This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic, a trusted community partner advancing access to free dental, optical, and medical care for uninsured and under-insured residents across Marion County. Through MCHD’s Dental pillar, this long-standing collaboration has helped ensure that thousands of residents receive essential care at moments when they need it most.

A Partnership That Restores Health and Confidence

FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic, led by Executive Director Ann Burnett, provides mobile, community-based care focused on meeting people where they are. The clinic offers comprehensive services including dental exams, X-rays, triage, extractions (simple and surgical), restorative care, and root canals bringing a full spectrum of dental treatment directly to those who would otherwise go without.

Funded in part by the Marion County Hospital District, FreeD.O.M. Clinic’s dental program is a cornerstone of this partnership. According to Burnett, the support from MCHD has been “an absolute blessing,” enabling the clinic to touch the lives of Marion County residents “one smile at a time.”

On average, the clinic serves approximately 1,200 to 1,500 unique individuals each year, reflecting the scale and importance of this community-driven work.

Restoring Smiles and Changing Lives

One of the most impactful MCHD-supported initiatives has been the denture program, which has helped patients regain not only their oral health, but also their confidence and opportunity.

Burnett shared the story of a Marion County resident working in the service industry who had struggled professionally due to missing teeth. After receiving dentures through the program, her transformation was life-changing, leading to a job promotion and the ability to purchase her own vehicle. She later returned to thank the team, a powerful reminder that restoring a smile can open the door to a completely new future.

A Network of Volunteers and Community Partners

FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic’s impact is made possible through an extraordinary network of collaboration. The program is supported by volunteer dentists, medical professionals, and students, including faculty and trainees affiliated with the University of Florida College of Dentistry, who supervise and participate in care delivery.

Local dental professionals also contribute significantly, opening their practices and donating time and resources to support clinic operations. Community partners including churches, schools, and local organizations play a vital role in helping mobilize services throughout Marion County.

Strengthening Community Health Together

With more than a decade of service supported by the Marion County Hospital District, FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs. Their work reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to care, restoring dignity, and improving long-term health outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Learn more at https://freedomclinicusa.org/

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The Power of Physical Activity

Physical activity is about moving your body in ways that support your overall well-being. Regular movement can deliver real, lasting benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if U.S. adults over 40 increased physical activity. Just 10 more minutes of physical activity per day can make a measurable difference in health and longevity.

Being physically active can:

• Strengthen your heart and lower the risk of heart disease
• Help prevent and manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
• Improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Increase energy and improve sleep quality
• Support a healthy weight and boost confidence

The best part? You don’t need a gym membership or intense workouts to see results. Even moderate activity like a brisk 30-minute walk can make a meaningful difference.

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

For many people, getting started is the hardest part. That’s why raising awareness is so important. According to the CDC, adults under 60 see reduced risk of early death at around 8,000-10,000 steps per day. Adults 60+ see benefits at 6,000-8,000 steps per day.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start with small, simple steps:

• Parking farther away from your destination
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walking during lunch breaks
• Spending time outdoors with family and friends

These small choices add up over time and can lead to significant health improvements.

Supporting Wellness Through the Active Marion Project (AMP)

MCHD is committed to making healthy living accessible to everyone in our community. One way we do that is through the Active Marion Project (AMP), a project of the Marion County Hospital District focusing on workplace wellness and community health education.

AMP helps residents turn awareness into action by offering:

• Community-wide wellness initiatives
• Educational resources and support
• Workplace wellness programs
• Fun and motivating Step Challenges

Free Workplace Wellness Assistance

Through Free Workplace Wellness Assistance, employers can create a culture of wellness through activity-based challenges, group health education, and incentive programs. Employers can use employee surveys to understand needs, implement health-promoting policies, provide point-of-decision prompts, and organize competitions and incentives through the AMP 2 app.

