Jackson Health System's 2026 Report to the Community.
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"What makes Jackson so special is not simply the buildings we open or the programs we build - it is our people and our purpose. Every day, our team of 15,000 dedicated employees show up committed to healing, comforting, and saving lives.
Today, Jackson is stronger than ever before.
The past year has been defined by growth, transformation, and progress. Across Miami-Dade County, Jackson Health System continues to expand access to high-quality care, strengthen our clinical programs, invest in innovation, and fulfill our commitment to the community we are proud to serve.
We continue to grow thoughtfully across the county, bringing care closer to where people live, work, and raise their families. From Coral Gables to North Miami Beach to Doral, we are creating more convenient access points for residents and visitors alike - with even more growth planned for the future.
These investments reflect our vision for the future: a health system that is connected, accessible, and built around the evolving needs of our community.
At the same time, we remain focused on the highly specialized care that defines Jackson as one of the nation's leading public, academic health systems. From transplantation and trauma to cardiac care, rehabilitation, pediatrics, neurosurgery, and high-risk maternity care, our teams continue to deliver world-class care every day - with compassion and respect in every interaction.
What makes Jackson so special is not simply the buildings we open or the programs we build - it is our people and our purpose. Every day, our team of 15,000 dedicated employees show up committed to healing, comforting, and saving lives. Together, they represent the very best of Miami-Dade County.
Jackson is this community's health system. It belongs to the people of this county. It belongs to you.
I could not be more optimistic about Jackson's future. Our foundation is strong, the momentum is undeniable, and the opportunities ahead are extraordinary.
“At the heart of this work is a simple, but powerful mission: to provide the same high-quality care to every Miami-Dade County resident, regardless of their financial circumstances or background."
In every moment of need, our community knows that Jackson Health System stands ready to serve. That trust has been built over generations by dedicated doctors, nurses, and other team members who believe that health care is not just a service we provide, but a responsibility. And it is one that we do not take lightly.
At the heart of this work is a simple, but powerful mission: to provide the same high-quality care to every Miami-Dade County resident, regardless of their financial circumstances or background. Still, while we are steadfast in our commitment, Jackson continues to embrace innovation, expand access to care, and invest in the future of medicine.
From integrating the most advanced technology and pioneering lifesaving medical procedures to expanding access points to reach more patients in need, Jackson has a roadmap for long-term, sustainable success. The foundation that has been built is solid and positions Jackson to continue advancing with intention, discipline, and purpose.
Our community has every reason to be proud of its health system. Jackson's people, programs, and facilities continue to earn national recognition for excellence in a variety of different areas. As one of Miami-Dade's largest employers and economic engines, the health system is deeply woven into the community it serves. Our graduate medical education program is among the nation's most renowned, training future doctors in more than 100 residency programs. Most importantly, our impact is measured by the countless lives who have been saved at Jackson.
I am in awe of the noble work done by our team members who deliver compassionate care with unmatched expertise. Miami-Dade is stronger because Jackson Health System is in our backyard.
Jackson
HEALTH SYSTEM
Christine E. Lynn Founding Benefactor
500 lung transplants and counting
Miami Transplant Institute celebrates 500th Lung Transplant Marcos Dabul put his active lifestyle on hold when a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis made it tough to breath. Five years later, Dabul received the 500th lung transplant at Miami Transplant Institute (MTI), a joint program between Jackson Health System and UHealth - University of Miami Health System.
Dabul, his family, and the entire lung team celebrated the milestones together. A national leader in transplant innovation, MTI was the first in the U.S. to use an advanced Lung Preservation System which allows donated lungs to remain viable longer. For patients like Dabul, that means access to viable lungs from further away and less time on a waiting list.
Marcos' journey from pulmonary fibrosis to celebration.
Jazz musician gets his groove back through living kidney donor
Jazz musician Jamie Ousley was struggling with fatigue that made performing and teaching nearly impossible. Diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a progressive kidney disease, his energy steadily declined, threatening both his career and daily life. When his nephrologist referred him to the Miami Transplant Institute (MTI), Jamie faced a daunting question: how could he ask someone to donate a kidney?
His cousin, Sarah Overman, didn't hesitate. Testing confirmed she was a match, and in July 2025, Jamie received her kidney through a minimally invasive robotic procedure. Both donor and recipient recovered quickly, and Jamie is now regaining his energy, returning to the stage, the classroom, and the life he loves-all thanks to the generosity of family and the expertise of MTI's living donor program.
