Health Foundation of South Florida

12/11/2025

Earlier this week, our Health Foundation of South Florida President & CEO, Loreen Chant, who also proudly serves on the Board of Easterseals South Florida, and members of our team were honored to join Easterseals at their Small Miracles Luncheon.

Our hearts are full as we reflect on Easterseals South Florida's mission and extraordinary impact. For more than 83 years, this organization has supported children, young adults, older adults, and families through services rooted in dignity, purpose, and independence.

The luncheon brought together grateful families, community leaders, and dedicated advocates who care deeply about ensuring that people with disabilities or special needs can live, learn, work, and play to their fullest potential. It was a powerful reminder of what compassion, partnership, and community can achieve.

A heartfelt thank you to President & CEO Camila Rocha and Board Chair Matthew Roth for their leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to South Florida families. We are grateful for this partnership and for the profound difference Easterseals continues to make throughout our community.

12/10/2025

We’re excited to share that our President & CEO, Loreen Chant, is featured on the latest episode of the Dunn Wisdom Podcast, now officially streaming on the YouTube channel.

In this thoughtful conversation, The Heart of Health: Leadership, Equity & Impact, Loreen speaks with host Melissa P. Dunn, MBA, about what it takes to drive meaningful change, strengthen community partnerships, and advance health equity across South Florida.

If you missed it, you can watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/irxF1AqFaJY?si=I-Oqdoje4UguNMUO

Grateful to Melissa for highlighting the Health Foundation and shining a light on the work, partners, and communities who inspire our work every day.

12/09/2025

We are proud to share the powerful results from the Health Foundation of South Florida’s Black Health Summit In Action 2025 Take Your Loved One to the Doctor campaign. This community effort encouraged Black men in Lauderhill and Overtown to prioritize preventive care and support the health of someone they love.

Highlights include strong pledge participation, vibrant community engagement events, and real follow-through that helped residents get connected to screenings, primary care, and health navigation. The outcomes show what is possible when trust, culture, and community leadership drive the work.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this campaign a success, especially Melissa P. Dunn, MBA, and the MD Marketing Team. Impressive work!

These findings shape our commitment to sustaining and expanding this work in the months ahead as we plan for the next in-person Black Health Summit 2026 on June 16 at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, FL.

11/27/2025

Let Gratitude Be Your Guide. At the , gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a guiding force.

We’re grateful for our board, team, and partners who show up every day to advance health equity, our community leaders who reimagine what’s possible, and the grantees whose courage and resilience inspire our work.

As we reflect on another year of collective progress, we are reminded that gratitude multiplies impact. It deepens our commitment to one another, strengthens our shared purpose, and fuels the belief that together, we can create a healthier, more equitable South Florida for all.

This season and always, let gratitude be your guide.

11/25/2025

Standing together for Broward families. A coalition of philanthropic and civic partners has raised $1.5 million to expand food distribution for families in need. This emergency support will help provide:
2 million pounds of food
1.9+ million meals
$100,000 in grocery gift cards

This effort was made possible through the leadership of Commissioner Nan Rich and the partnership of Broward County, United Way Broward, Community Foundation of Broward, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Jewish Federation of Broward County, and the Health Foundation of South Florida.

Together, we’re supporting frontline organizations: Feeding South Florida, Farm Share, and United Way Broward’s Project Lifeline, to get more food to families, seniors, and children across the county.

Combating hunger requires all of us, and together, we’re making sure Broward families have access to the healthy, reliable food they deserve.

Read the full press release here: : https://hfsf.org/philanthropic-leaders-raise-1-5-million-to-fight-hunger-in-broward/

Watch CBS Miami’s coverage: South Florida residents, organizations helping SNAP recipients as funds in jeopardy due to shutdown - CBS Miami

11/20/2025

Recently, our Foundation of South Florida Chief Strategy Officer, Janisse Schoepp, and Chief Financial Officer Alecia Dillon attended a luncheon hosted by Polsinelli and J.P. Morgan, bringing together nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to discuss current trends in philanthropy, best practices, and strategies to diversify revenue streams amid uncertainty.

