Denver Mitchell will lead talent strategies that build, support and retain the workforce behind exceptional patient care.

 

 August 17, 2026 – Following a national search, Baptist Health has named Denver Mitchell as executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO), effective September 1, 2026. 

 

As CHRO, Mitchell will serve as a strategic advisor to the executive leadership team, leading initiatives that strengthen Baptist Health’s workforce through talent planning, organizational design, succession planning and leadership development. She will also partner with clinical and operational leaders to anticipate workforce needs, address talent shortages and strengthen talent pipelines through recruitment strategies, workforce planning and strategic external relationships.

 

“Our ability to deliver exceptional care begins with our team members, and Denver will play a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining top talent,” said Matthew A. Zuino, MSIS, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “She brings extensive health care HR expertise and a proven track record of creating environments where people can do their best work, and we are delighted to welcome her to the Baptist Health family.”

 

Mitchell has more than 22 years of experience in human resources, 16 of those within the health care sector. She joins Baptist Health from Cape Fear Valley Health in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she served as senior vice president and CHRO, leading HR strategy for a health network with eight hospitals and 10,000 team members. She led key HR initiatives that contributed to several organizational honors, including being named a 2025 Well-Being First Champion by the group ALL IN: Well-Being First for Healthcare for supporting health care professionals’ mental health; earning a place on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list; and being featured on Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of hospitals and health systems with exceptional simulation and education programs. She also launched a Human Resources Center of Excellence, created a Leadership Institute that transformed training and mentoring programs and modernized HR operations across the health system. Prior to that role, she directed HR strategy at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.  

 

“I am thrilled to join an organization with such a strong commitment to its workforce and mission,” said Mitchell. “I’m looking forward to working alongside colleagues across the health system to strengthen our culture, advance leadership development and support the workforce that makes exceptional patient care possible.”

 

Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Alabama and is expected to receive a Master of Business Administration from Fayetteville State University in 2027. She has served as a member of the board of directors, strategic partners for the North Carolina Hospital Association and is a member of several workforce development and health care HR organizations, including the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration and the Society for Human Resource Management. 

 

  

About Baptist Health

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Baptist Health is a community-based health system focused on making health care easier to access while working to improve health and well-being. As the area’s only locally governed, faith-based, not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health delivers a full spectrum of preventive and specialty care through its 200+ ambulatory locations, six acute care hospitals, home health and virtual care offerings. Through its comprehensive approach to whole-person health for children and adults, Baptist Health provides the area’s largest network of primary care, urgent care and behavioral health care, as well as many specialty services and several wellness centers. Destination centers of excellence include Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist Heart Hospital, Baptist Neurological Institute, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the only full-service children’s hospital serving the region. To help people get the care they need when and where they need it, the health system leverages digital technology to enhance the delivery of its high-quality, seamless, patient-centered care. Baptist Health is vital to the community, caring for more patients in Northeast Florida than any other provider. The health system has been consistently ranked as “most preferred” for more than 30 years and has been named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” by Newsweek magazine. To learn more, visit BaptistJax.com.



August 17, 2026 – HCA Florida JFK North Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica L. Miller, BSN, RN, MBA, as its new chief executive officer.

Miller returns to Palm Beach County after serving as chief operating officer at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital in Miami. She previously served as chief nursing officer at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, where she led nursing operations.

With more than a decade of executive healthcare leadership experience, Miller brings a deep understanding of hospital operations with an expertise in service lines, including emergency services, trauma, women’s services, oncology, neonatal intensive care and critical care. Her career began on the front lines of patient care as a monitor technician and certified nursing assistant before she advanced through clinical and leadership roles, including director of clinical quality improvement, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer. These experiences have given her a unique appreciation for the dedication of every member of the healthcare team and the vital role each person plays in delivering outstanding patient care.

” I am confident Jessica will bring her proven leadership, unwavering commitment to Excellence ALWAYS and passion for patient care to HCA Florida JFK North Hospital as she leads the hospital into its next chapter of growth and service.,” said Charles Gressle, president of HCA Healthcare East Florida Division.

Miller earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration from Florida International University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor in the Health Service Administration Program. She is passionate about mentoring future healthcare leaders and has remained actively involved with numerous nonprofit organizations throughout South Florida.