Living donors shorten wait times. Read Ousley's story.
For the third year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial as one of the best rehabilitation hospitals for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and other traumas.
Lynn Rehabilitation Center, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, is among the top 3% rehabilitation hospitals in the country.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Kickboxing coach Richard Vargas has never forgotten his life-threatening brain injury and the grueling physical and emotional recovery that followed.
After an emotional reunion with one of his former Lynn Rehabilitation Center therapists at the gym, the Special and Strong kickboxing class was born. Vargas wants others to see there is life after brain injuries, amputations, paralysis, and other conditions.
Vargas inspires hope after life-threatening injury.
What began as a routine cross-country meet for Christopher Columbus High School runner Matthew Nunez quickly turned into a medical emergency. Less than half a mile into the race, Nunez suddenly collapsed and was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South.
Doctors worked through several complications before determining that Nunez had suffered a massive brain bleed. He was quickly transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he underwent a life-saving neurosurgery. After months of recovery and rehabilitation, he returned to the sport he loves, graduated high school, and is now studying at Florida Atlantic University.
Nunez beats the odds.
Read his story.
Holtz patient is the first female to receive groundbreaking gene therapy for Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosed at age two with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Raniya Scott has spent much of her life facing the progressive challenges of the disease. Now 16, she made history as the first female in the world to receive a promising new gene therapy for DMD.
Her doctors at Holtz Children's Hospital are hopeful that the treatment, the first gene therapy approved for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, could help slow the progression of the disease.
Raniya's doctors say she already appears stronger. Read her story.
Genetic testing is transforming infant care at UHealth Jackson Children's Rare Disease Center
Pankaj Agrawal, MD, chief of neonatology at Holtz Children's Hospital, part of UHealth Jackson Children's, is advancing the use of genetic testing to better understand and treat rare diseases in newborns. By analyzing a child's genetic data, he and his team can identify the underlying cause of complex conditions and determine the most effective course of care.
Through whole genome sequencing and other emerging technologies, Dr. Agrawal's team can anticipate how a child with certain genetic markers may respond to medications or treatments. In some cases, they can even develop care plans before symptoms appear. For babies with rare conditions, this kind of early insight can be lifesaving.
Genetic testing is revolutionizing infant health. Learn more.
Holtz Children's is among top hospitals in Florida and the Southeast
Once again, the specialists at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center were recognized among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. Holtz Children's Hospital is proud to have been ranked seventh among Florida's best children's hospitals, a reflection of our team's dedication to providing exceptional care to children and families.
Teen is first in South Florida to receive sickle cell gene therapy After years of having sickle cell disease rule his life, 19-year-old Caden Major has a bright new outlook. Caden is the first pediatric patient in South Florida to receive a new FDA-approved gene therapy for sickle cell.
Today, Caden is pain free, a dramatic change from the severe pain crises that once led to frequent hospitalizations, including one that lasted nearly two months.
Breaking free from sickle cell pain. Read Caden's story.
Nationally recognized in pediatric: Diabetes and endocrinology
Gastroenterology and Gl surgery #41
Nephrology
Dylan Smith's remarkable recovery once seemed unlikely when he first arrived at Holtz Children's Hospital. During a backyard challenge with his sister to see who could hold their breath underwater the longest, 8-year-old Dylan lost consciousness and drowned, suffering a cardiac arrest.
Doctors feared that even if he survived, the prolonged lack of oxygen to his brain could cause serious developmental delays. Instead, Dylan defied expectations.
As part of his care, doctors used a specialized cooling technique currently being studied to determine whether lowering the body's temperature after cardiac arrest can help protect the brain. The treatment is part of a research study not widely available. Doctors believe it may have played a role in Dylan's recovery, along rehabilitation and plenty of determination.
Dylan beat the odds and won the staff's hearts.
Read his story.
After years of painful arthritic knees, Mariela Lopez turned to Jeffrey Alan Rich, DO, an orthopedic surgeon at Jackson South Medical Center. Dr. Rich uses a specialized knee replacement technique that follows each patient's natural alignment, rather than forcing a perfectly straight mechanical alignment. Mariela had both knees replaced and is looking forward to getting back to the activities she loves.
"With measured kinematic alignment, you're putting the knee back in the position they were born with."
- Dr. Jeffrey Alan Rich
Read Mariela's journey to pain-free knees.
