serving our community since 1997
If you received this issue of the Homeless Voice in your mailbox please go to pg 5 We have an Emergency! Part of the North American Street Newspaper Association
COSAC Foundation | PO Box 292-577 Davie, FL 33329 | 954-924-3571
Georgia’s Story sign on the wall in the Emergency Room that people would be prosDear Georgia Mae, ecuted who were acting poorly. I I am sorry that the system killed you and allowed you to die the way you did. There was no excuse understand their workers need to be for the system to do what they did to you. I am protected and I respect, that but not for a person with high sugar that sorry that Memorial Hospital wanted you to be causes a person to act crazy. I am prosecuted when your sugar was so high that even a saint would have went crasorry when I had meninzy and hit anyone that tried gitis and my to restrain you when you I am sorry Memorial treated you did not want to be touched. brain was I am sorry you were found like a criminal instead of a person infected I hit three doctors wandering in the hospital who was in medical crisis. when the hospital discharged at the Mayo clinic and you with high sugar and you hurt one real were still confused and then they readmitted you and then when they readmitbad and they treated me with respect because they knew my brain ted you your sugar was so high that you were out was infected and to this day those of control. I am sorry Memorial treated you like a criminal instead of a person who was in medisame doctors call me sir and Memorial called you a criminal. I am cal crisis. I am sorry when I pleaded with Memoso sorry the state attorney picked rial to drop the charges they insisted there was a Sean Cononie
This is our sweet little Georgia while in the hospital.
(Continued on pg 7)
Bed bugs not only a Problem for the Homeless By Ron Harrison, Ph.D., Director of Technical Services, Orkin, LLC
You may have heard a story or two lately about bed bugs making themselves at home in homeless shelters. Indeed, since resurging in the last decade, bed bugs have shown up in shelters and targeted their guests. But they haven’t stopped there. The truth is that these bloodsuckers target any facility where they can find a blood meal. Apartments, hotels, assisted living facilities and condos have not been spared. Like many pests, bed bugs are nocturnal, breed fast and can spread through a facility and travel along with humans to new destinations. They can hide in your personal belongings – or even on you – and hitchhike wherever you go. Once indoors, they can be extremely difficult to manage without the help of an experienced pest management professional. Unlike other pests like flies and cockroaches that are attracted to and thrive in unsanitary conditions, bed bug infestations have little to do with cleanliness — you can pick them up in the finest resorts, and they can get a lift into the cleanest homes. But you can help reduce your chances of a costly bed bug infestation by identifying them early. Bed bugs can be hard to spot, and not just be(Continued on pg 7)
Firework Safety kidshealth.org
With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals. Lighting fireworks at home isn’t even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they’re legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind: Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold. of your body over them while lighting. Wear some Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in the manufacturer’s name and directions; illegal ones are unyour pocket — the friction could set them off. labeled), and store them in a cool, dry Point fireworks away from place. Illegal fireworks usually go by homes, and keep away from the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or Kids should never play with brush and leaves and flammaquarterpounder. These explosives were ble substances. The National banned in 1966, but still account for fireworks. Sparklers can reach Fire Protection Association many fireworks injuries. 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) estimates that local fire departNever try to make your own fireworks. — hot enough to melt gold. ments respond to more than Always use fireworks outside and have 50,000 fires caused by firea bucket of water and a hose nearby in works each year. case of accidents. Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backcontainers), and never relight a dud. fire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks affireworks at someone, even in jest.
Our Purpose: To Help the Homeless Learn How to Help Themselves
(Continued on pg 8)