Timely news from UF Health Jacksonville | Summer 2020
Timely News and Updates
Amidst a global pandemic, UF Health leaders and community members step up to ensure health care heroes, patients and families feel supported and safe. We hope you — our friends and supporters — are taking good care of yourselves and your families. Though it has been a somber time for our country, no doubt, there are rays of light shining through.
We proudly celebrated UF Health Jacksonville’s official 150th anniversary on June 4, complete with a Mayoral Proclamation presented by Jacksonville mayor and proud UF alumni, the Honorable Lenny Curry. Founded in 1870 as Duval Hospital and Asylum, we have successfully persevered through pandemics, the Great Fire of 1901 and other disasters. We are confident that we’ll come through this storm stronger together, just as our predecessors did. We had big plans for 2020, including a reunion celebration this fall. While in-person activities are unlikely as of now, stay tuned for more details about how you can commemorate with us. 

To learn more about our 150-year history, of which you are an important part, click here for our dedicated website and read about us in The Florida Times-Union.
Employee Spotlight: Chad Neilsen
We are proud to introduce Chad Neilsen, Director of Accreditation and Infection Prevention at UF Health Jacksonville. He has been instrumental in helping to lead our COVID-19 efforts while also serving in the Air National Guard. Chad’s expertise has made him a regular guest on local news stations, providing insight and advice about the pandemic. 

To learn more about Chad Neilsen, please visit:


UF Health Physicians Discuss Emergency Care during COVID-19 
In April, hospitals across the country noted an alarming trend. The number of patients with serious medical conditions and life-threatening emergencies coming to emergency rooms sharply declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, UF Health launched an educational campaign about why emergency care can’t wait — from radio spots and outdoor boards to a blog article and video.
Getting Back-to-School Safely
by Rebekah Soto, MD
This year, back-to-school planning has been incredibly complex because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For some, this time is filled with excitement as kids prepare to see their friends, teachers, principals, librarians, bus drivers and school staff in person for the first time in months. For others, anxiety and fear are overshadowing the typical excitement and nervousness. Click here to read the full article.
Importance of Face Masks 
During a recent call with city officials, UF Health Jacksonville CEO Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, referenced a demonstration by Richard Davis, PhD, clinical microbiology lab director at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, called “What does a mask do?”

The photo to the right shows the effectiveness of wearing a mask.
Moving Family Medicine Forward during COVID-19
UF Health Family Medicine is being spotlighted for the fantastic job its providers and other staff members have done in adjusting to new policies and protocols amid COVID-19. Click here to read more about UF faculty and staff who have been recognized for their strong leadership, collaboration and innovation. 
Coping with Depression in an Era of Social Distancing 
Social distancing during COVID-19 has ushered in a new era of virtual interaction. As people adjust to the new normal of social distancing, those with depression or anxiety may be at risk for worsening symptoms. Although stay-at-home orders have been lifted for many states, the overall reduced social interaction can still be stressful for those with mental illnesses. 