Spinal tether surgery is game changer for teens with scoliosis
Brian Grottkau, M.D., chief of pediatric orthopedics and pediatric surgical services at Holtz Children's Hospital has helped many scoliosis patients with vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery because it uses a flexible tether to guide the spine and maintain flexibility as the child grows.
When 15-year-old Deidre Romer, from the Bahamas, came to see Dr. Grottkau, he determined she needed the tethering in her lower back and a spinal fusion for her upper/mid back.
Dr. Grottkau and his team performed the specialized spinal procedure combining the fusion and tether technique. Deidre became the first patient at Holtz Children's to receive a hybrid tether surgery.
VINNER
Deidre is back to the life of a normal teenager.
Dr. Sam Huckabee and his team spent four busy days seeing patients on a mission trip to Jamaica. On the final day, he felt a sharp pain between his shoulder blades and feared a heart attack.
Things worsened on the flight home, and his son directed their Uber to Jackson Heart Institute during their Miami layover. A CT scan revealed a life-threatening aortic tear, and Huckabee was rushed into surgery.
"The mortality of this disease rises dramatically by the hour in the first 24 hours, so timely care is critical," said Farhang Yazdchi, MD, medical director of aortic surgery at Jackson Heart Institute.
Learn how Jackson
Heart Institute made all the difference for Sam.
At Jackson North Medical Center, the annual Back-2-School and Community Health Fair provided backpacks, school supplies, and important health screenings for local families.
CPR day reminds us that every second counts
More than 1,000 people learned CPR at locations across the county during the annual event, hosted in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the South Florida Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and Cigna Healthcare.
Jackson Health System provided close to 10,000 free EKGs across the community, including 3,000 for kids at local schools, in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This noninvasive test can help identify potential heart issues early, especially in active young athletes.
Jackson Health System launched a podcast that showcases our experts and our role as the community's go-to source for healthcare insights. Every two weeks, host Ruelle Champion welcomes local personalities like Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Dr. George Paul. You never know what you'll learn!
In collaboration with Jackson Health System, the Healthtech Innovation Hub featured experts discussing everything from artificial intelligence and robotics in rehabilitation to how genetic testing is shaping neonatal medicine.
The Hub, sponsored in partnership with the University of Miami, was a popular stop at the annual international conference in Miami.
Keeping things safe in the fast lane
As the exclusive healthcare provider for the Formula 1 Miami, Jackson Health System and the Ryder Trauma Center team recreated a trackside trauma unit to support drivers, crews, and staff at one of motorsports most high-profile events.
HEALTH SYSTEM
MEDICAL
One Day for Jackson is 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 of events, partnerships, and generosity, all in support of Jackson's life-saving work.
More than $900,000 was raised for key initiatives, such as supporting the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The 2025 total event surpassed the $550,000 raised in the inaugural year.
The Guardian Angels, a membership group within the Jackson Health Foundation, continue to support world-class pediatric care at Holtz Children's Hospital with style! The annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show, in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, raised more than $1,029,461.
Golden Angels celebrate a successful year of giving
The Golden Angels Society, Jackson Health Foundation's premier giving group, hosted a spectacular sold-out annual gala. More than 650 philanthropists came together to celebrate a year of impactful giving by raising $1,406,195.
Toy drive and boat parade of holiday cheer
Biscayne Bay lit up for the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive and Boat Parade as the community rallied around the children in Jackson's care. Thousands of toys were collected for patients at Holtz Children's Hospital.
The 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.
De La Hoz, Perez & Barbeito, PLLC
A heartfelt gift for Jackson South patients and families
A heartfelt thank you to long-time donor and Silver Seraphim of Jackson Health Foundation, Sammy Gordon. We celebrated the ribbon cutting for his generous donation supporting Jackson South Medical Center and for honoring the legacy and compassion of Dr. Juan Pablo Zambrano. The Dr. Juan Pablo Zambrano Surgical Family Lounge will serve thousands of patients and loved ones, offering comfort when it matters most.
Ryder System, Inc.'s $2 million gift reinforces its enduring commitment to the Ryder Trauma Center, helping advance the high-quality, lifesaving care the community depends on every day.
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)
Visits to Emergency Department (adult and pediatric)
Visits to Outpatient Clinics (adult and pediatric)
Rehabilitation Clinic Physician Visits (adult and pediatric)