Jackson Health System's 2025 Report to the Community.
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What does health care's future look like, both in Miami-Dade County and across the country? Maybe the more important question is what should health care's future look like?
These are the questions we ask at Jackson Health System, whether at the bedside or in the boardroom. We don't pretend to have all the answers. Instead, this kind of thinking drives us to provide better care to everyone who walks through our doors.
That means changing the way we think about population health by providing more all-inclusive and individualized programs that help our neighbors prevent illness instead of waiting to treat it.
That means recruiting and retaining the best caregivers in the world to lead teams that provide cutting-edge care... offering hope for critically ill patients who've been turned away from other hospitals.
That means building next-generation facilities to meet tomorrow's needs, like constructing one of the nation's largest emergency rooms at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
And it means understanding how our patients live in order to understand their full wellness journey. More than ever before, we're aligning with the best local organizations and leveraging community health worker models to be true partners in meeting our patients where they're at.
From the day I arrived at Jackson in 2011, I knew our world-class team of nurses, therapists, doctors, techs, and other healthcare professionals deserved programs and facilities worthy of their excellence. Time and again, they've elevated their commitment to our patients through Jackson's CARE values: compassion, accountability, respect, and expertise. This report to the community celebrates their accomplishments, and is a tribute to their love of making miracles daily.
Carlos A. Migoya Chief Executive Officer Jackson Health System
More than ever before, we're aligning with the best local organizations and leveraging community health worker models to be true partners in meeting our patients where they're at.
Jackson Health System always stands at the intersection of history and innovation.
We'll never back away from our more than 107-year legacy of being a true community institution.
- no matter the language they speak, the money in their wallet, the shape of their family, their birth country, or the color of their skin - receives the same high standard of care.
This mission is brought to life by every nurse, doctor, therapist, and other healthcare professional on our team. At the same time, we're committed to growing and transforming with our community. With more outpatient sites, more walk-up services, more online resources, and more ways to see our providers, Jackson is knitting a bigger, better fabric of care in Miami-Dade County.
With more than 15,000 of the world's top caregivers serving more than half a million annual visits, Jackson is committed to being a role model and pillar for a thriving South Florida.
This mission is brought to life by every nurse, doctor, therapist, and other healthcare professional on our team.
At the same time, we're committed to growing and transforming with our community.
Jackson
HEALTH SYSTEM
Local teacher is now the student, re-learning basic skills with new nerve stimulation implant - the first in In 2020, Arlet Lara collapsed from a stroke while giving a virtual exam The then 46-year-old math teacher woke up from a coma Meeks later with severely limited function in her arms and hands. Lara worked hard with pysical and occupational therapists at Christine E Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Meri orial While her mobility improved she never regained ull function of the left side of her body.
When Jackson, lealth System and JHealth - University of Miami Health System became the first in South Florida to implant the only FDA-approved nerve stimulation device designed to help stroke survivors regain upper limb function, Lara was the recipient.
"This little girl is meant for something very big because she's a little warrior," said Maylene Gonzalez, surgery coordinator for pediatric cardiac transplant at Holtz Children's. "The fact that she tolerated ECMO for such a long time and has no lingering effects to her health is incredible."
Practice makes perfect. Read Lara's story.
Little heart, big miracle: A toddler's transplant after ECMO journey
By the time Sheli Cataleya Gutierrez blew out the candles on her second birthday cake, she had already faced a grim diagnosis, survived two cardiac arrests, and found herself on the list for a heart transplant. The toddler's family knew there was only one place where their daughter would have a fighting chance: Holtz Children's Hospital.
Learn more about our pediatric heart failure and transplantation program.
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HEALTH SYSTEM
Colleagues help DeLaRua heal. Read his story.
Law enforcement veteran survives life-threatening motorcycle accident thanks to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South
Law enforcement is in Ruamen DeLaRua's blood, having served Florida communities for 42 years. As a City of Miami Police Department motorman, the 60-year-old was on his way to escort guests during a funeral service when he was involved in a life- threatening accident. DeLaRua was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South with multiple fractures. He underwent a five-hour emergency orthopedic surgery at Jackson South and was eventually discharged to Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation
Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/ Jackson Memorial. When DeLaRua arrived at Lynn Rehabilitation Center, he was unable to put weight on his right side and could not use his hands. Two weeks of extensive physical and occupational therapies followed. DeLaRua continues his recovery with the help of at-home rehabilitation therapy. He's now able to walk on his own and is working toward getting back to his normal life.
Labors of Love: An EMMY-winning tribute to labor and delivery nurses
From dancing with moms in labor to rushing to the operating room when emergencies arise, Labors of Love is a three-part docuseries that gives a glimpse of the special bond between nurses and their patients. The series showcases the clinical excellence and compassion of the staff in Jackson Health System's labor and delivery units. "Breech Baby Day," the first episode, won a Suncoast EMMY Award in the health/medical category.