Stay Motivated With AMP Step Challenges

AMP Step Challenges are a great way to build healthy habits while staying engaged and accountable. Participants can track their daily steps, join teams, and take part in friendly competition.

These challenges help:

• Encourage consistency
• Build a sense of community
• Make physical activity fun and rewarding

If you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to stay on track, step challenges provide the motivation to keep moving.

Make Movement Part of Your Day With the AMP 2 App

The AMP 2 App makes it easier than ever to stay active and connected. With just a few taps, you can:

• Track your steps and daily activity
• Join challenges and monitor your progress
• Connect with others in the community
• Stay informed about wellness events and tips

It’s a simple, convenient tool that turns everyday movement into measurable progress. The Active Marion Project (AMP) created the AMP 2 app and uses friendly competition to encourage people to engage in physical activity in our communities. It automatically tracks your movement, allowing you to focus on walking rather than logging data. For every 100 steps you take, you earn a point, which can be redeemed for rewards through local partner businesses.

Supporting Your Whole Health With Healthy Ocala

Physical activity is a powerful step toward better health, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture. Overall wellness also includes mental health, access to care, and community support.

Through Healthy Ocala, the Marion County Hospital District connects residents to a wide range of local services. Through a free online directory, Marion County families can find support for:

• Behavioral health and mental wellness
• Substance use and recovery services
• Food, housing, and financial assistance
• Family, youth, and senior resources
• Employment and education opportunities

If you’re looking to improve your physical fitness or navigate life’s challenges, these resources are here to help you take the next step.

To learn more or get connected, visit the Healthy Ocala directory.

Building Healthy Habits Early With FANS

Creating a healthier community starts with our youngest residents. The Fitness and Nutrition in Schools (FANS) program is a free initiative designed to support both public and private schools throughout Marion County.

FANS focuses on reducing childhood obesity and preventing diabetes by helping students, families, and school staff adopt healthier habits. The program works by:

• Increasing opportunities for daily physical activity
• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices both in and out of the classroom
• Creating a culture of wellness within schools

By encouraging movement and nutrition education at an early age, FANS helps children build lifelong habits that support their physical and mental well-being.

When students learn the value of staying active early on, they’re more likely to carry those habits into adulthood, leading to a healthier Marion County for generations to come.

Let’s Build a Healthier Marion County

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a reminder that every movement counts. By raising awareness about the benefits of physical activity, we can empower more people in Marion County to take control of their health.

This May, challenge yourself to move a little more each day, and encourage others to do the same.

Whether it’s joining an AMP Step Challenge, downloading the AMP 2 App, or simply taking a daily walk, every step you take brings you closer to better health.

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This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Transitions Life Center (TLC), a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Creating Opportunities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Founded with the vision of creating a safe, caring, and enriching environment, Transitions Life Center serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through programs designed to build independence, strengthen social connections, and expand life opportunities. Transitions Life Center provides structured programs that encourage personal growth, life skills development, and meaningful community engagement.

Through their programs, participants are supported in developing everyday skills, forming friendships, and gaining confidence as they navigate life in the community.

Connecting Individuals to Essential Health Resources

A key component of TLC’s impact is its Community Navigator program, a position funded by MCHD, which helps individuals and families access important services and resources.

The TLC Community Navigator builds a bridge to connect families and caregivers of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to social, educational, health services, and specialized programs to enrich their quality of life.

This service is available to anyone caring for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Marion County.
These referrals may include:

• Medical and dental care
• Healthy food options
• Healthy lifestyle resources
• Community support services

The Community Navigator is also DEEP certified and provides DEEP (Diabetes Empowerment Education Program) training to caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This training equips participants and their support networks with valuable knowledge about healthy living, disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions.

Supporting Safe and Active Lifestyles

The Marion County Hospital District has been proud to support projects that help create safe and inclusive spaces for TLC members to stay active and engaged.