“I am honored to join HCA Florida JFK North Hospital and return to Palm Beach County,” said Miller. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated physicians, colleagues and community partners to continue providing exceptional care and advancing the health of our community.”

As CEO, Miller will oversee the hospital’s strategic direction, clinical quality, operational excellence and continued commitment to delivering exceptional patient-centered care to residents throughout Palm Beach County.

 

About HCA Florida JFK North Hospital

HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, a 280-bed acute care facility, has served Palm Beach County for nearly 50 years. Recognized for 3 years in a row as Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award. Conveniently located near I-95, the hospital offers 24/7 emergency care for all ages and specializes in women’s health, spine, general surgery, gastrointestinal care, orthopedics, urology, vascular services and behavioral health. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, HCA Florida JFK North Hospital is proud to serve West Palm Beach and surrounding communities.

 

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.



By: Chad Hanson

An abnormal RNA signature tied to TDP-43 dysfunction was associated with poorer cognitive performance and faster decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease, pointing to a potential new biomarker and therapeutic target.

A molecular abnormality known to contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may also help explain why some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience more severe memory loss and faster cognitive decline than others, according to new research led by Mercedes Prudencio, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Leonard Petrucelli, Ph.D., professor of neurology and founding director of the Miller School’s Neuroscience Institute, also contributed to the research.

The study identified an abnormal RNA signature associated with poorer cognitive performance and more rapid decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting it could one day help identify patients at greatest risk for worsening symptoms.

The findings, based on analyses of 1,672 individuals with neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer’s disease, point to a biological pathway that may contribute directly to cognitive deterioration and could represent a promising target for future therapies.

Looking Beyond Amyloid and Tau

Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly associated with amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain. However, many patients also develop abnormalities involving a protein called TDP-43, which has increasingly been linked to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Previous research has shown that, when TDP-43 functions improperly, it can disrupt normal RNA processing inside cells. One of the genes affected by this process is UNC13A, which plays a critical role in communication between nerve cells.

Infographic illustrating a proposed molecular pathway linking TDP-43 dysfunction to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Four connected panels show: (1) Alzheimer's disease, represented by a brain graphic and a note that some patients decline faster than others; (2) TDP-43 dysfunction altering RNA processing; (3) abnormal UNC13A RNA levels associated with TDP-43 dysfunction; and (4) clinical impacts including memory decline, functional impairment and accelerated cognitive decline. A highlighted key finding states that UNC13A RNA may serve as a biomarker and future therapeutic target.

“UNC13A is a gene that helps nerve cells communicate with one another by supporting the release of neurotransmitters at synapses,” Dr. Prudencio said. “Healthy synaptic communication is essential for memory, learning and cognition. Researchers believe disruptions in UNC13A function may contribute to cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.”

In ALS and FTD, abnormalities involving UNC13A have already been associated with worse disease outcomes. Dr. Prudencio wanted to determine whether the same mechanism might influence Alzheimer’s disease.

To answer that question, the investigators analyzed genetic, clinical and neuropathological data from 1,672 individuals with autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Among those patients, hundreds also exhibited TDP-43 pathology, allowing researchers to examine how the two processes might interact.

Evaluating the Genetics Behind Cognitive Decline

The team investigated a common genetic variant within the UNC13A gene and examined whether it influenced disease severity, survival and cognitive performance. They also analyzed data from more than 466,000 participants in the UK Biobank to determine whether the same variant was associated with dementia in a broader population.

Researchers evaluated cognitive function using established clinical measures, including the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes. They compared baseline and follow-up assessments to determine whether genetic differences influenced the severity and progression of symptoms.

The investigators also examined brain tissue to measure levels of abnormal UNC13A RNA, often referred to as cryptic RNA, a molecular consequence of TDP-43 dysfunction. They then assessed whether those RNA changes were associated with worsening cognition.

Understanding UNC13A and Alzheimer’s Disease

What is the UNC13A gene and why is it important?

UNC13A is a gene that helps nerve cells communicate by supporting the release of neurotransmitters at synapses. Healthy synaptic communication is essential for memory, learning and cognition. Researchers believe disruptions in UNC13A function may contribute to cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.