Learn more at LaborsofLove.org
Defying the diagnosis:
Two decades after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, Richardy Blanchard, 40, was shocked to discover she was pregnant. At The Women's Hospital at Jackson Memorial, she found a team of experts to guide her through a happy, yet complicated, journey to motherhood. Thanks to the collaboration between the UHealth Jackson Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Holtz Children's Hospital NICU teams, Blanchard welcomed her baby boy.
appy yther's Mommy
Read how one mother beat the odds.
In-utero procedure is a lifesaver for baby Lucas. Read his story.
Doctors perform first-ever in-utero embolization in Florida at Holtz Children's Hospital
Thirty five weeks into her pregnancy, Lainey Ramos Arango's world changed drastically. Doctors said an ultrasound indicated a potential blood vessel anomaly in her baby's brain. Further testing confirmed a rare vein of Galen malformation. Rodrigo Ruano, MD, PhD, director of the UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center and division chief of UHealth Jackson Maternal-Fetal Medicine, assembled a multi-disciplinary team to brainstorm the best option for Arango and her baby, including colleague and renowned expert on the condition, Robert M. Starke, MD, co-director of endovascular neurosurgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and a UHealth - University of Miami Health System neurosurgeon and neuroradiologist. Dr. Ruano and the team determined an in-utero intervention to correct the malformation offered the best prognosis. The procedure had only been performed a handful of times around the world, and only once before by Dr. Ruano. Lucas Hormachea was born three weeks later via C-section and doctors say his heart function is normal. Drs. Ruano and Starke were joined by a multidisciplinary group of subspecialists that included Holtz Children's Hospital's neonatal team, pediatric anaesthesiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and pediatric radiologists for the groundbreaking surgery.
Jackson excels at second chances:
From advanced transplants to life-saving stroke care
Miami Transplant Institute performs first fully robotic dual kidney/pancreas transplant
Elizabeth Ramirez was diagnosed with type I diabetes in her native Honduras when she was 8 years old. As an adult suffering from diabetes, pancreatitis, and kidney failure, doctors said a kidney/pancreas transplant was inevitable. Ramirez found answers at Miami Transplant Institute (MTI), an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth - University of Miami Health System.
A multidisciplinary team, led by Rodrigo Vianna, MD, PhD, MTI's director of transplant services and chief of liver, intestinal, and multivisceral transplant, and Phillipe Abreu, MD, an abdominal transplant and robotics surgeon, performed the first fully robotic dual transplant procedure on Ramirez.
Robotic dual transplant is a success. Read Ramirez's story.
Hialeah man receives life-saving treatment at Jackson West Medical Center after suffering heart attack
After a lifetime of smoking cigarettes, Carlos Andres Escobar, 44, experienced a life-threatening heart attack. Fortunately, just 10 days prior to Escobar's health scare, Jackson West Medical Center's team had received their latest ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) accreditation. A STEMI is the most severe type of heart attack, and requires immediate care. Because of their new certification, the Jackson West team was able to quickly stabilize and treat Escobar.
Escobar is thankful for more family time. Read his story.
Don't let their cuteness fool you. These canine caregivers have important jobs to do. Harmony, Jackson Health System's first-ever facility assistance dog, helps rehabilitation patients at Jackson North Medical Center, while Mahi Mahi helps young patients and their families at Holtz Children's Hospital.
The highly trained canines play important roles in our patients' healing journeys.
Harmony works with Jackson North patients, retrieving items and walking alongside them when they need help with building their balance and strength. She's trained to respond to more than 80 cues at the direction of her four handlers, who are rehabilitation therapists at Jackson North.
Mahi Mahi helps young patients navigate everything from rehabilitation and procedure prep to difficult conversations about end-of-life and palliative care.
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Bariatric patients prove good health is always in style
Our bariatric patients hit the runway to confidently showcase their transformations at Healthy Strides-a fashion show that fused style and wellness. In partnership with Miami International Mall, Jackson Health System celebrated the patients' new looks and healthy outlooks on life.
Amers
In collaboration with Jackson Health System, the Healthtech Innovation Hub "Driven by Innovation" had a successful debut at emerge Americas, the annual gathering showcasing the latest technological advancements and trends. Jackson experts participated in panel discussions about the future of health care and the role of Al-driven diagnostics in delivering patient-centric care.
NBY INNOV eMerge Americas attendees were also treated to a plethora of interactive exhibits. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine brought along Harvey, the world's leading simulation training mannequin, to "explain" how he simulates more than 50 heart conditions at the touch of a button.