In previous years, MCHD provided funding for an outdoor basketball court and a swing, both installed with safety in mind. These additions allow individuals participating in TLC programs to safely enjoy physical activity, recreation, and social connection, important components of overall health and well-being.

The Marion County Hospital District is proud to partner with Transitions Life Center to expand access to essential resources, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen support systems for individuals and families across our community. To learn more about the meaningful work TLC is doing, visit https://www.tlcocala.org/.

The post Collaborator of the Month: Transitions Life Center appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

We’re proud to offer local programs to help you reduce stress, improve wellness, and prevent chronic disease.

Move Your Body With the Active Marion Project (AMP)

The Active Marion Project (AMP) helps you manage stress through movement, education, and community support. These programs make healthy habits and stress management simple and fun.

Step Challenges and the AMP 2 App

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to lower stress. To encourage Marion County to be more physically active, The Active Marion Project (AMP) created the AMP 2 app and uses friendly competition to encourage people to engage in physical activity in our communities. It automatically tracks your movement, allowing you to focus on walking rather than logging data. For every 100 steps you take, you earn a point, which can be redeemed for rewards through local partner businesses.

Free Workplace Wellness Assistance

AMP also supports local businesses with Free Workplace Wellness Assistance, helping employers create a culture of wellness through activity-based challenges, group health education, and incentive programs. Employers can use employee surveys to understand needs, implement health-promoting policies, provide point-of-decision prompts, and organize competitions and incentives through the AMP 2 app. By prioritizing wellness, companies help employees feel healthier, happier, and better equipped to manage stress on the job.

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP™)

Managing diabetes is about more than just diet and exercise, it’s also about managing stress. High stress levels can affect blood sugar, disrupt sleep, and make it harder to stick to healthy habits. That’s why AMP developed the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP™) with tools to help participants manage stress alongside diabetes.

DEEP is an eight-week, science-backed curriculum offered for free to help those with prediabetes, diabetes, and their caregivers learn practical self-care skills, improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and develop strategies to reduce stress. The program also strengthens communication with healthcare providers and connects participants to community resources, creating a support network that eases anxiety and builds confidence in managing their condition.

By addressing stress as part of diabetes management, DEEP empowers participants to maintain better blood sugar control, prevent complications, and improve overall quality of life. The program’s emphasis on coping strategies, mindfulness, and healthy daily routines makes it a vital tool for both physical and mental wellness.

Build Skills and Access Resources With Community Home Project (CHP)

The Community Home Project (CHP) at Howard Academy offers free programs for families in Ocala, designed to reduce stress and improve overall wellness.

CHP provides:

• Fitness and nutrition classes, including cooking, diabetes education, and Eat Healthy-Be Active programs
• Medical and dental support, including healthcare navigation and referrals
• Employment assistance, from career coaching to resume help and job fairs
• Education programs, including youth tutoring, life-skills classes, GED, and continuing education

By combining fitness, nutrition, and education resources in one place, CHP helps families manage stress, improve health, and build long-term resilience.

Develop Healthy Habits Early With FANS

The Fitness and Nutrition in Schools (FANS) program helps Marion County children develop healthy habits that prevent obesity, diabetes, and stress. FANS partners with local schools to:

• Increase physical activity in PE and classrooms
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices and nutrition education
• Engage students in FANS Clubs for health awareness campaigns and taste tests

FANS empowers children and teens to make healthy choices that improve both physical and mental health.

Comprehensive Behavioral Health With Beacon Point

If you’re facing stress-related mental health or substance use challenges, Beacon Point offers integrated behavioral health care, recovery support, and primary medical care, regardless of insurance.

Beacon Point provides:

• Individual and group counseling
• 24/7 crisis response, peer support, detox, and medication-assisted treatment through SMA Healthcare
• Outpatient therapy via Lifestream
• Primary care through Heart of Florida Health Care

This holistic approach can help address stress, behavioral health, and wellness on one campus.