Click here to learn more.
White Coats for Black Lives 
Lately, we find ourselves grappling with another national crisis — one that reminds us that we have much work to do to overcome the endemic problems caused by racism and pervasive socioeconomic inequity. We are horrified by the series of racially motivated police brutalities and other recent images of violations of human rights reported in the media. In response to these injustices and tragedies, Adriana Cantville, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics, stepped forward to organize a White Coats for Black Lives event at Memorial Park in Riverside. We hosted similar remembrances on our campuses. On Friday, June 5, physicians and employees of all colors and ranks knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the length of time an unarmed George Floyd was restrained by a Minneapolis police officer, ultimately leading to his death. The UF Health Jacksonville family is diverse, as is our patient population. We are committed to doing our part to improve the lives of Black Americans, combat racism and eliminate health disparities and inequities that contribute to the racial divide in our country.
Community Heroes
Connecting Patients with Loved Ones during COVID-19
Thanks to a $100,000 gift from Florida’s First Coast Relief Fund, UF Health Jacksonville has more medical telehealth carts to deliver safer care, conserve protective gear and connect isolated patients with loved ones. Portable tablets aren’t normally considered essential health care tools, but the battle against COVID-19 has changed that. 
UF Researchers Receive Funding to Address Pain in Older Adults
Thanks to the Florida Blue Foundation, University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville researchers were awarded a 2019 Quality of Patient Care Grant for $275,000 to implement a three-year project addressing pain management in older adults in Northeast Florida. The Aging and Integrative Pain Assessment and Management Initiative, or AI-PAMI is an expansion on the existing Pain Assessment and Management Initiative, which was established in 2014 by Phyllis Hendry, MD, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. Read the full article. 
Renaissance Jax Manufactures Face Shields for UF Health Jacksonville
In April, Renaissance Jax, a non-profit that helps young people in Northeast Florida realize opportunities involving robotics and STEM education, formed a broad coalition of partners to manufacture and donate materials to make face shields for doctors and nurses. Learn more.
Colleagues Caring for Colleagues
UF Health Jacksonville CEO Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, announced the establishment of the Colleagues Caring for Colleagues, or C3, Fund, offering emergency financial assistance to UF Health Jacksonville and UF Jacksonville Physicians Inc. staff who have exhausted all other resources during a time of crisis. The C3 Fund was initiated by employees to benefit employees. The financial future of the fund relies upon the generosity of employees, former staff and the community, as well as fundraising throughout the year. All donations to the fund are tax-deductible through the UF Foundation. Contribute to the C3 Fund.   
Make that a Rum and … Hand Sanitizer?
The Bacardi bottling plant in Jacksonville produced more than 120,000 bottles of hand sanitizer for Florida’s health care workers, including those at UF Health Jacksonville. With hand sanitizer selling out quickly in stores, employees were able to bring in bottles to be filled for their personal use.

Face Coverings, Meals and More
Like our colleagues nationwide, UF Health employees faced long work hours and shortages in personal protective equipment as COVID-19 patients began to fill hospital beds. Fortunately, members of the Gator Nation and residents and businesses in the community took swift action to ease their burdens, donating face coverings, PPE and meals. Nurses were even serenaded during shift changes. 

Click here to see a collection of photos highlighting unique demonstrations of gratitude for UF Health staff. 
“I want to continue being part of the very worthwhile mission of UF Health. I love this place, the people and our community.”  

– Nancy Frashuer
Former senior vice president’s passion for the organization continues even after retirement

In June 2017, Nancy Frashuer retired from her position as senior vice president of UF Jacksonville Physicians Inc. after more than 30 years of service. She, more than anyone, knows the dedication of the physicians, staff and leadership that is required to prepare for a global pandemic.

Nancy has always set an example of giving at UF Health, where through annual payroll deductions, she funded the Mary D. Frashuer Cancer Research Endowment that she and Andy Frashuer established in memory of Andy’s mother, who lived with them the last year of her life. Mary Frashuer died of brain cancer in 2005.

This April, she once again stepped up to give back to UF Health by donating and delivering weekly meals to staff. Nancy’s generosity, along with many other acts of kindness, provided a bright spot for staff who spent long hours helping to battle COVID-19. We are so thankful to our UF Health friends and family for supporting our health care workers.
Save the Date: Thursday, Sept. 3

You're Invited to a COVID-19 Community Briefing with Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr.

We invite you to join a COVID-19 Community Briefing on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 am. This will be an opportunity to hear about our COVID-19 efforts as well as other matters at UF Health Jacksonville.

To learn more, please contact Crystal Ranns at Crystal.Ranns@jax.ufl.edu or call 904.244.1090.
Gator Nation News
University of Florida is utilizing UF Health recommendations on reopening.
UF Health to provide coronavirus test-and-trace program to help reopen the university.
UF will house the fastest AI supercomputer in higher education.
Important Dates to Remember
Aug. 20, 2020 – Duval County students return to class
Aug. 31, 2020 – University of Florida students return to class
Sept. 03, 2020 – COVID-19 Community Briefing with Dr. Haley
Oct. 22, 2020 – “What Everyone Should Know About Breast Health” virtual symposium hosted by Shahla Masood, MD 
Feb. 6, 2021 – A Night for Heroes Gala. (Click here to learn more)