SHINE is a free health insurance counseling program. Trained volunteers offer advice on Medicare, Medicaid, long term insurance, prescription assistance, and HMO's. Volunteers focus on consumer rights and protection. There are counseling offices throughout Pasco and Pinellas counties.

SHINE has its own website.
http://www.floridashine.org

Important numbers:
Senior Helpline – 1.800.963.5337
Outside Pasco/Pinellas area – 727.217.8111

Please see the website for more details.

The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day. Anyone who suspects that a child or vulnerable adult is abused or neglected needs to make a report. You can report online, by phone or by fax.

Abuse Hotline: 800.962.2873
Florida Relay Services: dial 711 or TTY: 800.955.8771

Si usted habla español y desea divulgar abuso, llame por favor el teléfono directo en 800-962-2873 para hablar con un consejero de habla hispana.

This agency is for families whose children are at risk. They may be removed from the home or have already been removed due to parental substance abuse. It also targets substance abusing pregnant women or mothers and individuals who frequently use Operation Par services. Services are also provided to males who have custody of their children and are at risk for losing custody due to their substance abuse. Clients receive assessments, case management, referrals, group counseling, urine drug screening and substance abuse education. They receive health screenings. They can get TB and HIV testing. They can receive parenting education. They can get substance abuse education.

Please see the website for more details.

APD serves those with developmental disabilities and their families. The goal of the agency is to help them live, learn, and work in their communities. Please call or visit the website for more information.

This agency provides assistance to older Florida residents. A.R.C.s can help the elderly find services such as:

• Long term care
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders - SHINE Program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(Food Stamps)

Call for more information.

This website has many resources for active military, veterans and their families. They can find agencies that will help them with housing, medical care, jobs and more.

Please see the website for all services.

Important Numbers:
Military Crisis Line - 1.800.273.8255
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - 1.877.424.3838
VA Caregiver Support Line - 1.855.260.3274
Veterans Crisis Line - 1.800.273.8255
Wounded Warrior Resource Center - 1.800.342.9647

This agency provides a full range of services to people with ALS. Newly diagnosed clients can go to the website to register and find support groups. They can get temporary loaner medical equipment at no cost. The Care Assist Program helps families get discounts for nondurable medical equipment. They can also get grants for home and van modificatons.

CARES has two adult day centers in Pasco County. They provide a variety of services including an early memory loss program.

Please call the office for more information.

Other location:
13906 5th Street
Dade City FL
352.518.9300

This chapter has support groups for those with diabetes. Fund raising activities support diabetes research and education programs.

Services are available to teach the visually impaired how to use the Internet. They can learn basic, intermediate and advanced computer skills. Students will learn how to e-mail family and friends. They can learn skills that will enable them to return to work or maintain their current employment.

Types of Software Taught:

• JAWS (Job Access with Speech) Screen Reader
• MAGic Screen Magnifier
• ZoomText Screen Magnifier