HEALTH FIRST: From Emergency Response to Long-Term Investment in Brevard

Health First is Brevard’s only locally governed, not-for-profit health system

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Just over three months ago, Orlando Health abruptly announced the closure of Rockledge Hospital, providing our community with only 60 days’ notice and no transition plan, thereby creating an immediate healthcare crisis for Brevard.

In that critical moment, Brevard’s local, not-for-profit providers, including Health First, Parrish Medical Center, Brevard County Fire Rescue, Coastal Ambulance, Brevard Health Alliance, and Space Coast Health Foundation stepped forward to ensure no patient was left behind.

While Orlando Health provided some financial support after the announcement, it was the immediate, round-the-clock operational work by local providers that ensured patients continued to receive care without interruption.

Health First specifically took swift and decisive action:

● Expanded emergency and inpatient capacity systemwide, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our medical staff, Emergency Department providers, and associates, whose tireless dedication enabled us to absorb an 18 to 20% patient surge while maintaining ambulance offload times among Florida’s best.
● Welcomed and integrated over 120 displaced Rockledge team members, including more than 80 registered nurses, ensuring continuity of care.
● Accelerated existing plans for two new freestanding Emergency Departments, including one in Rockledge, and announced a $230 million expansion of Palm Bay Hospital as part of Health First’s broader $800 million investment in Brevard.
● Protected access to Brevard’s only Level II Trauma Center and Level II Neonatal ICU.
● Maintained nationally recognized standards of quality and safety, earning honors from Newsweek and Leapfrog.

Health First’s ability to respond quickly comes from deep roots in this community. As Brevard’s only locally governed, not-for-profit health system, they have invested here for 30 years. Last year alone, they provided over $52 million in care and services to more than 28,000 residents who otherwise could not afford them.

Their mission has always been clear: “We exist to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”

As we move forward, their communication will shift from weekly to milestone-based updates as this crisis response chapter concludes. Their commitment to transparency and accountability remains as strong as ever.

Born in Brevard. Committed to you. Health First thanks you for your continued trust and resilience.