Connect To Local Resources With Healthy Ocala

The Healthy Ocala initiative is a community support directory offering Marion County a one-stop guide to local wellness services. Healthy Ocala connects people to behavioral health, substance abuse, recovery support, accessible health services, food and housing assistance, education, employment, youth programs, veterans services and senior resources.

Whether managing stress, seeking mental health support, or navigating life challenges, Healthy Ocala helps you find trusted providers and programs nearby.

You might be interested in: 5 Science-Backed Ways to Reduce Stress Every Day

Find Local Support To Help Manage Your Stress

Stress is a part of life, but Marion County has access to tools and support to manage it. Programs like AMP, DEEP, CHP, FANS, Beacon Point, and Healthy Ocala provide fitness, nutrition, education, mental health support, and workplace wellness resources for all ages.

This National Stress Awareness Month, take control of your health, reduce stress, and build resilience.

For more information, visit mchdt.org.

The post Stress Less and Live More With Local Resources To Support Your Health appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to spotlight Vet Resource Center (VRC), a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting veterans.

A Mission That Saves Lives

Under the leadership of President and Director Stephen Petty, Captain, U.S. Army, Retired, the VRC has launched a groundbreaking initiative to protect veterans from the long-term health effects of toxic exposures during service, such as burn pits and Agent Orange. With support from MCHD, VRC is bringing cutting-edge medical technology directly to veterans who need it most.

The Challenge: A Race Against Time

For many veterans who served in Southwest Asia from the Gulf War to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight didn’t end when they returned home. Toxic exposures can trigger aggressive cancers that appear decades earlier than standard medical protocols anticipate.

Because routine screenings often start at age 40–50, younger veterans fall into a dangerous gap: they may feel healthy but harbor silent, fast-moving illnesses. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced.

VRC’s mission is to detect these illnesses early, giving veterans a fighting chance through advanced early-warning testing.

How Our Partnership Makes a Difference

MCHD is proud to support VRC in overcoming the biggest barrier to early detection, cost.

Together, we are:

Funding Advanced Testing

Early-warning cancer detection kits, which typically cost nearly $1,000, are now provided free of charge to eligible veterans.

Expanding Outreach

By leveraging corporate partnerships, VRC can reach working-age veterans through onsite testing at local employers.

Ensuring Rapid Response

Veterans who test positive are connected immediately with high-level diagnostic care, eliminating months-long delays.

By the Numbers: Saving Lives in Marion County

Marion County is home to an estimated 50,000 veterans. Our combined outreach efforts include TV spots, newspaper ads, and dedicated volunteers, including a Command Sergeant Major coordinating local efforts.

Since launching the program:

• First Test Administered: Jan. 6
• Tests Completed: Nearly 250, with more scheduled
• Community Outreach: Over 2,500 individuals and 75 organizations engaged

A Life Saved

One early success story highlights the program’s impact: A veteran tested positive for early-stage pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Thanks to the test, the condition was caught at Stage 1, allowing for immediate treatment and a dramatically improved prognosis.

Looking Ahead

The Vet Resource Center continues to educate the community on the importance of early detection. Stephen Petty reminds veterans and civilians alike to listen to their bodies: Be aware of unexplained weight loss, persistent sores, or chronic coughs should never be ignored.

MCHD is honored to stand alongside VRC as they turn the tide against veteran cancer.
Are you a veteran in Marion County? Learn more about early detection kits or support the Vet Resource Center by visiting VRC’s website at vetresourcecenter.com.

The post Collaborator of the Month: Vet Resource Center appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

Made possible by the leadership of Ben Marciano, Mayor of Ocala, and the Marion County Hospital District, Healthy Ocala is a free, easy-to-navigate online directory created to connect residents of Marion County with trusted local resources in one centralized location.

Healthy Ocala is designed to make access to care more transparent, organized, and community-driven.

What Is Healthy Ocala?

