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A place for play to keep jitters at bay
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT © St. Petersburg Times, published March 6, 2001 BROOKSVILLE -- Briya Ellerbee clapped and laughed as she played with colored balls on the play set. She didn't know she had a needle in her future. Her mother was glad for the distraction. On Monday, while waiting for her immunizations at the Hernando County Health Department, 21-month-old Briya was one of the first to take advantage of the new Kid's Corner, a play area in the waiting area of the Brooksville office. "When kids leave here, we want them to remember the fun they had and not the shot," said Rebecca Martin, a health educator consultant for the department. With a rubberized floor in crayon colors and a huge busy box called Fiesta Island, the play area is a way for younger children and their parents to pass time while waiting for services, Martin said. "This is nice," said Barbie Ellerbee as she sat waiting for Briya's appointment. "It keeps her occupied while we wait." The Health Department will hold a dedication for Kid's Corner and an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday. Senior health educator Erica Holback said the event will give people a chance to come by and see what the department has to offer. "This is so people know what is here and what we have available to them," she said. "There is probably a lot more than you might think." Information will be available on services including child safety, family planning and environmental issues, she said. Also available in the lobby is a kiosk, courtesy of the Hernando County Library System, that provides Internet access and a printer to patrons. There will be popcorn and soft drinks, Martin said, and a chance to meet Health Department doctors and nurses. A raffle for a girl's and a boy's bicycle will be held during the event, and there will be a children's photo ID table. "We want the experience of coming here to be more enjoyable," Martin said. "We want things to be community friendly." About 100 children come through the department's doors each week for well-baby care and immunization services, Martin said. "I'm sure the area will get a lot of use," Martin said. "It does my heart good to see them using these things." The $5,000 project was funded by Physician's Healthcare Plans Inc., Martin said. "Health Department funds have to go toward treatment and care for the community," she said. "Without the generosity of the community, things like this wouldn't be possible." While children are encouraged to play in the area, it is still the responsibility of parents to supervise them, Martin said. "I've seen adults sit down on the cushions and play with their children," Martin said. "I would hope parents take the opportunity to have some quality time with their kids." The Health Department is at 300 S Main St. in Brooksville. The dedication and open house is free and open to the public. For information, call 754-4067.
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From today's Hernando Times |
