The Astreea Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Will Help to Keep Kids and Officers Safe and Healthy
L-R: Adam Hertzman with FMHC, Officer Natalie Buissereth with PAL of North Miami, Dave Burney, President of PAL of North Miami (in the back)
The Florida Mental Health Coalition (FMHC) has donated a state-of-the-art sanitizing station to the Police Athletic League of North Miami (PAL of North Miami). The Astreea pedal hand sanitizer was given to the PAL of North Miami free of charge to help everyone at the facility stay healthy and protected against COVID-19.
Last month, the FMHC announced a partnership with PAL of North Miami to provide free mental health clinical services to the uninsured and under-insured children, ages 8-18. The program includes weekly afternoon visits from Dr. Riwa Kassar, a clinician and therapist with FMHC. Adam Hertzman, a board member of FMHC, has the patent for the Astreea hand sanitation stations and decided to donate one to PAL of North Miami after working with team there so closely.
“It is amazing to see the dedication and effort all the officers at PAL of North Miami have put forth to keep this program going for area kids who need it,” says Hertzman. “Despite COVID, they have remained open to safely help children, and hopefully, this small gesture will make things that much easier for them to continue their work.”
“We are grateful for this gift from the FMHC team, since the health and wellness of our children is extremely important to us,” says North Miami Police Chief Larry Juriga Chief. “We have been successful in keeping everyone safe with our current COVID-19 protocols and this device is an added bonus.”
During the pandemic, the PAL of North Miami has expanded its services to include virtual schooling day camp for students who might not have parents at home during the day or the necessary computer equipment. The PAL of North Miami has a number of computers for children to use and offers tutoring and technical help for those who need it.
FMHC receives a portion of the proceeds from every Astreea hand sanitation station sold. This device is fully mechanical with a pedal operation that does not require batteries. The company also offers a sanitizer subscription service. Dispensers start around $300.
About Florida Mental Health Coalition: The Florida Mental Health Coalition (FMHC) launched as the nonprofit 501c3 umbrella arm to Mental Health Center of Florida. The organization creates a safety net for the most vulnerable youth, providing mental health services to uninsured and under-insured children ages 18 and under in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. For more information, please call 1.833.444.9144 or email marsha@floridamhc.org.
About the Police Athletic League of North Miami: The mission of the Police Athletic League of North Miami, (PALNM) is to foster a positive relationship between the North Miami Police Department and the youth of the City of North Miami through educational activities, athletics and mentorship. PALNM offers a safe and healthy environment for its youth, allowing them to develop academically, socially, mentally and physically, under the supervision of caring PALNM staff. Through positive interactions and mentoring, PALNM provides the youth with the tools they need in order to achieve a successful future.