What did researchers discover about UNC13A and Alzheimer’s disease?

The study found that a common genetic variant in UNC13A was associated with worse cognitive performance in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers also discovered that elevated levels of abnormal UNC13A RNA were strongly linked to faster cognitive decline and greater impairment over time.

What is TDP-43 and how does it affect Alzheimer’s disease?

TDP-43 is a protein involved in regulating RNA processing inside cells. In many people with Alzheimer’s disease, TDP-43 becomes dysfunctional, leading to abnormal RNA changes and worsening neurodegeneration. The study suggests that UNC13A abnormalities resulting from TDP-43 dysfunction may contribute to accelerated cognitive decline.

Could UNC13A help predict how quickly Alzheimer’s disease will progress?

The findings suggest that measuring abnormal UNC13A RNA levels may provide a more accurate indicator of disease progression than genetic testing alone. Higher levels of UNC13A cryptic RNA were strongly associated with worse cognitive function and faster rates of decline in study participants.

Could this research lead to new Alzheimer’s treatments?

Potentially. Because UNC13A plays an important role in neuronal communication and synaptic function, researchers believe therapies designed to correct UNC13A missplicing or reduce abnormal UNC13A RNA accumulation could help preserve brain function. The findings identify UNC13A as a promising target for future precision medicine approaches in Alzheimer’s disease and related TDP-43 proteinopathies.

Genetic Risk Was Important But Molecular Changes Mattered More

The study found that the UNC13A genetic variant did not increase the likelihood that a person would develop TDP-43 pathology and was not associated with shorter survival.

However, individuals carrying increasing numbers of the risk-associated genetic variant demonstrated worse cognitive performance and greater functional impairment. Researchers also observed a higher likelihood of dementia diagnoses among individuals carrying two copies of the risk variant in the UK Biobank population.

The most significant finding emerged when researchers examined brain tissue.

Higher levels of abnormal UNC13A RNA were strongly associated with poorer cognitive performance, greater functional impairment and faster rates of cognitive decline over time. These associations were observed across multiple clinical measures and proved more informative than genetic status alone.

Notably, researchers did not observe the same relationship in another gene affected by TDP-43 dysfunction, suggesting that UNC13A may play a uniquely important role in Alzheimer’s disease progression.

New Clues to How Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses

The findings provide additional evidence that abnormal RNA processing may contribute directly to the neuronal dysfunction underlying Alzheimer’s disease. UNC13A is essential for communication between nerve cells. Disruptions in its normal function could contribute to the synaptic dysfunction that often precedes memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Dr. Prudencio says the work also highlights the potential value of measuring UNC13A cryptic RNA as a biomarker of disease activity. Unlike genetic testing, which reflects inherited risk, the RNA marker may provide a more direct window into ongoing biological changes occurring within the brain.

The discovery could also have therapeutic implications. Previous studies have shown that correcting UNC13A missplicing can restore neuronal function in experimental models. The new findings suggest that therapies targeting this pathway may eventually help slow cognitive decline in patients whose disease involves TDP-43 dysfunction.

“We know that people with AD who also have TDP-43 dysfunction often experience a faster and more severe decline,” Dr. Prudencio said. “But TDP-43 dysfunction can only be detected at autopsy. Further, current treatments primarily target amyloid and tau, but these approaches may not fully address the additional impact of TDP-43. Our findings suggest that developing therapies aimed at TDP-43 or its downstream effects could lead to more personalized treatments and potentially improve outcomes for patients and families.”

Ultimately, the researchers conclude that UNC13A cryptic RNA may serve as both a promising biomarker and a potential therapeutic target. The work expands understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and points toward future precision-medicine strategies aimed at preserving cognition and brain function.

More from the Miller School of Medicine

Editorial illustration depicting a luminous X chromosome composed of DNA strands and molecular networks positioned against an abstract brain-inspired background. Subtle neural connections and genomic pathways radiate outward in University of Miami orange and green tones, representing research into how X chromosome genetics and epigenetics may influence Alzheimer disease risk and contribute to differences in disease susceptibility between women and men. Inspired by NIH-funded research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

NIH-Funded Study Explores How the X Chromosome Influences Alzheimer’s Disease Risk

Women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer disease. An NIH-funded University of Miami study explores the X chromosome’s role.

