Tampa General CEO John Couris highlights system impact, growth and partnerships
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New York Post
16 hours ago
- New York Post
Trump knows the dangers of addiction — he must reject Big Weed's push to reclassify marijuana
You know it's a bad idea if Joe Biden was for it. That's the case with the mad push for marijuana reform, which Biden promised in a cynical grab for young voters in his State of the Union address last year. But now President Trump is reported to be open to fulfilling Biden's promise to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous Schedule III drug, which would benefit the $33 billion industry by giving them tax deductions and expanding their market. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told donors he was considering the 'de-scheduling' of marijuana at a $1 million-a-plate fundraiser at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey this month that was attended by Kim Rivers, the chief executive of one of the largest marijuana companies, Trulieve. Advertisement Trulieve and its ilk pretend that marijuana reforms are for altruistic medical reasons rather than about growing their profits. Medical marijuana was the bait-and-switch trap when states started legalizing pot more than a decade ago. Now recreational use has exploded to the point where it has overtaken alcohol, and there's still no sound science on the benefits of medical marijuana. 'Complicated subject' Advertisement The president confirmed last week to reporters at the White House that his administration is 'looking at reclassification' and intends to make a decision soon. 'Some people like it. Some people hate it,' he said. 'Some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children. 'It's a very complicated subject base,' he said. 'I've heard great things having to do with medical and bad things having to do with just about everything else.' Advertisement Trump is a teetotaler. He credits his late older brother Fred Trump Jr., with his decision not to drink or take drugs. Fred struggled with alcoholism, and died in 1981, aged 42, as a consequence of his disease. 'He was a very handsome guy,' Trump told me on 'Pod Force One.' 'He had an unbelievable personality, but the booze got to him . . . He'd always say, 'Don't drink, don't smoke.' Now in those days, there were no drugs, or I guess there were, but you didn't know about it. But he would have added drugs in there. He said, 'Don't ever smoke and don't ever drink.' 'He was a great guy, you know, he was terrific. Could have done anything. He could fly airplanes unbelievably well,' Trump added. 'He had a great talent for that, but alcohol was a killer for him.' Advertisement Trump learned from his brother's mistakes: 'I never had a drink of alcohol. I don't smoke, and I'm a hard worker. Well, he worked, but he just had the curse, you know, and it was tough.' Marijuana is a disaster. It's infinitely worse than alcohol on every metric, especially mental health. The scientific evidence is incontrovertible that marijuana triggers psychosis in susceptible people. For example, a large-scale Danish study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2017 found that up to 30% of young men's schizophrenia could have been prevented if they had not used pot. Get Miranda's latest take Sign up for Devine Online, the newsletter from Miranda Devine Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Want even more news? Check out more newsletters Even one psychotic episode triggered by marijuana use was associated with a 47% chance of a person developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, with the highest risk for those aged 16-to-25, according to the study of 6.9 million Danes between 1972 and 2021. Another longitudinal study of 50,000 Swedes that began in 1987 found that marijuana users were twice as likely as non-users to develop psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Heavy users had a six times greater risk. A more potent problem And it was a far less potent drug than it is now. Marijuana of 40 years ago had about a 5% concentration of THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis, but today's industrial products such as gummies, vapes and pre-rolled joints can be as high as 99% THC. Advertisement The stench of pot wafting through blue cities like New York is a hallmark of chaos and disorder. It's the opposite of President Trump's law and order image. So it is hard to believe he would bow to Big Weed and normalize this insidious drug further. Unlike his predecessor, Trump understands on a personal level the perils of addiction. Advertisement You'd think with the drug problems that have afflicted the lives of both his adult children, Hunter and Ashley, Biden might have had more sense, but pandering to Big Weed was a running theme of his presidency, with executive orders and performative pardons for federal marijuana possession (not one person was in jail for possession alone). Thankfully, wise heads inside the Drug Enforcement Administration dragged the chain long enough to stop Biden's plan to reclassify marijuana. The drug lobby has redoubled efforts under Trump, but the signs don't look good for them with the confirmation last month of the new DEA administrator, Terrance Cole. Much to the disappointment of pot advocates, marijuana was nowhere to be seen on his list of 'strategic priorities' announced after he took office, which included combating drug trafficking, Mexican cartels, fentanyl and drug-fueled violence. Advertisement Even better, in a post on LinkedIn last year, he wrote: 'Everybody knows my stance on marijuana after 30 plus years in law enforcement, so don't even ask!' He added anti-drug hashtags #justsayno, #disorders, #notlegal4distribution, #healthissues, #thinblueline and #backtheblue. Every week, Post columnist Miranda Devine sits down for exclusive and candid conversations with the most influential disruptors in Washington. Subscribe here! Cole, who worked at the DEA for 21 years, has made no secret of his concerns about