Healthy Ocala serves as a comprehensive community resource hub for Marion County residents. It brings together a wide range of services into one searchable directory, making it easier to identify and connect with local support.

“Asking for help isn’t always easy. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start, especially when it’s for yourself or someone you care about. Finding the right resources can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful,” said Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.

“Healthy Ocala is a free, easy to navigate, online directory, designed for Marion County residents. It connects you to local resources, all in one place.”

As a free public resource, the directory connects residents to services including:

• Behavioral health counseling and therapy
• Substance use recovery programs and peer support
• Primary care providers and preventive health services
• Housing assistance and utility support
• Food pantries and meal programs
• Veteran services
• Family and youth support programs
• Senior support programs

By organizing these resources into clear categories, Healthy Ocala reduces barriers and strengthens coordination across the community.

Categories and Examples of Local Resources

Healthy Ocala includes a broad range of service categories that reflect the real needs of Marion County residents.

Behavioral Health and Substance Use Recovery

Access to licensed counseling providers, treatment programs, peer recovery support, and community-based mental health services.

Health Care and Preventive Services

Primary care clinics, health screenings, immunization services, maternal health resources, and wellness education initiatives.

Housing and Utility Assistance

Emergency housing support, rental assistance programs, utility payment help, and connections to local shelters.

Food and Basic Needs Support

Food pantries, community meal programs, clothing assistance, and seasonal support initiatives for families.

Healthy Baby and Family Resources

Prenatal services, parenting education, early childhood development programs, and home-visiting support for new families.

Youth Development and Employment Services

Tutoring programs, mentorship opportunities, job readiness training, and workforce development support.

Senior and Veteran Resources

Programs tailored to aging adults, veterans’ assistance services, and benefits navigation support.

These categories continue to expand in response to community input, ensuring the directory reflects evolving needs across Marion County.

Built by the Community, Growing With the Community

Healthy Ocala is not a static directory. It continues to expand based on feedback from people who live and work in Marion County.

Mayor Marciano emphasizes that “Healthy Ocala is built for the community, and it continues to grow because of our community. New categories and resources are added based on feedback from people who live and work right here in Marion County.”

Residents and organizations are encouraged to participate. If a quality local resource is missing, or if an organization serves the community and wants to be included, submissions are welcomed through the Healthy Ocala website.

“Your input helps make Healthy Ocala better for everyone.”

Building a Healthier Marion County

Healthy Ocala represents more than a directory, it reflects a broader commitment to coordinated community wellness. By bringing together behavioral health services, medical care, housing support, food programs, and family resources in one accessible platform, the initiative supports stability, early intervention, and long-term well-being.

When access to help becomes clearer and more organized, the entire community benefits. Healthy Ocala continues to serve as a practical, community-centered tool that helps Marion County residents move forward with confidence and support.

Start today and find the help you need in just a few clicks. Visit Healthy Ocala to quickly connect with trusted health, housing, food, and family support services across Marion County all in one free, easy-to-use directory.

The post Healthy Ocala: Expanding Access To Care in Marion County appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

President and Director Stephen Petty, Captain, U.S. Army, Retired, said that the VRC has launched a critical initiative to save the lives of veterans exposed to toxic hazards such as burn pits and Agent Orange during their service. With the support of the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD), the VRC is bringing cutting-edge medical technology to the veterans who need it most.

The Challenge: A Race Against Time

For many who served in the Southwest Asia theater from the Gulf War to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight didn’t end there. Exposure to toxic environments, including burn pits and chemical hazards, has left a devastating health legacy.

This exposure creates a unique medical crisis: These toxins may trigger aggressive, fast-moving cancers that appear decades earlier than standard medical protocols expect. Because the health care system typically begins intensive screenings at ages 40-50, younger veterans fall into a dangerous gap in care. They may look perfectly healthy while harboring silent illnesses that standard checkups aren’t designed to find.

