Elliott comes to the position from HCA Florida Largo Hosptial, where she served as chief operating officer

JULY 20, 2026 – Mari Elliott is the new chief executive officer (CEO) of HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital and HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, announced by Jyric Sims, president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division.

“Mari is an experienced HCA Healthcare leader with nearly two decades of progressive healthcare leadership experience,” said Sims.  “Most recently, she excelled as chief operating officer (COO) for HCA Florida Largo Hospital, where she was responsible for operational performance, program development and hospital strategy across multiple campuses, including ancillary services, clinical departments, surgical services and four emergency department locations.”

Prior to Largo Hospital, Mari served as COO for HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital and the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. In that role, she led operations across three campuses, supported surgical volume growth and helped launch the nation’s first Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. She also held leadership roles with Reston Hospital Center, Bayfront Health Brooksville and St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, including service as interim CEO during a period of transition.

Mari earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Communications from the University of Florida.

In her free time, Mari enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, attending Tampa Bay Lightning games and cheering on her daughter, who also plays hockey.



July 22, 2026 – Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) has once again earned national recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) for delivering exceptional, evidence-based stroke care, receiving multiple 2026 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke quality achievement awards for both of its hospitals. NCH Downtown Naples Hospital received: Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. NCH North Hospital received: NNH: Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.

The annual awards recognize hospitals that consistently meet rigorous, evidence-based performance standards that improve outcomes for patients experiencing stroke. The 2026 recognitions are based on patient care provided between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025.

Stroke is a medical emergency in which an estimated 1.9 million brain cells die every minute treatment is delayed, making rapid recognition and evidence-based care essential to improving survival and reducing long-term disability. It remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States.

These latest honors further strengthen NCH’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for stroke care. The awards add to an exceptional list of national recognition for the health system, which was recently named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for the second year in a row, as well as recognized among Modern Healthcare’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals.

The awards also build upon the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute’s distinction as one of only five Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida. This certification represents the highest level of stroke center designation available and recognizes hospitals with the specialized expertise, advanced technology and multidisciplinary capabilities required to treat the most complex stroke cases 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“These awards validate what our patients experience every day: a highly coordinated team prepared to deliver the most advanced stroke care the moment they arrive,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. “Every member of our stroke program shares a single goal – restoring lives by providing the right treatment as quickly as possible. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to continually raising the standard of stroke care for the patients and families who trust us with their care.”

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke program helps hospitals improve patient outcomes by promoting adherence to the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines. Hospitals earning these awards have demonstrated sustained success in rapidly diagnosing and treating stroke patients while meeting stringent quality measures that improve survival, reduce complications and enhance recovery.

“The strength of the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute is our ability to deliver comprehensive stroke care every hour of every day,” said Mazen AbuAwad, MD, the John and Susan Morrison Endowed Chair and Executive Director of the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. “From advanced neurointerventional procedures to intensive care and rehabilitation, we’ve built an integrated program designed to treat even the most complex stroke cases. These awards recognize not only outstanding outcomes, but the investment NCH has made in creating one of the region’s most advanced stroke programs.”

The institute will play a central role in the future R.M. Schulze Family Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center, further expanding access to nationally recognized stroke care for Southwest Florida. 

About NCH
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is an advanced community healthcare system serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. A locally governed nonprofit, NCH has been recognized among America’s Top 50 hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence. It was also named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Modern Healthcare. The system includes NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital, with more than 700 beds and more than 750 physicians, along with medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida. NCH is the region’s only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and its cardiac care program ranks among the top three in the state. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Northwestern Medicine for oncology, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available locally. With the largest provider network, urgent and immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH continues to advance the quality of care close to home. For more information, visit nchmd.org.



Corey Murphy, Andrea Mena, Rocio Tamez, Antywn McCoy, Rod James, Bridgette Knight, Catherine Toms and Chanukah Jerome

Funding will help provide free transportation for expectant mothers and children traveling to critical medical appointments

JULY 22, 2026 –  – Quantum Foundation has awarded $65,471 to Green Cars for Kids to help expand access to healthcare for expectant mothers and children in Palm Beach County by removing one of the region’s most persistent barriers to care: transportation.

The grant will support the launch of Green Cars for Kids’ transportation program in the rural, western Glades communities of Palm Beach County, in partnership with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Community Health Centers. The initiative provides free rides in zero-emission electric vehicles to eligible expectant mothers and children traveling to medical appointments.

