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.
-
The money will pay for efforts to prevent and treat opioid addiction, or fund services that help people in recovery. -
USF public health professor Donna Petersen says collaboration was critical in helping community leaders respond to the pandemic. In hindsight, she says interventions like shutdowns were in place too long. -
High vaccination rates can help prevent the spread of severe illnesses like measles and polio. But pediatricians say they're encountering more parents hesitant to get their kids immunized. -
The significantly larger emergency department is part of a broader effort by the health system to expand services in south Sarasota County. -
MacKay was considered the troubleshooter for former Gov. Lawton Chiles and played major roles in responding to Hurricane Andrew, financial crises and other issues during his tenure as lieutenant governor in the 1990's. -
Financial stressors and other problems pile on during the holidays and increase the risk for domestic violence and child neglect. But help is available. -
Anxiety during the holidays is normal, says USF psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Wagoner. But if it starts affecting your relationships or daily life, it may be time to seek help. -
Tampa resident Melissa Malone shares how she first recognized signs of dementia in her mother during the holidays and how she made adjustments to celebrate with her in the years after her diagnosis. -
Villarosa will talk about her book "Under The Skin" on Dec. 10 at Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. The event is free to attend. -
Providing affirming support to LGBTQ+ older adults could be one way to reduce their risk for dementia. These individuals face unique challenges compared to straight, cisgender seniors.