By the time physical symptoms like unexplained weight loss or a persistent cough appear, the cancer is often in its final stages. The Vet Resource Center’s mission is to intervene before that happens, providing advanced early-warning tests to identify these threats while they are still treatable, giving our veterans a genuine fighting chance.

How the Partnership Works

We recognized the urgency of this mission. Through our collaboration, we’ve helped the VRC overcome the biggest barrier to early detection: Cost.

The Impact of Our Collaboration

• Funding Advanced Testing: We furnish the dollars necessary to provide early warning cancer detection kits. These tests, which typically cost nearly $1,000, are now provided free of charge to eligible veterans.
• Corporate Outreach: Finding younger, working-age veterans is difficult. We leverage connections to help the VRC access local corporations, allowing them to identify employees who are veterans and offer them testing onsite.
• Rapid Response: A positive test result is terrifying. We ensure that when a veteran tests positive, they receive immediate access to high-level diagnostic care and treatment, rather than waiting months for appointments.

By The Numbers: Saving Lives in Marion County

Marion County is home to an estimated 50,000 veterans. Reaching them is a massive undertaking involving TV spots, newspaper ads, and the hard work of volunteers, including a Command Sergeant Major who coordinates outreach.

Since the partnership began, the results have been tangible:

• First Test Administered: Jan. 6th, 2025.
• Tests Completed: Nearly 250 with even more scheduled.
• Outreach: The VRC has spoken with over 2,500 individuals and 75 organizations.

A Real Success Story

The statistics represent real lives. Petty shared a powerful example of the program’s success:

One veteran took the free test provided by this partnership. The results indicated early signs of pancreatic and bile duct cancer, conditions that are notoriously difficult to detect and often fatal by the time symptoms arise. Because the test caught it at Stage 1, the veteran was able to seek treatment immediately.

Looking Ahead

The Vet Resource Center is continuing its crusade to educate the community. Stephen reminds all of us, veterans and civilians, to listen to our bodies. Unexplained weight loss, sores that won’t heal, or persistent coughs should never be ignored.

MCHD is proud to stand beside Stephen Petty and the Vet Resource Center as they turn the tide against veteran cancer.

Are you a veteran in Marion County? To learn more about the early detection kits or to support the Vet Resource Center, please visit their website or contact them directly.

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The Active Marion Project (AMP) offers a clear, sustainable framework to help Marion County residents turn their New Year’s resolutions into lasting active lifestyles. Sponsored by the Marion County Hospital District, AMP is a free, countywide initiative focused on fun, practical steps toward better health.

Here is how the Active Marion Project utilizes structured challenges, community support, and data-backed goals to help you stay active all year long.

1. Structure Step Challenges With Clear Goals

Instead of pursuing vague fitness goals, AMP gives you a specific, measurable objective in your step count. The project is built around engaging, periodic step challenges that align with professional health recommendations.

• Meeting Health Benchmarks: The Harvard Medical School recommends a weekly minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity. By consistently engaging in the AMP step challenges and aiming for the Gold Level point tier (which aligns with the American Heart Association’s 10,000 steps per day or approximately 5 miles or 8km recommendation), you are hitting that exact professional benchmark for physical activity.
• Easy Tracking and Rewards: The free Active Marion Project 2 App integrates seamlessly with your existing devices (FitBit, Apple Health, and Google Fit). It automatically tracks your movement, allowing you to focus on walking rather than logging data. For every 100 steps you take, you earn a point, which can be redeemed for rewards through local partner businesses.

2. Community Creates Accountability

The strength of AMP lies in its emphasis on community. Moving together is proven to be far more effective than moving alone, providing the necessary accountability to overcome days when motivation is low.