In the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay, 24% of residents lack a personal vehicle, making it difficult for families to attend prenatal visits, pediatric appointments and specialized medical care.

The Health Care District’s Federally Qualified Health Center in Belle Glade serves adults and children with or without insurance, providing primary care, dental care, pharmacy services, mental health and women’s health on the same campus as the Health Care District’s teaching hospital, Lakeside Medical Center. By reducing missed appointments, the program aims to improve health outcomes for mothers and children.

“Access to healthcare begins with access to transportation,” said Eric Kelly, President and CEO of Quantum Foundation. “At Quantum Foundation, we invest in innovative solutions that remove barriers to better health. We’re proud to support Green Cars for Kids as they expand this important program into Palm Beach County, helping more families receive the care they need while advancing healthier communities.”

Quantum Foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. The health foundation was formed from $125 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $172 million. Since its inception, Quantum Foundation has awarded $184 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.

The funding will support approximately 500 established patients each year receiving care through the Health Care District’s Belle Glade Community Health Center. Established patients interested in learning more about the program or determining their eligibility are encouraged to call 561-642-1000, ext. 211016.

Since launching in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Green Cars for Kids has provided nearly 10,000 medical trips for more than 3,000 unique clients. The Palm Beach County expansion builds on that success.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Quantum Foundation for its investment in the health and well-being of Palm Beach County families,” said Dr. Catherine Toms, President of Green Cars for Kids. “This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure that expectant mothers and children can get to critical medical appointments without transportation standing in the way. Together, we’re helping families access the care they deserve while building healthier communities.”

Green Cars for Kids is a Palm Beach County-based nonprofit organization offering free transportation to low-income expectant mothers and children for healthcare visits, using electric vehicles. By partnering with healthcare providers and community groups, the organization bridges the transportation gap and advances healthy communities and sustainability. Find out more at their website or follow them on Instagram.

The initiative is also supported by the 2×4 Foundation and by Volkswagen Group of America, which is providing the temporary use of 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric SUV.

For more information, please visit the Green Cars for Kids website at https://greencars4kids.org/ or contact info@greencars4kids.org.



Transforming a Trusted Community 24/7 Care Center into an Expanded Emergency Room

July 21, 2026 – Today, the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners, elected officials, community leaders and other stakeholders celebrated the new Memorial Healthcare System Douglas Road ER with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked the transformation of Memorial’s longtime 24/7 Care Center into a larger, more advanced freestanding emergency room that expands access to high-level emergency care for residents of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

The new freestanding emergency room, located at 801 S. Douglas Road, officially opens to the public in August 2026. The expanded 30,000-square-foot facility was designed to provide rapid emergency care for adults and children while remaining fully connected to Memorial Healthcare System’s network of hospitals, specialists and follow-up care services.

Unlike urgent care centers, Douglas Road ER is a licensed emergency department of Memorial Hospital Pembroke, equipped to provide advanced diagnostics, initial trauma stabilization and emergency care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The facility features 41 treatment spaces, including 18 private adult treatment rooms, four dedicated pediatric treatment rooms, 16 fast-track rooms, five triage bays, a trauma and resuscitation room, a dedicated procedure room, a bariatric room and a quiet room. Advanced imaging capabilities include 24-hour CT scans, X-rays and ultrasound, along with a full-service on-site laboratory to support fast, efficient emergency evaluation and treatment.

For more than 40 years, the Memorial 24/7 Care Center has served the Pembroke Pines community, evaluating more than 800,000 patients over the past 15 years alone. Today, that trusted location enters a new era as the Memorial Healthcare System Douglas Road ER, expanding emergency services and increasing capacity to meet the community’s growing needs.

“This summer marks another important milestone for Memorial Healthcare System as we continue expanding access to emergency care across our communities,” said Shane Strum, interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “Douglas Road ER is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen Memorial’s emergency care network and ensure our growing communities have access to the advanced emergency services they need. This $52 million investment reflects our commitment to building the healthcare infrastructure that will serve South Florida for generations to come.”

The Douglas Road ER, together with the Memorial Healthcare System Red Road ER, expands Memorial’s emergency care network across South Broward and Northwest Miami-Dade. Together, the two facilities are expected to help serve more than 32,850 patients annually while easing congestion at nearby emergency departments as population in the region continues to grow.

