Paul Tanner (Chair), Jonathan Hage (Vice Chair) and Nancy Stamper (Secretary/Treasurer) were unanimously elected to their officer positions at the July 29 North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners board meeting.

August 18, 2026 – The North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners, the governing body of Broward Health, unanimously elected its new officer positions at the July 29 board meeting. Paul Tanner was re-elected chair, Jonathan Hage was elected vice chair and Nancy Stamper was elected secretary/treasurer.

Additional commissioners serving on board include past chair Christopher Pernicano, past vice chair Stacy Angier, Ray Berry and Jennifer Nicole.

“The election of our Board of Commissioners reflects the strong leadership guiding Broward Health through an exciting period of growth and expansion,” said Shane Strum, President & CEO of Broward Health. “As we continue investing in our facilities, expanding access to care across the region and advancing innovative services, our commissioners’ vision and dedication remain instrumental to our success. I look forward to working together to build on our momentum.”

Tanner, a Fort Lauderdale resident, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2022 and was vice chair prior to his election to chair last year. He is the owner and founder of Las Olas Capital Advisors and has sourced and raised more than $2.5 billion in capital via private equity funds, private investors and institutional investors over the last 11 years.

Hage, a Fort Lauderdale resident, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2021 and has been the secretary/treasurer since 2023. He is the founder and CEO of Charter Schools USA, one of the nation’s largest and highest-performing education companies that encompasses 10,000 team members educating over 90,000 students in over 135 schools across the southeast U.S.

Stamper, a Coral Springs resident, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2017 and is a past chair. She is a partner at Birnbaum, Lippman & Gregoire, PLLC, where she specializes in appeals and litigation support. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a board-certified appellate attorney.

Angier, a Margate resident of 50 years, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2018 and was chair from 2021-2023 and vice chair from 2025-2026. She worked in Christian education for over 40 years and is now continuing in academia through education consulting and serving on the Board of League of Christian Schools.

Pernicano, a Fort Lauderdale resident, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2021 and is a past chair. He is the CEO of Fiberr USA, a leading provider of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) products and the exclusive Americas representative for Fiberr Composites.

Berry, a Davie resident, has served on the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners since 2018 and is a past chair. With more than 30 years of experience, he is the CEO and founder of Health Business Solutions, LLC, an innovative outsourced denial management solution for hospitals and physician practices and a managing partner at MRCE Real Estate.

Nicole, a Plantation resident, was appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 9, 2025. An attorney with more than 20 years of experience, she is a shareholder in the Fort Lauderdale office of Gunster Yoakley, one of Florida’s oldest commercial law firms. Commissioner Nicole has served as chairperson of the Broward County Housing Authority and as a board member of Hands On Broward, in addition to serving on various other local nonprofit boards.

About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts four hospitals, two trauma centers, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.

 

Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of over $2 billion and annually provides over $554 million in charity and uncompensated care.

 

For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.



Creates nation’s first full continuum of behavioral healthcare services, supporting people across every stage of their mental health journey.

August 17, 2026 — Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Talkspace, Inc. (NASDAQ: TALK), bringing together one of the nation’s largest providers of healthcare services with a leading virtual behavioral health platform to redefine how mental healthcare is accessed and delivered.

Talkspace’s virtual care platform complements UHS’ extensive network of affiliated behavioral health facilities, acute care hospitals and outpatient locations, creating an end-to-end behavioral health ecosystem that connects care across settings and levels of need.* By making transitions between levels of care more seamless – from virtual support, counseling, therapy and psychiatry to outpatient programs, crisis intervention, inpatient treatment and specialized care – the combined offerings position the organization moving forward to support patients throughout their mental health journey.

“We’re at an inflection point in how mental healthcare is delivered,” said Marc D. Miller, President and CEO of UHS. “People deserve a system that is easy to navigate, connected across care settings and built around their evolving needs. The addition of Talkspace expands our ability to connect people with care when, where and how they need it most. And we are strengthening the connection between behavioral and physical health for overall wellbeing.”

Talkspace serves individuals across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico through a network of approximately 6,000 licensed providers whose services are currently available to more than 200 million people through health insurance plans, employers, employee assistance programs, schools and government organizations. Talkspace also offers self-pay options.

Talkspace recently introduced Tee, its AI-powered, purpose-built mental health guide developed to meet HIPAA privacy standards and provide subscribers with real-time support and feedback. Tee can assist individuals between appointments or as a standalone supportive companion.

“Joining UHS allows us to accelerate the mission that has guided Talkspace from the beginning: making high-quality mental healthcare more accessible to more people,” said Jon R. Cohen, MD, CEO of Talkspace. “Together, we’re excited to create a nationwide network of care that brings virtual, outpatient and inpatient care together to better support patients, clinicians and communities.”

As demand for behavioral health services continues to grow, the combined organization is positioned to offer patients greater flexibility and choice while improving care coordination across settings. The integrated model also strengthens support for employers, health plans and community partners seeking scalable, evidence-based mental healthcare solutions.

The transaction was originally announced on March 9, 2026, and has now received all necessary regulatory approvals and satisfied customary closing conditions. The companies will begin working together immediately to thoughtfully integrate capabilities while ensuring uninterrupted service for patients, providers and partners.

* Treating practitioners are individually licensed and exercise independent professional judgment in diagnosing and treating patients consistent with their training, scope of practice and licensure.   

About UHS

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) is one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, with annual revenues of approximately $17.4 billion during 2025. Through its subsidiaries, UHS employs more than 101,500 individuals and operates 30 inpatient acute care facilities, more than 380 inpatient behavioral health facilities and approximately 170 outpatient and other facilities across 40 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Through its subsidiaries, UHS also offers an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services in the United States.