Hosted by our Board Member Everett Wilson, Principal Shareholder at Polsinelli, the event featured insights from Michael Kuczynski, Counsel at Polsinelli, and Katie Lynam, Executive Director and Senior Philanthropy Advisor at J.P. Morgan.

It was also an opportunity to connect with Natalia Zea of The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County and Fernanda Jorgensen of Philanthropy Miami, leaders dedicated to advancing collaboration, innovation, and impact across South Florida.

Together, we’re learning, sharing, and advancing strategies that help build stronger, healthier communities.

11/19/2025

Leadership During Extraordinary Times. Recently, our President and CEO, Loreen Chant, joined community and nonprofit leaders at the Florida Alliance for Community Solutions convening for a powerful conversation on “Leadership During Extraordinary Times: Staying True to Your Mission.”

Loreen shared how the Health Foundation of South Florida and our partners are navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape, staying grounded in mission while driving innovation, collaboration, and equity across South Florida.

From our Maternal Health Equity Collaboratives to free clinics and South Florida Anchor Alliance, we continue to see organizations leading with purpose and proving that strong missions can thrive even in uncertain times.

Thank you to the Florida Alliance for Community Solutions for bringing together such a dedicated group of changemakers and for your leadership in strengthening Florida’s community.

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11/14/2025

Grateful for our partners, Broward Regional Health Planning Council and Hispanic Unity, working tirelessly during Open Enrollment (November 1 through December 15) to help families access health insurance. Your impact is felt across South Florida every day. Thank you!

11/14/2025

The Health Foundation of South Florida was a proud sponsor of the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Miami, a celebration of community, culinary excellence, and commitment to maternal and infant health.

Thank you to Joanne Ruggiero, DNP, MBA, MA, NE-BC, Senior Vice President and CEO of Jackson Memorial Medical Center, for her outstanding leadership as Event Chair and her dedication to advancing health equity for women and children across South Florida.

It was also wonderful to connect with our partners, Catherine Parker Toms of Green Cars for Kids, a driving force improving transportation access for families, and Monica Figueroa King of Broward Healthy Start Coalition, whose leadership continues to strengthen maternal and infant health across our region.

What an inspiring evening, bringing together leaders, advocates, and community partners in support of healthier mothers and stronger babies.

11/13/2025

Important news to share from the Health Foundation of South Florida: our Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Janisse Rosario-Schoepp, Ph.D, MPH, has a new op-ed in the Miami Herald spotlighting one of Florida’s most urgent challenges.

“As more Floridians lose health coverage, free clinics step in. But it can’t stop there.”

Janisse highlights the growing number of Floridians, especially children, who are losing health coverage and the critical role that free and charitable clinics play in keeping families healthy. But she also makes it clear: clinics cannot shoulder this alone. Florida needs lasting solutions that strengthen the safety net and ensure equitable access to care for all.

This message reflects our commitment as a Health Foundation to investing in community-led solutions and advocating for policies that expand access to care.

Read the full op-ed in the Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article312885530.html

Grateful to Janisse for elevating this issue and to the clinics across South Florida delivering compassionate, essential care every day.

Without action, safety net clinics including free and charitable clinics could soon be overwhelmed as more residents turn to them for care. | Opinion

11/12/2025

Just 5 days left! Nominations for the 2026 Inspiring Women of Health Awards close Monday, November 17.

If you know a woman who's leading change in health, healthcare, or community well-being across South Florida, now’s the time to recognize her work. Let’s uplift the voices and leadership of those making a real difference.

Submit your nomination today: https://forms.office.com/r/KRRMRcvWmQ

11/11/2025

Honoring Our Veterans. Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

At the Health Foundation of South Florida, we recognize that the health and well-being of our veterans and their families are essential to the strength of our communities. From expanding access to care to supporting mental health and housing stability, we remain committed to advancing programs and partnerships that help veterans thrive long after their service.

To all who have worn the uniform: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your example of resilience.