“For more than 40 years, this location has been part of the fabric of our community,” said Felicia Turnley, CEO of Memorial Hospital Pembroke, which oversees Douglas Road ER. “Generations of families have come through these doors, and while this facility has been transformed, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency care when our community needs us most.

As part of Memorial Healthcare System, Douglas Road ER connects patients directly to Memorial’s network of hospitals, specialists, primary care providers, urgent care centers and follow-up services, helping ensure coordinated care from emergency treatment through recovery. Patients requiring surgery, specialized procedures or hospital admission can be seamlessly transferred within Memorial Healthcare System.

“Douglas Road ER was designed to care for patients with a broad range of urgent and serious medical conditions while providing expanded emergency capabilities for our community,” said Dr. Louis Jane, emergency medical director of the Douglas Road ER. “This facility gives our emergency teams the space, technology and resources they need to deliver the highest level of care for patients and families when they need us most.”

 

About Memorial Healthcare System  

South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System is a national leader in quality care and patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Its commitment to deeper caring, smarter health and community outreach prioritizes a person-centered approach that has delivered safe, positive outcomes for more than 70 years.  

Memorial is committed to healing the body, mind and spirit of those in its care. For more information, visit mhs.net and connect on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.  



July 21, 2026 – Summer is expected to be hotter than usual in Florida this year – and this may put your health more at risk than you think.

According to the National Weather Service, there is 40-50 percent chance Florida temperatures will be higher than average this summer, thanks in part to the El Niño weather pattern that could boost already high temperatures.

Higher temperatures are a major health risk for people with chronic conditions, older adults, those who work outdoors, and people who take certain medications that affect heat tolerance.

 Rising temperatures are a growing health risk

More than 60,000 people are treated in the emergency room every year for heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses and about 13 percent of these people typically need to be hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Florida has the most heat-related emergency room visits in the U.S., according to a Florida Policy Institute report.

And as average summer temperatures have risen over time in the U.S., so too have heat-related deaths, according to a study from the Yale School of Public Health. The report shows that since 2000, heat-related deaths in the U.S. have risen by 50 percent.

“Many people don’t realize how vulnerable they are to heat-related illnesses during Florida’s intense summers,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, vice president and chief medical officer for Florida Blue.  “You can think you are fine and soon be in crisis.  When you are outside, be sure to stay hydrated, plan your activities for morning or evening when possible, limit your total time in the heat and pay attention to early signs like rapid heartbeat, no sweating or profuse sweating, headaches or nausea and get out of the heat right away”

Here’s how heat may affect you without you even realizing it:

  • You take a medication that affects your heat tolerance. This is a side effect of many common medications, including certain heart medications, decongestants, antidepressants, and more.
  • You have a chronic condition like heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions can disrupt how your body reacts to temperature changes, and you’re more likely to take medications that affect you, too.
  • You’re an older adult. As we age, our bodies are no longer able to regulate temperature changes as well as they did when we were younger. You’re also more likely to have chronic conditions and take medications.
  • You work outside … and have a chronic condition or take a medication that affects heat tolerance. More than 600,000 Floridians work outside, according to the Florida Policy Institute. While many outdoor workers prepare drinking plenty of water, some face risks they cannot change due to their employment, such as wearing heavy clothing. Also, some outdoor workers may not realize their risk is increased because they have a chronic condition or take a medication that affects how the body reacts to heat.

Protect yourself in the heat

  1. Stay cool: Stay inside during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  2. Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water or sports drinks with electrolytes.
  3. Avoid strenuous activities: If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks and find shade.
  4. Watch your numbers: If you have a chronic condition, keep track of your blood pressure and blood sugar and let your doctor know if something changes.
  5. Protect your body: Wear sunscreen, protective layers, and a hat. And stay inside when you can.

 Most importantly, if you experience any of these symptoms, get help right away.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Fainting

“The good news is heat stroke is preventable,” Graf said. “Take this risk seriously. Drink water and be careful when you’re outdoors. Don’t wait to get help if you start feeling dizzy or weak. Your health is worth it.”

About Florida Blue

Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue is the leading health insurer in Florida, and part of GuideWell, a not-for-profit health services company. Florida Blue offers a range of health plans and personalized care programs for individuals, families, businesses of all sizes, and Medicare beneficiaries. For over 80 years, the organization has been member centric and committed to making health care as accessible and affordable as possible. Serving more than six million members across all 67 Florida counties, Florida Blue has more than 7,000 employees and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is owned by its policyholders, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information visit FloridaBlue.com.