Florida Hospital Association

11/03/2025

FHA's Mary Mayhew and Brea Gelin were proud to tour Jackson Hospital in Marianna to see some innovations driving health care in rural Florida communities.

The hospital's first Da Vinci Surgical Robot procedure was performed by Dr. Chai Arunakul in early October. Investments in technology like this ensure patients in rural Florida communities can access high-quality, transformative surgical care close to home.

10/31/2025

FHA's Mary Mayhew and Brea Gelin were honored to tour Calhoun Liberty Hospital in Blountstown last week. Opened on July 17, 2025, the hospital is a lifeline for Florida Panhandle communities – it's the only hospital within 30 miles.

After Hurricane Michael damaged the previous facility in 2018, the new 50,000-square-foot hospital was built to withstand winds up to 180 mph. The new Calhoun Liberty Hospital brings expanded services, modern technology and stable access to care for residents in Blountstown and surrounding communities.

10/31/2025

FHA president and CEO Mary Mayhew appeared last week on WUSF Public Media's Florida Matters: Live & Local radio show to discuss the obstacles that rural hospitals are facing and the vital importance of keeping rural hospitals open to preserve access to care, sustain local economies and strengthen communities across Florida.

"Today in Florida, nearly half of our 24 rural hospitals are operating in the red," said Mayhew. "Health care's not easy... Health care, generally, to keep pace, to have the latest imaging technology, the latest specialist – we need to make those investments. Investments in new equipment, telehealth, remote patient monitoring – those are all significant financial benefits to a small hospital."

Learn more on WUWF>>

On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," Mayhew discussed the plight of DeSoto Memorial, the challenges and benefits remote hospitals present and how mergers with larger systems can be a lifeline.

10/30/2025

“At the end of the day, proximity to health care matters. We want to certainly preserve access to emergency-level care," said FHA's president and CEO Mary Mayhew. "What we also know about rural hospitals, first of all, they're generally an economic hub – the largest employer – but they are playing often a much more expansive role. They're employing the community's physicians."

Mayhew spoke with WUSF Public Media's Florida Matters: Live and Local about the financial pressures rural hospitals face and how investments in new equipment, telehealth and remote patient monitoring can substantially benefit small hospitals and expand the care they can provide. Learn more >>

Guests include the Florida Hospital Association's Mary Mayhew and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. The topics: saving small-town hospitals, real impacts of government gridlock and Clearwater’s inclusive mission.

10/27/2025

Rural hospitals across Florida face unique challenges in delivering care to the communities they serve – from financial constraints and workforce shortages to infrastructure. FHA is working with hospitals across the state to understand more about these challenges and how data, technology, research and various best practices can improve access to care in rural Florida communities.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is an opportunity to bolster health care in the state's rural areas and hospitals are having thoughtful discussions on leveraging funding opportunities to continue providing high-quality health care for patients and their families. FHA's Mary Mayhew and Brea Gelin last week joined David Walker, CEO of Weems Memorial Hospital, Emily Brown, CEO of Calhoun Liberty Hospital, Dr. Laban Bontrager, Calhoun Liberty Hospital Board member, Brooke Donaldson, CEO of Jackson Hospital Marianna, and Lauren Faison-Clark, CEO of Doctors' Memorial Hospital, who are working on a regional approach to care.

10/23/2025

A strong health care workforce is essential to deliver high-quality care across Florida communities in the years to come. Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, like those at Lakeland Regional Health, help train and inspire the next generation of physicians.

FHA President & CEO Mary Mayhew joined Danielle Drummond, FHA Board Chair-Elect/Vice Chair and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health, and Dr. Nancy Finnigan, Nephrologist and Graduate Medical Education lead for Lakeland Regional Health, on Tuesday to learn more about the program’s successes in preparing tomorrow’s physicians.

10/19/2025

Today is the start of Healthcare Quality Week!

The FHA team extends our heartfelt thanks to our who work tirelessly to improve patient outcomes and deliver exceptional care to help Floridians thrive. Your dedication makes healthier, happier lives possible!

10/17/2025

We're grateful to the hospital leaders who dedicate their time and expertise to advancing quality health care in Florida. We're honored to welcome new and returning members of our 2025-2026 Board of Trustees, who will lead our efforts to ensure Florida hospitals can continue delivering innovative, accessible and affordable health care to all Floridians. Meet the Board >> https://www.fha.org/FHA/News-Content/New-Releases/FHA_Announces_2025-2026_Board_of_Trustees.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawNeK1pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqNkRvd2ZYc1R0Sjc2TkNSAR6G56tL9sqlC_qHToLmsoWtpP1y6rqbbMVoQV44F6DOy42yZFbMCmgqngA7lg_aem_7qOlQSP1QAAH1ltBQTPvgA

10/16/2025

Dr. Alfred Gitu, Chief Academic Officer at Lee Health, was recently recognized as FHA’s 2025 Caregiver of the Year. The award honors an individual who provides outstanding patient care services and exemplifies a commitment to quality patient care.

Hear from Dr. Gitu’s colleagues as they reflect on his outstanding contributions to family medicine and graduate medical education, as well as the positive impact he has made on community members and tomorrow’s doctors.

10/16/2025

"There should be a unified political voice in support of the federal marketplace and the premium assistance in Florida," said Mary C. Mayhew, president and CEO of FHA, at a roundtable this summer.

There are 4.6 million Floridians who rely on enhanced premium tax credits to afford coverage through the federal private insurance Marketplace. Without Congressional action, premiums are expected to increase significantly, forcing Florida families to drop coverage and flood ERs, subsequently driving up health care costs. Learn more >> https://thebradentontimes.com/stories/democrats-warn-about-floridas-looming-health-care-crisis,165509

10/16/2025

We’re excited to announce FHA’s 2025 – 2026 Board of Trustees. Randy Haffner, Group President and CEO of AdventHealth Florida, has been named Board Chair for the coming year.

View the press release with a full list of Trustees >> https://www.fha.org/FHA/News-Content/New-Releases/FHA_Announces_2025-2026_Board_of_Trustees.aspx

10/16/2025

Gail Ryder, Vice President of Behavioral Health at BayCare, was recently named FHA’s 2025 Health Care Leader of the Year. The award recognizes a hospital or health system leader who contributes significantly to the health of Florida communities by providing leadership and guidance.

Hear from Ms. Ryder’s colleagues and loved ones as they reflect on her outstanding contributions and the positive impact she has made on behavioral health in Florida.