Since our founding in 1979, UHS has grown steadily into a premier Fortune 500® corporation perennially recognized by multiple esteemed national rating entities. Our strategy includes investing in talented staff, facilities, technology and innovation across broad care continuums to deliver favorable patient outcomes and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of the patients we are privileged to serve. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UHS also acts as the advisor to Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust (NYSE: UHT).

About Talkspace, a Universal Health Services, Inc. Subsidiary

Talkspace, a Universal Health Services, Inc. subsidiary, is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, Talkspace offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services – including therapy for individuals, teens and couples as well as psychiatry and medication management. Among its offerings is Tee, a standalone, clinician-informed AI mental health guide available to those 18+ for 24/7 behavioral support.

With Talkspace’s core therapy offerings, members are matched with one of thousands of affiliated licensed therapists within days and can engage in live video, audio or chat sessions, and/or unlimited asynchronous text messaging sessions.



Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – is excited to host a free seminar entitled “Arlene Lakin’s Clarifying Concepts: Educate Yourself on a Life with Developmental Disabilities” with a panel of community experts on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ann Storck Center Adult Day Training Building. 

During the free seminar, the Ann Storck Center team and a panel of community experts will discuss navigating the needs of children with developmental disabilities.

Topics and speakers include: 

  • Navigating Florida’s Medicaid Waiver – Regional Medicaid Waiver Supervisor, Agency For Persons With Disabilities, Pamela Romack
  • Supporting the Supporters: Caregiver Wellness, Advocacy & Resources – Executive Director of Family Network on Disabilities, Wendy Bellack
  • Prepared, Protected & Empowered: Safety Strategies & Emergency Preparedness – Emergency Management Specialist, Josette Hemingway
  • Finding the Right Fit: Navigating Therapy Services & Community Resources – Assistant Executive Director of Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center at Broward Health, Kristen Ely

Ann Storck Center CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy will moderate the panel alongside one of the Center’s residents, Jimmy’s mother, Mimi Tracey. Veteran, Advocate, Author, Founder and CEO of Special Compass, Jim Sayih, will welcome the crowd.

Guests in attendance will enjoy delicious refreshments and complimentary Ann Storck Center merchandise.



Holy Cross Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program team members

The program was recognized for clinical excellence in patient satisfaction and wound healing rates. 

August 17, 2026 – Holy Cross Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. The program achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92%.

“For the second year in a row, our wound care team has earned this award and deservedly so. Day after day, they are a source of healing to our patients,” said Pierre Monice, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication they provide.”

The Holy Cross Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program is part of the Healogics network which supports nearly 600 hospital outpatient Wound Care Centers® nationwide. Through this partnership, the center is managed by Healogics and provides highly specialized and evidenced-based wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.

“This award speaks to the level of care we consistently provide to our patients. We tailor our treatments to the specific needs of an individual’s case,” said William Ward, MD, Medical Director, Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program at Holy Cross Health, where he specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “It is very rewarding to see patients heal and we have access to great technology that makes that possible.”

Advanced wound care modalities include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. Since 2012, Holy Cross Health has also offered hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an advanced treatment that can help accelerate healing in select chronic wounds by increasing oxygen delivery to affected tissue.

The Holy Cross Wound Healing and Hyperbarics program is located within the Holy Cross HealthPlex in Fort Lauderdale. Patients may enter at 1000 NE 56th Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 954-542-4877 or visit holy-cross.com/services/wound-care.

ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH

A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospital rankings, was named among the 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek and selected as a Forbes America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals in 2025. Holy Cross has also been designated as a 2025 High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ health care access and Holy Cross Health Foundation is designated as a High Performer from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as the community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also includes Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, urgent care centers and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect with Holy Cross Health on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

ABOUT HEALOGICS
For more than 30 years, Healogics has led the nation in advanced wound care, transforming lives through evidence-based treatment and innovation. Guided by its mission to FIND. TREAT. HEAL.™, Healogics partners with hospitals and health systems across the country to deliver specialized care for patients with chronic wounds. Backed by the world’s largest wound care outcomes database and the Wound Science Initiative, Healogics continues to advance research and set new standards in healing. Learn more at www.healogics.com.



August 17, 2026 – HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, a 424-bed facility and part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is pleased to announce the addition of surgical oncologist Omar H. Llaguna, MD, FACS, FSSO. In his role, Dr. Llaguna will serve as medical director of surgical oncology and enhance HCA Florida Kendall Hospital’s surgical oncology program, bringing extensive expertise in the treatment of complex cancers.

Dr. Llaguna is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist with expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, peritoneal surface malignancies and other complex abdominal cancers. He specializes in advanced surgical approaches for cancer treatment, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, as well as regional therapies such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Histotripsy. Dr. Llaguna is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Llaguna to our team of distinguished specialists at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital,” said Ben Harris, chief executive officer. “His extensive experience in complex surgical oncology and commitment to advancing cancer care will strengthen our program and expand access to specialized treatment options for patients in our community.”

Dr. Llaguna earned his medical degree with high honors from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his general surgery training at Maimonides Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He subsequently completed a Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, Dr. Llaguna served as a surgical oncologist and Medical Director of the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program at Memorial Healthcare System.

For more information about cancer care at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.

About HCA Florida Kendall Hospital

As a 24/7 acute care facility, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is one of only two adult Level 1 Trauma Centers in Miami-Dade County verified by the American College of Surgeons. Kendall Hospital boasts a network of over 750 physicians’ specialties. HCA Florida Kendall Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, placing it among the nation’s top hospitals for clinical excellence. Kendall Hospital is also recognized by Healthgrades for excellence in Critical Care, Cardiac Care, Prostate Surgery, Gastroenterology, Spine and Orthopedic Surgery. HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida.

 

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.