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SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 VOLUME XXXVII ISSUE I
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New College of Florida's student-run newspaper
CWC expands medical services BY BAILEY TIETSWORTH At the start of this semester the Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) expanded the medical services provided for students as the result of a partnership with University of South Florida (USF) Health. This extensive healthcare group services students at various USF satellite campuses. Since the CWC sees USF Sarasota-Manatee patients as well as New College patients, students from both schools will benefit from this partnership. The contract for this partnership, facilitated from Dr. Joe Puccio at USF Health, renews annually. Dr. Anne Fisher, program director at the CWC, has worked on getting this new program for many years and feels that it will greatly benefit the students. Fisher stated
Photo courtesy of New College of Florida
The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) is partnering with University of South Florida (USF) Health to provide more comprehensive medical care to students.
that the CWC will become more cost-effective under this new program lead by Dr. Puccio. This new partnership also brings electronic medical records to the CWC, which provide a safer, more secure method of maintaining students’ medical records.
These changes affect the students as well as the CWC. Should a student need any sort of medical service, they need to bring their insurance card with them to the appointment. If a student comes to the CWC without their insurance card they will be seen,
but certain tests may not be free. Any kind of general medical visit will be free for students who do not bring their insurance card with them, but certain tests like a Physical Exam or a Well Woman’s Exam will cost $30 and will be billed under self pay. Dr. Fisher explains that the insurance works as method of putting money back into the CWC. Any charge that the CWC makes towards a student’s insurance company, 90 percent will go to the CWC and 10 percent will go to USF Health. Dr. Fisher also ensures that students will not be charged without their consent, and will have the option to choose if a payment option may arise. Thanks to the Health Fee that comes up on the bill each semescontinued on page 7
Red tide causes food insecurity in Sarasota BY ALEXANDRA CONTE The current outbreak of red tide has done more than wreak havoc on marine life. It has affected the livelihood of people in Sarasota County. Visit Sarasota, the official tourism marketing agency for the county, surveyed 40 tourism partners in August and compared it to results from last year’s survey. Forty-six percent of business owners claimed that business has gone down by 50 percent or more, and 40 percent of these businesses are located on the Sarasota Bay or within a mile of the Bay. Red tide is the result of high levels of Karenia brevis, an opportunistic phytoplankton that grows in harsh conditions and generates algae blooms. These blooms make water hypoxic, or cause levels of dissolved oxygen to become low enough that life cannot be sustained in the re-
gion. here,” Captain Josh Pritchett of “Historical records show SiestaKation, a local business that there has always been very bad charters offshore fishing, diving red tide,” Professor of Political and sunset cruises, said. “BusiScience and former Director of ness completely stopped after Mote Policy Institute Frank Alcock that week.” said. As to whether or not huPritchett also pointed out mans have made red tide worse, that Florida’s government is doAlcock believes ing little to help “From small business this is a hard small businessowners to hotel beach staff , question to anes stay afloat, people who are usually even with its swer, as pollugainfully employed are tion could have plan to offer indirect effects facing the ever-growing i n t e r e s t - f r e e such as warmer concern about when they loans to busiwaters — which can get back to work and nesses affected Karenia brevis make enough money to put by red tide. thrives in. “Lost revfood on their tables." Because enue is lost revof red tide, it is unsafe and unal- enue,” Pritchett said. “Going into luring for tourists to utilise lucra- debt to stay afloat sinks the boats tive watersport attractions, like eventually.” scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeFood insecurity is one result ing or fishing. of the economic consequences “It became unbearable for of red tide. Locals who rely on the tourists by Aug. 7 and they tourism are now struggling to left or canceled their vacations support their families and must
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cut corners to make ends meet, because their shifts have been reduced or they have been laid off. All Faiths Food Bank has seen an increase in need for their services in Sarasota County since red tide has entered the region. The organization distributes mainly through mobile pantries and school pantries that offer canned goods, hygiene products, fresh produce and meats to those in need. They also offer nutrition classes to those who are interested. “From small business owners to hotel beach staff, people who are usually gainfully employed are facing the ever-growing concern about when they can get back to work and make enough money to put food on their tables,” Elodie McCartney, commucontinued on page 7
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