May 28, 2025 –In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, HCA Florida JFK North Hospital celebrated the emotional well-being of its staff with a unique and uplifting event. The hospital hosted a joyful puppy yoga session, offering caregivers a moment of peace, play, and relaxation through therapeutic interaction with adoptable rescue dogs from Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
The event was part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its healthcare workers.
“Our team shows up every day to care for our community, and it’s equally important that we take care of them,” said Ashley Vertuno, CEO of HCA Florida JFK North Hospital. “Mental health support can take many forms. Sometimes, it’s about creating moments of connection and joy—and that’s exactly what this event delivered.”
Research consistently shows that interacting with pets can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Petting an animal can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), release mood-boosting hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, and even reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
“Mental health care is more than just treatment—it’s also about prevention and support,” said Alison Dulfer, VP of Behavioral Health at JFK North Hospital. “Creating moments like these reminds our staff that their well-being matters, and reinforces the importance of compassion, not only for our patients, but for ourselves.”
Rescue dogs remind us that healing is possible and that connection is powerful – for both the animals and the humans they touch.
HCA Florida JFK North Hospital continues to offer a full continuum of mental health and wellness services for adolescents, adults, and seniors in the Palm Beach community. For more information, visit www.jfknorth.com.
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 among Healthgrades’ 2024 America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery, the hospital is also an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. Conveniently located near I-95, the hospital offers 24/7 emergency care for all ages and specializes in behavioral health, spine, general surgery, gastrointestinal care, women’s health, orthopedics, urology, and vascular services. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, HCA Florida JFK North Hospital is proud to serve West Palm Beach and surrounding communities. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