• Team Competition: The AMP 2 app encourages users to form teams of three or more people. Whether with family, friends, or coworkers, these teams introduce a healthy dose of friendly competition. Team performance is tracked on a leaderboard, giving you a shared goal and a group of people counting on you to contribute your steps.
• A Focus Beyond Cardio: According to Harvard Health, a balanced fitness regimen should also include strength exercises, targeting all major muscle groups twice to three times each week. The AMP tracks any movement if you have the phone on you or are using a fitness tracker, so you can enjoy dancing, aerobics, gardening, or running to mix things up. Cycling, swimming or other activities will be included if you carry your smartphone or wear a tracker.

3. Boost Mental Health With Consistency

A smartly designed exercise program benefits both body and mind. The structure of the AMP challenge is perfectly suited to combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

• Combatting Depression: The structure of the AMP challenge helps you build habits that directly support better mental health. According to a study from Harvard Health Publishing, sedentary people are 44% more likely to be depressed. Those with mild to moderate depression could get similar results to those obtained through antidepressants just by exercising for 90 minutes each week.
• Measure Your Success: By keeping an objective, constant log of your activity, the AMP 2 app provides visual proof of your progress. Seeing your daily steps and points accumulate helps solidify your new habits and shows you exactly how much you are accomplishing, reinforcing the positive mental cycle.

This year, secure your success by making your commitment a community effort. The Active Marion Project provides structured challenges, group support, and tracking tools to ensure your commitment to an active lifestyle is a lasting one.

Learn more and download the Active Marion Project 2 app today by visiting mchdt.org/amp/download-app.

The post Stay Active in the New Year With the Active Marion Project appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Beacon Point is a dedicated resource ready to help.

The Holiday Reality of Stress and Mental Health

The shift from the everyday routine to a flurry of holiday activity can take a real toll. The statistics confirm that this time of year significantly impacts many:

• A NAMI study found that 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse.
• A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 41% of U.S. adults reported an increase in stress during the holiday season.
• Common stressors include financial demands, managing complicated family gatherings, grief over lost loved ones, and the simple disruption of healthy routines.

Whether you’re dealing with “holiday blues,” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or an existing mental health condition, it is vital to acknowledge your feelings and prioritize your well-being.

Self-Care Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

While you can’t control every stressful situation, you can take proactive steps to protect your mental health. Here are essential tips, inspired by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the National Council on Aging (NCOA):

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays. Be realistic that the perfect holiday portrayed in commercials isn’t like everyday life, and give yourself permission to feel grief, sadness, or stress — even if others around you seem happy. Validating your emotions is the first step toward managing them.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

Your time and energy are valuable! Protect them by learning to say “no.” It is acceptable to limit time with family members who create complicated dynamics or stress. Be realistic about your schedule and how much you can take on. Ask for help when you can and remember that declining an invitation to protect your mental health can be a necessary act of self-care.

3. Maintain Healthy Habits

The hustle often leads to neglecting basic self-care, which is critical for mental stability. Try to keep up with therapy appointments, a regular sleep schedule, and exercise. Be mindful of substances, as the holidays can trigger an increased use of alcohol and drugs. If you are in recovery, have a solid plan for social events and seek support when needed.

4. Create a Plan for Distress

Have a toolkit ready for when you feel sad, stressed, or lonely. This could involve reaching out to a friend, family member, or a professional support line like Beacon Point or 988. Engaging in self-care activities such as walking, a hobby, or simply watching your favorite movie can help. Additionally, volunteering or giving to others may boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Local Support: How Beacon Point Can Help

For Marion County residents, one vital community resource is Beacon Point, an integrated care campus located in Ocala that’s committed to removing barriers to behavioral health and substance use treatment.

Beacon Point ensures you can access comprehensive care in one convenient location, supported by a network of community partners, regardless of your ability to pay.

Beacon Point Services

• 24/7 Care and Walk-In Assistance: Offering immediate access to continuous support for mental health care and substance use recovery.
• Outpatient Mental Health Services: Counseling and support to manage ongoing conditions and seasonal stress.
• Comprehensive Substance Use Recovery: Services like Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), inpatient detoxification, and residential programs, which are all crucial during a high-risk holiday season.
• Free and Low-Cost Primary Care: Addressing physical health concerns that often go hand-in-hand with mental health challenges.

