In the first quarter of 2023, thanks to the community’s support, Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation granted your not-for-profit hospitals nearly $1.8 million in support of eight programs and eight capital projects. Please refer to the following descriptions highlighting key grants supported in the first quarter:

Neurosurgical Physician Assistant Residency Program
From cranial neurosurgery, spine surgery, stroke, and interventional neuroradiology, Morton Plant Hospital remains the community leader in neuro-interventional care. This new pilot program, in partnership with the University of Tampa, is a one-year, accredited program that includes the full spectrum of certification requirements to prepare the residents to perform the tasks of an experienced PA in neurosurgery – including participating in hospital rounds.

Nurse Coaching Program at Mease Countryside
Health care workforce burnout rates, turnover, and general lack of engagement have surged recently. The goal of this pilot program is to help reduce anxiety, stress and fatigue of our nurses and invest in their wellbeing by funding our own nurse leaders at Mease Countryside Hospital to complete the Certified Nurse Coach training program to better provide our team with support on-site, coping mechanisms and mentorship from peers.

Giraffe Care Station for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Giraffe Incubator Care Station is a state-of-the-art neonatal environment that promotes natural, peaceful healing while fostering family-centered care and bonding. Additionally, the health care team has improved access to the smallest patients, giving them a better chance at providing successful treatment while maintaining a stable thermal environment that is essential for neonatal healing.

Mammography Voucher Program (MVP)
First started in 2000, this community breast health services program serves uninsured and low-income women with access to clinical breast exams, screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasound, MRIs, fine needle aspirations, image‐guided and surgical biopsies, surgical consultations, and treatment. From the point of first inquiry to case closure, our hospitals’ care teams are involved in every step of the patient’s cancer journey.

Plasma Amyloid Testing for Dementia Patients
Dementia is a generalized term referring to cognitive decline interfering with daily functioning. Early detection is essential for the disease course due to its progressive nature. Currently, the most accessible diagnostic tool to detect amyloid beta peptides, the proteins deposited in Alzheimer’s diseased brains, is a lumbar puncture, which can be an invasive test. This grant request will provide cost-free plasma amyloid testing to dementia patients with financial needs.

Angel Eye View System for Morton Plant Hospital
While most pregnancies end with a healthy baby, about 10% of neonates require special care in the NICU, which can cause high levels of anxiety for their families. The Angel Eye system allows families the ability to see their infants, receive updates, and view educational materials on any device with internet. This technology gives families 24/7 access to view their babies in the NICU to allow families to feel like an integral part of their baby’s care team.

To learn more about the projects funded by your community investments at the not-for-profit hospitals of Morton Plant Mease, please contact Eric Barsema, Director of Community Impact, at (727) 461-8647 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..