Fort Lauderdale, Florida -- Leaders from Broward Health on August 12 joined FLITE Center, which provides dependent youth with skills needed for independent living, to provide youth and the families they serve with face masks and COVID-19 educational materials. Research shows that following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines, such as wearing a face mask and social distancing, can greatly curb the spread of COVID-19.
The distribution at FLITE Center was part of a larger Broward Health initiative. The health system is providing 10,000 wellness kits throughout COVID-19 hot spots in Broward County. More than 5,000 kits have already been distributed by Broward Health in areas with high positivity rates and populations designated as high-risk. Broward Health’s goal is to help educate the public on how face coverings and other safety measures reduce viral spread.
“Until there is a vaccine to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the best thing we have is using a face mask,” said Aldo Calvo, D.O., medical director of ambulatory services for Broward Health. “The way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is to wear a face mask when out in public, wash your hands frequently and keep your distance to at least six feet, if not more.”
Broward Health arrived in their bus to deliver the wellness kits to FLITE Center. Each wellness kit included a non-surgical mask and materials designed to help educate individuals and the community on the importance of face coverings and other safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The materials are available in English, Spanish and Creole.
“The needs of our youth and families have significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Christine Frederick, CEO of FLITE Center. “Thanks to Broward Health we were able to educate youth and the community about the importance of wearing a mask and provide masks to those who cannot afford to purchase one.”
“As a public health system, public education and community outreach help enable Broward Health to achieve our mission of providing access to quality care to all those we serve,” said Ashley Boxer, vice president of external affairs of Broward Health. “We were thrilled to provide masks and educational materials to FLITE Center. It is our hope that the youth and families served by FLITE Center will join us in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”