Healing Together
A letter from the CEO

When I retired from my role as CEO of UF Health Jacksonville at the end of 2017, I didn’t imagine I would be back again three and a half years later. Although the circumstance of my return is not a happy one, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here, supporting this wonderful organization.
News & Notes
UF Health Jacksonville earns national cancer accreditation

UF Health Jacksonville has been awarded a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. To earn the accreditation, UF Health Jacksonville’s cancer program met 34 quality care standards, which focus on excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.
Expanding access: Emergency and Urgent Care Centers coming soon
Construction is underway on three hybrid emergency and urgent care centers. The facilities will be located at 888 Lane Ave. S. in West Jacksonville and 11277 New Kings Road in Northwest Jacksonville. The third location will be off Baymeadows Road East. Anticipated opening dates for all locations are fall 2022.
 
Each building will house multiple treatment and fast-track rooms, a trauma bay, X-ray services and CT scanner.
 
This project is in collaboration with Charles Perry Partners Inc. and Rendina Healthcare Real Estate
Generosity leads to new suite for Hospital Incident Command System

UF Health Jacksonville’s new suite for the Hospital Incident Command System was made possible by the generous support from long-time partner and supporter, Stellar. Unveiled Sept. 27, the suite provides a larger space for leaders to plan, collaborate and respond to any emergency, including floods, fires, hurricanes and more. 
Ambulatory surgery center, 
UF Health East, to open in 2022
Our joint venture with Jax Spine & Pain Centers will yield the largest multispecialty freestanding ambulatory surgery center on the First Coast. This three-story, 54,000-square-foot facility is targeted to open its doors next summer. 
Community Heroes
Vibrant sculptures installed around UF Health Jacksonville

Thank you to local artist Scotie Cousin and an anonymous donor for new sculptures placed in various locations around the downtown campus.
 
These vibrant sculptures are crafted from plastic and other recycled materials.
Gynecologic oncology receives 100 chemotherapy bags

First Coast Group – Thrivent donated 100 chemotherapy bags to UF Health Gynecologic Oncology – Jacksonville. Filled with essential items for treatment, including blankets and journals, these bags are a support tool to help patients feel comfortable and remain positive.
Costco East making miracles for Children Miracle Network Hospitals

Costco in east Jacksonville is the No. 12 ranked fundraising location in the country. The store entered the fall having raised nearly $175,000 this year to support pediatric equipment needs and local programming for CMN Hospitals.
Karen Kaunitz’s health journey leads to nursing education fund
 
Karen Kaunitz feels UF Health Jacksonville has treated nearly every part of her body. In appreciation for those who have cared for her, Kaunitz and her husband, Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, FACOG, established the Kaunitz-Koppel Critical Care Nursing Education Fund.
Give Today. Heal Tomorrow.

At UF Health Jacksonville, philanthropy has been the bedrock of thriving research, excellent patient care and extraordinary educational leadership. Contributions at the individual and corporate levels have propelled our mission forward. 

If you would like to learn more or talk with a gift officer about contributing, please reach out to our office by emailing [email protected]

Thank you for your consideration.
Community Engagement Opportunities
UF Health Brain Wellness Program ribbon-cutting ceremony

On Friday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m., UF Health Jacksonville will unveil its new 12,000-square-foot Brain Wellness Program facility.

Made possible by a $12.5 million grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network, the Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment program for military veterans and other adults experiencing persistent health problems associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury, along with associated behavioral health problems, such as post-traumatic stress. 
7th Annual Tonys Turkey Trot 5K

Join us 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving to raise awareness for brain injury by participating in the 7th Annual Tonys Turkey Trot 5K in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Special room rates are available at One Ocean Atlantic Beach Resort. Use promo code: CORP1.

You can help advance lifesaving care during the early stages of brain injury by participating in or sponsoring the event.
Community Cancer Screening

Are you concerned about your risk for breast, skin or lung cancer? We encourage you to take advantage of this free event with health screening, counseling and resources by local physicians and health providers. The next session begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at UF Health North, located at 15255 Max Leggett Parkway. 

Pre-registration for this event is required.

For more information and to register, please call 904-244-1473 or email [email protected].

26th Annual Festival of Lights 5K

Join us for Jacksonville’s largest holiday celebration!

On Saturday, Dec. 4, luminaries will light up the skies of San Marco as runners and walkers participate in the 26th Annual Festival of Lights 5K and 1-mile fun run.

All proceeds from this event benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Register today to help provide UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Childrens Hospital with critical funding for lifesaving equipment, telehealth services and other program resources.

Contact [email protected] for more information.
Save the Date: Thursday, Dec. 2

Youre invited to a North Florida Community Health Briefing with UF Health Jacksonville leadership.

We invite you to join a COVID-19 Community Briefing at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. This is an opportunity to hear about our COVID-19 efforts as well as other matters at UF Health Jacksonville. 

To learn more or to RSVP, please email Crystal Ranns or call 904.244.1090.
Gator Nation News
Five Reasons UF is Top 5

The University of Florida’s lightning quick climb up U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of the nation’s best public universities and colleges — from No. 14 in 2017 to No. 5 in 2022 — reflects UF’s growing credibility as an academic powerhouse. 
UF Health Jacksonville physician honored in 2021 class of UF's 40 Under 40

Three University of Florida College of Medicine graduates, including Ross E. Jones, M.D., ’09, have been honored as members of the 2021 class of 40 Under 40 awardees by the UF Alumni Association.

Jones serves as the medical director of community health at UF Health Jacksonville and medical director of the UF Health Total Care Clinic Group. He is a board-certified family medicine physician with a focus on chronic disease management, preventive medicine and community engagement.
Dates to Remember
Nov. 19 UF Health Brain Wellness Program Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Nov. 25 7th Annual Tony’s Turkey Trot
Dec. 1Community Cancer Screening @ UF Health North
Dec. 2 @ 10 a.m.North Florida Community Health Briefing
Dec. 4Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals’ Festival of Lights 5K
Dec. 8Community Cancer Screening @ UF Health Jacksonville
Dec. 14Leadership Council Meeting
To learn more, please email Crystal Ranns or call 904.244.1090.