Health First Unveils Brevard County’s First and Only Post-COVID-19 Care Program

Health First’s Post-Covid Care Program is one of the first such comprehensive programs in Florida

Program is one of just a handful in the state of Florida to address ongoing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – By her own account, 63-year-old Palm Bay resident Debbie Evans should not even be here to tell her story today.

At the age of four, she was struck by a vehicle – landing Evans in a medically-induced coma for what doctors initially feared to be an unsurvivable traumatic brain injury, then followed by multiple surgeries and rehabilitation over the span of two years.

Fast forward four decades and Evans would lose both her parents and husband to various illnesses over the span of 18 months.

Throw in bouts with a weakened immune system and failing bone marrow, as well as Crohn’s Disease, and Evans, a self-described “survivor,” thought she could pretty much handle just about anything life threw her way.

But then came COVID-19.

“Never in my life, after all I’ve been through could I imagine something called COVID-19 – a virus – would impact me as hard as it has. I have a pretty dark sense of humor and feel like I can find some level of humor in just about anything. It helps me to cope,” said Evans. “But this has almost been too much.”

After contracting COVID-19 twice since 2020, Evans, who until now, has continued to work full-time and considered herself to be a sharp, well-read and analytical person, is now suffering the long-term effects of the disease – including neurological problems, severe loss of vision, chronic pain, fatigue, slowed speech and lack of mobility.

“I’m now suddenly learning how to adjust to my new normal – my new physical, mental and emotional self,” said Evans. “But I’m not alone.”

Post-COVID Care Program

Evans is now a part of Health First’s Post-Covid Care Program, one of the first such comprehensive programs in Florida and the only one in Brevard County.

“COVID-19 has presented our community with a variety of new and challenging needs. We are proud to offer the Post-COVID Care Program, to support members of our community suffering from chronic Covid-19 symptoms, said Mark Rosenbloom, MD, Health First Vice President of Clinical Transformation.

“The Post-COVID Care program will surround our patients with a dedicated team and the resources to help them at every level, including a Nurse Navigator to guide them through the process, said Dr. Mario Ruberte, Health First Medical Group Director of Primary Care.

It is estimated that 10-30 percent of Covid patients may develop symptoms of chronic Covid, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as symptoms lasting longer than four weeks. Common problems are difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, and depression.

The Post-Covid-19 Care Program is designed to provide care and support to people suffering from chronic Covid.

The program utilizes a dedicated nurse navigator and nurse practitioner to develop a customized care plan for each patient. Using evidence based-guidelines, patients will have appropriate diagnostic tests, referrals to specialists and any needed therapies. The team stays in contact with the patient’s primary physician.

“I am so incredibly grateful that my APRN Anabel Pereda recognized my issues and needs and enrolled me in this program,” said Evans.

“I now have a full team around me looking at my care from every angle. I’m part of an incredible support group with other patients, as well as physical therapy, and even neurologists and cardiologists consulting on my care. A lot of what I am dealing with is still a mystery – as it is for many others who have had COVID.

“But I feel like whatever happens, I have the very best care possible. Every doctor, nurse and Health First employee has been so kind and just compassionate. We’re all dealing with different issues and needs, as so much is still unknown about COVID. But most importantly, they listen to me. They understand and empathize with what I am saying … and then try to find ways to help,” said Evans.

For more information and/or to schedule a virtual evaluation session, please visit HF.org/PostCovid19. Visit HF.org/news to find out what’s happening at Health First.

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