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Stephanie Colombini
ReporterI cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
Since March 2020, I’ve covered all things COVID-19 and continue to work hard to ensure you have fact-based information to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. I’ve focused on amplifying the voices of people in our community affected by the pandemic, including doctors on the front lines, teachers juggling hybrid learning and residents who have survived the illness.
You can also hear me on WUSF as a fill-in news anchor and midday host on Sundays.
I joined the news team in 2016 and started out producing our weekly public affairs show Florida Matters. I went on to cover military and veterans affairs for the national reporting collaborative the American Homefront Project and continue to report on these topics through a health care lens.
I got my start in radio at WFUV while attending Fordham University in the Bronx. I also covered tri-state area news as a reporter for WCBS Newsradio 880. Some fun highlights include reporting from the field at Yankee Stadium and doing live coverage of the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
I’m forever a New Yorker, but have loved calling Tampa home these past five years. You might see me around town rocking out to live music, enjoying our delicious craft beer scene or paddling out on the water in my kayak. Shoutout to my two fur babies, Frank and Hazel.
Contact Stephanie at 813-974-8705, on Twitter @Steph_Colombini, or by email at scolombini@wusf.org.
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Biomarker testing can help detect diseases earlier and guide medical decisions. Coverage for state health plan enrollees will kick in on Jan. 1.
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Eight Republicans are competing in a closed primary on Aug. 20. Six attended the League of Women Voters forum, which drew more than 100 attendees.
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Interest in the public hospital board has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a "medical freedom" movement. The July 11 forum features Republican candidates, the only ones competing in the August primary.
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While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease available, there are two drugs approved that can modestly slow progression in early stages.
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An activist is installing "period pantries" around Tampa so people in need can get free pads or tampons. This comes as Gov. DeSantis vetoed a budget item making menstrual products free in schools.
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Tampa Period Pantry has 10 locations outside businesses in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The goal is to help people stay healthy and comfortable during their menstrual periods.
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Derick Cook wants more men to get active in pushing for abortion protections. He and his wife want a child, but says everyone should have a choice.
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States overhauling Medicaid rolls have accidentally dropped eligible people from coverage, sometimes for months. That can be dangerous for those who need opioid addiction medications.
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States overhauling Medicaid rolls have accidentally dropped eligible people from coverage, sometimes for months. That can be dangerous for those who need opioid addiction medications.
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The three-day camp offers high schoolers a look at the life of nurses, surgeons, therapists and other jobs in the hopes of inspiring future health workers.