marijuana. sharing a link last year to an article titled 'NOT 'Just Weed': Four Times More Dangerous in Three Decades' that found that higher THC levels are 'linked to increased problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination.' Cole's attitude is a good sign. 3 states 'just say no' Advertisement So is the fact that three states — Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota — last November rejected marijuana legalization measures on the ballot: reversing the trend of the past decade in which 24 states have now approved the drug for recreational use and 40 for medical use, which of course is just the Trojan horse. In Florida, Big Weed, mainly Trulieve, spent a reported $153 million lobbying for legalization and still lost, despite outspending opponents almost five to one. It was the third time in four years that poor old North and South Dakotans rejected the ballot measure. But Big Weed just won't take no for an answer, believing that it will eventually wear voters down. Another good sign is that even The New York Times is starting to tell the truth about marijuana, reporting that 18 million people — nearly a third of adult users — reporting symptoms of 'cannabis use disorder.' The Times points out that only two states cap the levels of THC, with lobbyists busy preventing any new state health restrictions. Let's hope that the Trump administration puts the brakes on the headlong rush to legalize this dangerous drug.
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Pence urges Trump to take out the ‘hammer' on Russia: ‘Putin's not going to stop until he's stopped'
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday urged President Trump to bring the 'hammer' down on Vladimir Putin and push for additional sanctions against Russia. Pence commended Trump for seeking peace in Ukraine following the president's Alaska summit with the Russian strongman on Friday, but implored him to ramp up the pressure in order to cut a peace deal. 'I served alongside the president for four years. I know his style in dealing with these dictators. It's the velvet glove, but I think the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately,' Pence said on CNN's 'State of the Union.' '[Trump] ought to pick up the phone and ask Majority Leader John Thune to immediately pass the secondary sanctions bill that is supported by virtually everyone in the United States Senate,' he said. Pence emphasized that the Russian president is 'the bad guy' and should be treated as such during negotiations. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have, for several months, championed a sanctions bill against Russia, with over 80 senators backing it. Trump shrugged off the bill as unnecessary and instead gave Putin an ultimatum, demanding the Kremlin tyrant take steps toward peace by Aug. 8 or else face severe secondary sanctions and tariffs. 3 Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed concerns that Russian leader Vladimir Putin may be trying to buy time. CNN 3 President Trump became the first US president to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. AFP via Getty Images Following a meeting Putin had with special envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin just days before that deadline, Trump decided to call off the economic penalties and hold the Friday summit with the Russian tyrant instead. Pence warned that Putin may be attempting to 'run out the clock' and delay sanctions that could batter his country's economy as long as possible. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has swatted off criticism that the Trump administration has slow-walked economic sanctions against Russia, arguing that such a move would hamstring peace talks. 'You're saying talks are over. For the foreseeable future, for the next year or year-and-a-half, there's no more talks, because there's no one else in the world that can talk to him (Putin),' Rubio told Fox News' 'Sunday Morning Futures' about the implications of additional sanctions against Russia. 3 Mike Pence praised President Trump for pursuing peace between Russia and Ukraine. AFP via Getty Images Putin did not agree to a ceasefire during his summit with Trump, and the US president has since opted to pivot towards pursuing a full-fledged peace deal. Pence said he 'was not surprised' that the historic meeting didn't end in a ceasefire deal. 'There was an agreement by President Zelensky to a cease-fire back in February. Putin refused it. He's managed to delay the game,' the ex-VP said on CNN. 'All the while, his military has continued its brutal assault on civilian populations in Ukraine.' Trump, ahead of the summit, had told Fox News that he wouldn't be 'happy' if his Russian counterpart didn't agree to a ceasefire. Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. A group of European leaders will join Zelensky during his trip to Washington, DC, though it is not clear if they will be present in the White House meeting. 'I'm also going to be praying that it's a productive time and a unifying time among all the leaders in the West and the president and President Zelensky,' Pence said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
InnovAge Florida PACE – Tampa and Tampa General Hospital Form Joint Venture to Elevate PACE Services in Tampa
