In 2023, Florida received $205.7 million dollars as part of a multistate settlement with the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma. It was distributed by the Florida Department of Children and Families and Lee County received about $5,500,000. Last summer, the Lee County Board of Commissioners approved a pilot phase of what's called a Paramedicine Program using some of that opioid settlement funding. That program was a success and last month, Lee Commissioners approved an agreement with Lee Health to create an expanded Community Paramedicine Program. It provides in-home care to individuals to reduce ambulance trips to emergency departments at hospitals for illnesses or injuries that are less likely to progress or develop complications.

Hormel Foods Corporation is recalling approximately 256,185 pounds of canned beef stew product that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall Wednesday saying the product was shipped to retail locations nationwide.

When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), people tend to gather and offer support networks to help the person navigate the new reality. But what happens to those who are diagnosed with ASD later in life, as adults? Resources and support often are limited, if any.My Autism Connection (MAC), a non-profit organization located in Fort Myers, is helping to change that narrative by offering a safe, inclusive space for autistic adults ranging in age from 18 to 50.

Lee Health broke ground for a new campus off Challenger Boulevard in the eastern part of the county while the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board approved a $450 million plan Tuesday to build North Port’s first hospital on North Sumter Boulevard in North Port.

Some deaf people in Southwest Florida say they face isolation, stereotypes and misunderstanding from hearing people. At the same time, the Sally Pimentel Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is asking for help to serve more people.

A new outpatient center is the first at Lee Health to offer the 3T MRI magnet, which produces high-resolution images with a magnetic field that’s twice as strong as a standard MRI.

Florida Blue health insurance and NCH Healthcare System are coming dangerously close to being unable to reach a contractual agreement. NCH may be considered out of network at the end of September if the two parties can’t come to an agreement.

The Boar's Head recall was first issued in July and linked to a ready-to-eat liverwurst product. The recall has since expanded to products including sliced ham varieties, sausages and loaves.

Perdue Foods of Perry, Ga., is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Friday.The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County lifted water quality advisories for the following locations:Residents Beach 130 S. Collier Blvd. Marco IslandTiger Tail Beach 480 Hernando Dr. Marco IslandSouth Marco Beach 930 S. Collier Blvd. Marco Island