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University of Miami Researchers Study Genetic Change Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk in Men

Miller School researchers are studying whether loss of the Y chromosome may help identify men at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

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Dr. James Galvin in a white clinical coat sits at a desk reviewing colorful brain imaging scans displayed on a large computer monitor in an office setting.

University of Miami Researchers Showcase Advances in Dementia Detection, Treatment and Brain Health at AAIC 2026

Researchers from the University of Miami Comprehensive Center for Brain Health shared 16 studies at AAIC 2026, highlighting advances in dementia treatment, blood-based biomarkers and early cognitive screening.

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AI-generated Illustration depicting the gut-brain connection in Alzheimer's disease, featuring a translucent digestive tract on the left and a neural network–like brain on the right. A magnified cross-section of the intestinal lining in the center highlights gut barrier cells, microbes, and inflammatory particles, suggesting interactions between the gut microbiome, intestinal health, and brain function.

Could the Gut Hold Early Clues to Alzheimer’s Disease?

Miller School researchers found early Alzheimer’s-related damage in lab-grown intestinal tissue, revealing new clues about the gut-brain connection.

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August 10, 2026 — Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced it has commenced a private offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes maturing in 2034 (the “Additional Notes”), subject to market and other conditions. The Additional Notes will constitute a reopening of the Company’s 5.875% senior notes maturing in 2034 originally issued in May 2026 (the “Existing Notes”) and will be treated as the same class as, and will have the same terms (other than the date of issuance and the offering price) as, the Existing Notes. The Additional Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries that guarantee borrowings under the Company’s credit agreement and other capital markets debt.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Additional Notes, together with cash on hand, to repay outstanding amounts under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility.

The Additional Notes will be offered in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to certain non-U.S. persons in transactions outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The offer and any sale of the Additional Notes and the related guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and the Additional Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 176 hospitals in 39 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is recognized by Newsweek as America’s Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation and is ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies™ and Forbes’ America’s Best Companies. It is also recognized by Becker’s Healthcare and Modern Healthcare as a top healthcare employer. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.

From Fortune.© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune® is a registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health.



Aug. 3, 2026 – Orlando Health is rolling out the commercial use of the BleedID Vacuum Pad, a first of its kind, innovative medical device designed to improve the visualization of blood loss during obstetric and gynecological procedures, such as C-sections.

Orlando Health’s Dr. Neeraj Desai, maternal-fetal care physician, and Teresa Lance, clinical nurse specialist, worked for six years on developing the device. It is an absorbent, vacuum-assisted fluid collection device designed to be placed beneath the patient on a procedure or post-procedure table.

C-sections are one of the most common surgeries done in the United States, and accurate assessment of blood loss during childbirth remains a persistent clinical challenge. Often when vaginal bleeding occurs, it isn’t detected until blood pressure is affected or the clinicians see blood. BleedID will be able to much more quickly detect loss and allow for interventions and improved patient outcomes.

“Postpartum hemorrhage can develop rapidly and remains one of the leading causes of maternal complications during and after childbirth,” said Dr. Desai. “The BleedID system was developed to help care teams better quantify blood loss during cesarean deliveries, allowing us to identify potential concerns earlier and intervene more quickly when needed. Innovations like this have the potential to improve maternal outcomes and further enhance the safety of childbirth for mothers and babies.”

The BleedID is rolling out at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, with a goal to implement much more broadly. Dr. Desai and Teresa partnered with the Orlando Health Strategic Innovations team to bring the project to life.

“The development of BleedID exemplifies how collaboration between clinicians and our innovation team can accelerate ideas into impactful, real-world tools that improve patient safety and outcomes,” said Riham Hanna, assistant vice president, Orlando Health Strategic Innovations. “This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing the results and eventually bringing BleedID to much larger scale.”

Orlando Health Strategic Innovations (OHSI) is a department within Orlando Health that inspires, cultivates and accelerates innovation across the healthcare system. OHSI’s internal accelerator program identifies, refines, develops and commercializes the most promising innovations from team members and physicians. BleedID is registered under Aparata Medical, Orlando Health’s wholly owned subsidiary is registered with the FDA as Specification Developer for regulated medical devices.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $15 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.