Two of the region's leading organizations team up to elevate community-based care options for seniors across Tampa Bay. TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InnovAge Holding Corp. ('InnovAge') (Nasdaq: INNV), a leader in senior care through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly ('PACE'), is proud to announce a new joint venture of its Tampa, Florida center, located at 4520 Seedling Circle, Tampa, Florida 33614 with Tampa General Hospital (TGH). This joint venture unites two mission-driven organizations dedicated to helping older adults in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties to live healthier, more independent lives. InnovAge expects the joint venture with Tampa General to elevate a shared commitment to expanding innovative community-based care options and improve access to quality care, particularly for the clinically frail and underserved seniors in the market. A Shared Commitment to Tampa Seniors Tampa General Hospital is the #1 hospital in the Tampa Bay region for the 10th consecutive year, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025–2026 Best Hospitals rankings. Recognized nationally as among the top 10% of U.S. hospitals in Geriatrics, Tampa General is the region's only academic health system and a trusted source of high-quality, complex care for the senior population. Tampa General's commitment to maintaining optimal health for seniors and providing world-class care tailored to their unique needs is also recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System, at the highest level of designation—'Committed to Care Excellence.' PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a proven care model designed to help seniors live independently at home while receiving the health care and support they need. PACE delivers fully coordinated medical, dental, therapy, and social services—along with transportation and in-home support. An interdisciplinary care team works closely with each participant to create a personalized plan that promotes health, dignity and quality of life, often at no cost for those with dual Medicare and Medicaid coverage. 'We are thrilled to partner with Tampa General Hospital, an organization that shares our deep commitment to improving the health and quality of life of the communities we serve,' said Patrick Blair, InnovAge CEO. 'Together, we will bring the proven benefits of PACE to more seniors in the Tampa Bay area, helping them live safely and independently at home while receiving the comprehensive care they need. Tampa General's reputation for clinical excellence and community leadership makes them an ideal partner for InnovAge, and we are excited about the positive impact we can create together.' 'Innovation is in our DNA and we look for partners who share that same philosophy,' said John Couris, Tampa General Hospital President and CEO. 'InnovAge shares our vision of a healthier community for everyone, including our most vulnerable seniors. This joint venture reflects our mutual dedication to expanding access, creating innovative solutions and making a lasting difference in the lives of older adults in Tampa Bay.' The InnovAge Florida PACE center in Tampa has one of the largest footprints in the nation, with a 35,000-square-foot facility that can serve approximately 1,300 seniors. It offers primary and specialty medical care, dental services, rehabilitation therapies, transportation, meals, and engaging social activities—coordinated by a dedicated care team to help participants remain independent and connected to their community. Investor ContactRyan Kubotarkubota@ Media ContactLara HazenfieldInnovAge Public Relations & Content Creation Managerlhazenfield@ About InnovAgeInnovAge is a market leader in managing the care of high-cost, frail, and predominantly dual-eligible seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). With a mission of enabling older adults to age independently in their own homes for as long as safely possible, InnovAge's patient-centered care model is designed to improve the quality of care its participants receive while reducing over-utilization of high-cost care settings. InnovAge believes its PACE healthcare model is one in which all constituencies — participants, their families, providers, and government payors — 'win.' As of March 31, 2025, InnovAge served approximately 7,530 participants across 20 centers in six states. About Tampa GeneralTampa General Hospital, a 1,529-bed, not-for-profit academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the Tampa Bay region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. The system's hospitals include Tampa General Hospital, Tampa General Rehabilitation Hospital, Tampa General Behavioral Health Hospital which are all located in Tampa. Additionally, Tampa General Brooksville, Tampa General Spring Hill and Tampa General Crystal River anchor TGH's footprint in Hernando and Citrus counties. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in Tampa Bay in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Hospitals, with six medical specialties ranking among the top 50 in the nation and five additional medical specialties ranked among the top 10% best hospital programs in the United States. As the first hospital in Florida to open a clinical command center for real-time situational awareness, Tampa General elevated its digital care coordination center to the next level by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and its analytics platform across both inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring patients receive leading-edge care as quickly and safely as possible. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by three prestigious Forbes magazine rankings — in the 2025 America's Best Large Employers, the top 50 in Florida in the 2024 America's Best Employers by State and the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the safety-net hospital for the region, caring for anyone regardless of ability to pay; in fiscal year 2023, Tampa General provided a net community benefit of approximately $301.8 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It was the nation's No. 1 adult solid organ transplant center in 2024 and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care their conditions require. Tampa General is home to a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General's footprint includes TGH North, which consists of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties; 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices; TGH Family Care Center Kennedy; two TGH outpatient centers; TGH Virtual Health; and 19 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care, powered by the Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital ( For more information, go to This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