Every second counts when someone experiences cardiac arrest. Receiving CPR immediately can double or even triple survival rates. Jackson Health System teamed up with the American Heart Association, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and South Florida Red Cross to bring CPR Day Miami to 10 locations across Miami-Dade. More than 1,000 participants learned hands-only CPR from more than 50 certified instructors, first responders, and community volunteers.
The UHealth/Jackson Station, previously known as the Civic Center Metrorail Station, marks the start of a 20-year collaboration that will generate new funding for Miami-Dade County's transportation infrastructure. Miami-Dade's Mayor Daniella Levine Cava held a ceremony to formally unveil the new name and highlight the need for greater access to the advanced care available at the essential healthcare hub that houses Jackson Memorial Medical Center and UHealth - University of Miami Health System.
The Jackson Health System team brings medical expertise and team spirit to the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix as the official medical provider for the event. From a fully equipped on-site trauma center that guaranteed swift emergency responses, to hydration stations, we kept the races thrilling and safe.
Community pulls out all the stops in support of Jackson
On April 4, 2024, Jackson Health Foundation launched One Day for Jackson, a 24-hour fundraising campaign dedicated to supporting Jackson Health System.
The community-driven initiative brought together local businesses, organizations, residents, employees, and municipalities for a day filled with events, partnerships, and generosity-all with the goal of advancing Jackson's life-saving work.
In its inaugural year, One Day for Jackson raised more than $550,000, with proceeds funding vital projects, including the $300 million renovation and expansion of Jackson Memorial Hospital's emergency room.
The funds raised during One Day for Jackson directly support initiatives that ensure Jackson remains a lifeline in our community.
Acquiring innovative medical technology to improve patient outcomes.
• Expanding access to specialized treatments for underserved populations.
Enhancing state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the highest standards of care.
Jackson Health System and Jackson Health Foundation break ground on new emergency room
The $300 million renovation will transform the current 48,000-square-foot emergency room to a state-of-the-art facility spanning 178,800 square feet, making it the largest in the nation once completed in March 2026. Jackson Health System CEO Carlos Migoya told dignitaries, philanthropists, and members of Jackson's clinical team who were in attendance at the groundbreaking that the expansion will be transformative.
Lee Brian Schrager, founder of The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, hosts benefit for Miami Transplant Institute
Michelin two-starred chef Benjamin Six from Madame Rêve Hotel in Paris prepared an unforgettable French- and Japanese- inspired wine dinner for an intimate group of generous donors to celebrate the life-saving work of Miami Transplant Institute, an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth - University of Miami Health System.
BY THE NUMBERS:
Special thanks were extended to Trish and Dan Bell, Carlos and Martaligia Lopez-Cantera, and Ceferino Machado for their generous contributions toward the adult emergency room expansion. The Batchelor Foundation, G City, and West Coast University also received acknowledgment for their generosity, as their contributions will help fund the pediatric emergency room expansion. The pediatric area will have a separate entrance and a dedicated child-friendly lobby and registration area.
observation rooms
Claman family shares gratitude with other families of stroke patients
The Claman family's journey with Jackson Health System began in 2017 when the patriarch suffered a massive stroke. In appreciation for the exceptional care he received from Jackson's team of doctors and staff, the family is honoring their loved one's memory by funding the Jeffrey A. Claman Fund for Stroke program to help other stroke patients. They also made a meaningful contribution to Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial to support a family lounge and recreational therapy program.
resuscitation rooms
The Guardian Angels, a membership group within Jackson Health Foundation, celebrated their 25th anniversary by raising $920,000 for Holtz Children's Hospital. Attendees at this year's Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show reflected upon the group's impactful contributions to pediatric care over the last 25 years. Current efforts focus on expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit and the new pediatric emergency room.
The Golden Angel Society, Jackson Health Foundation's premiere giving group, brought together more than 750 philanthropists and community leaders to raise $6 million and celebrate the best of Jackson.
VUMI Group, an international health insurance company, marked the occasion by announcing a $4 million contribution for Jackson Memorial Hospital and José Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West Medical Center.
Jackson Health Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of respected community leaders who share Jackson Health System's commitment to providing world-class care in our corner of the world.
Vice Chairman Matthew Grosack Holland & Knight LLP
David Barbeito De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC
Ryder Trauma Center Cases (adult and pediatric)
Visits to Emergency Department (adult and pediatric)
Visits to Emergency Department (adult and pediatric)
Visits to Emergency Department (adult and pediatric)
Facts and Statistics FY 2023/2024
Visits to Emergency Department (adult and pediatric)
Visits to Outpatient Clinics (adult and pediatric)
Rehabilitation Clinic Physician Visits (adult and pediatric)