In Crisis? Need Support Now?

If you or a loved one is struggling during the holidays:

• Contact Beacon Point 24-Hour Peer Support: 352-255-6985
• National Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Visit Beacon Point: 717 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala, FL 34472

The holidays can be both joyful and demanding, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. By practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support, you can protect your mental health and enjoy a more peaceful season. Beacon Point and the Marion County Hospital District are here to support you every step of the way. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of wellness to connect, reflect, and take proactive steps toward emotional well-being.

For more information or to access local mental health resources, visit mchdt.org/beacon-point.

The post Mental Health and the Holidays: Finding Peace Amid the Pressure appeared first on Marion County Hospital District.

In Marion County alone,

• 17% of the adult population lives with diabetes.
• 10% of the adult population are prediabetic.

In 2021, diabetes was the seventh-leading cause of death in Marion County.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to manage blood sugar. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly use or make enough insulin, causing glucose or blood sugar to build up in the bloodstream instead of fueling the cells. Over time, this can increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and certain cancers, but managing diabetes can help lower these risks.

That is why programs locally offered by the Marion County Diabetes Consortium, such as the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program, are so valuable.

How DEEP Can Help

The Marion County Hospital District (via Active Marion Project (AMP) and Community Home Project (CHP) facilitating DEEP classes) offers a free diabetes education curriculum designed to help Marion County residents with prediabetes or diabetes, relatives, and their caregivers gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care.

Classes typically last a total of eight weeks and provide participants with eight unique learning modules.

The goals of the DEEP curriculum include:

• Improving and maintaining the quality of life of persons with prediabetes and existing diabetes
• Preventing complications and incapacities
• Improving eating habits and maintaining adequate nutrition
• Increasing physical activity
• Developing self-care skills
• Improving the relationship between patients and health care providers
• Utilizing available resources

Did you know? MCHD partners with AdventHealth to provide free biometric screenings at DEEP classes that include A1C testing, lipid information, and blood pressure screenings.

Diabetes Facts To Remember

Taking charge of your health is the first step to preventing diabetes. Here are some insights from NIDDK to remember:

• Diabetes can damage many organs if unmanaged. High blood glucose over time may harm the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and the heart.
• Focus on ABCs of diabetes care. The NIDDK outlines three pillars:
  • A = A1C test (to assess average blood glucose levels)
  • B = Blood pressure management
  • C = Cholesterol (lipids) control
• Risk factors are cumulative and modifiable. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese, are age 35 or older, have a family history of diabetes, and are less physically active.
• Small steps add up. Lifestyle habits like eating balanced meals, getting regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and avoiding smoking can help prevent or better manage diabetes.
• Don’t skip medications or medical guidance. Even when you “feel fine,” staying consistent with medications and working with your healthcare team matters.
• Mental health matters. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be stressful. It’s important to monitor your emotional well-being, seek support, and adopt healthy stress-coping strategies.
• Use your care team and community resources. Your healthcare team may include physicians, dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and social service professionals. They can help coordinate care and guide you to what may be best for you.

These insights underline a big idea: Awareness is only the starting point. To make a difference, knowledge must spur action, and that is where resources like DEEP classes come in.

Upcoming DEEP Classes in Ocklawaha

Take control and advocate for your health. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with others on a similar health journey, free of charge.

If you’d like to join a DEEP class, save the date:

• When: Thursdays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 26
• Time: 10 a.m. to noon
• Location: Forest Public Library, 905 S Hwy 314 A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179

Additional dates include:

• When: Thursdays, Jan. 22 through March 12
• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Location: Howard Academy, 306 NW 7 Ave. Building 3, Ocala, FL 34475

For more information, visit DEEP, Community Home Project, and The Active Marion Project.

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