Manatee County Organizations Supporting Those in Need

BRADENTON -- There is no cure-all or silver-bullet for the unfortunate situations some people find themselves in, but there are soldiers out there, as brave as any, willing to sit down and help to find some resolve, some way to work through the challenges. Whether it's a maternity issue, one of family planning, shelter and safety, a situation of physical or sexual abuse or substance abuse, don't try to handle it alone. There is someone who has been there, who understands the situation, and there could be a solution closer than you might think.

The SOLVE House

Donna Vellenga and her staff at SOLVE Maternity Homes are there to help plan for what you'll need to bring a newborn into the world. They help pregnant mothers work through the unexpected circumstances. If you need help with an appointment, travel to and from, they are there to help at 1509 8th Avenue West, in Bradenton, or call 941-748-0094.

You'll find Luz Corcuera at Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County. They also focuse on maternal and infant health care and support services. Their program aims to assure prenatal and pediatric care. They promote healthy birth outcomes, parenting and child development.

Healthy Start has resources for "Maternal drug dependence and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome." They also offer help for "Maternal mortality and prescription misuse," as well as, violence against women. They are connected to an incredible network of assistance. You can find them at 2424 Manatee Avenue West, Suite 210 in Bradenton, or call 941-714-7542.

The Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition (MCSAC) is a powerhouse of help for heavy duty problems. Sharon Kramer, Rita Chamberlain and Ruth Lyerly have been on the front lines combating a plethora of forces. Substance abuse is of epidemic proportion, eroding the backbone of every city and town. It affects the young, old and the unborn. It's delivered in every form and leaves its victims in a mess.

Their mission is to develop strategic community partnerships that implement comprehensive campaigns and strategies to reduce substance abuse throughout the county, especially among youths. It is a challenging mission to say the least. 

There are street drugs, alcohol, tobacco and the newest killer in town, "Pill Mills" The pharmaceutical companies have to know there is something wrong. Luz Corcuera, with Healthy Start called the doctors that run these pill mills, "pushers with white coats," and they don't stand on a corner, they run people through the office as if on a conveyor belt. 

We owe it to our kids and ourselves to stop what is killing more adults and kids than any drug in history, pharmaceutical barbiturates. MCSAC is attempting to strengthen the regulations of pain management clinics. They need your help. Please go to their website and do what you can do, they are certainly doing a lot for us. Or go to 1112, Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida. Or call 941-749-3030 ext. 3491

With organizations like these, we have a better chance of fulfilling our dreams. Without them, it's a hard road ahead.