchens at the U.S. of America School in Casco Antiguo while the U.S. Navy Band “Uncharted Waters” traveling on the Comfort struck up musical performances in three concerts during the stay.
The Comfort was in Panama after a visit in Grenada providing medical services there.
The Continuing Promise humanitarian program was launched by the U.S. Southern Command in 2007 and has since helped more than 605,000 people.
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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