💙 Meet Jessica. 💙
A mother, a wife and a police officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO), Jessica also happens to have completed her 333rd day of cancer treatment at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center yesterday. Not one of those 333 days did she let her cancer define her.
When an opportunity to celebrate something so joyful arises, you seize it. That’s just what Jessica’s husband, Matt, who works as a firefighter at Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (@TheJFRD), did when he surprised her with a gathering of friends, family and colleagues at her bell-ringing ceremony.
When it comes to keeping secrets, Matt is a vault, and the plan went off without a hitch. Jessica is lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing support group, but they’re equally lucky to know someone with the strength and resilience of Jessica. 💪
It was a beautiful scene and one of those days that remind us why we work in health care. 🫶
Congratulations to Jessica and her family. Let's hear it for her in the comments! 🎉
#EndCancer #EndCancerJax
Our Nurse Residency Program just received a HUGE honor! 🏆
After countless hours of work by our team, their dedication and passion were rewarded with Accreditation with Distinction by the ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center (@anccofficial), which is the highest level of recognition for transition-to-practice programs. 👩⚕️
At Baptist Health, we train our nurses to be the very best, and this recognition validates the hard work of our Learning & Development team, Nursing Professional Development Specialists and Practice Setting Coordinators. The program they’ve developed helps new nurses transition seamlessly into the field while setting a standard of excellence for all of our nurses to uphold in caring for our patients. 💙
We're truly #BaptistProud of this recognition and grateful to everyone who made it possible! 🎉
We are #BaptistProud to now offer an innovative procedure that helps stroke patients regain hand and arm movement! 👋 💙 🩺
For many post-ischemic stroke patients, weakness or limited movement in their hands and arms can persist long after the initial event, making routine tasks a daily challenge. Baptist Health is bringing renewed hope to those affected by stroke by offering a new outpatient procedure that, when paired with rehabilitative therapy, may help patients regain function in their upper extremities months or even years after an ischemic stroke. The therapy is the latest example of our health system’s longstanding commitment to offering coordinated stroke care from diagnosis to recovery.
“This first-of-its-kind treatment represents a promising new advancement in stroke recovery,” said neurosurgeon Eric Sauvageau, MD, co-medical director of Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center. “Because it helps create new neural connections, improvements in movement can continue even after rehabilitative therapy ends. I’ve seen patients who couldn’t open their hands following a stroke five, seven, or even 10 years ago now using their hands to eat.”
This minimally invasive procedure is performed by an FDA-approved system to deliver gentle, repeated stimulation to help support recovery. This treatment for stroke is for those who have experienced moderate to severe upper extremity impairment for at least six months or more following an ischemic stroke. Outpatient rehabilitation therapy begins two to three weeks after implantation, with sessions focused on everyday activities such as brushing one’s hair or cutting food. The device delivers stimulation as patients perform these movements, and patients can continue therapy at home by activating the device while practicing exercises or performing daily tasks.
“This innovative therapy is part of our ongoing effort to bring leading-edge stroke treatments to the communities we are privileged to serve,” said Nicole B. Thomas, FACHE, president of Baptist Jacksonville. “As the regional leader in comprehensive stroke care, our specialist teams excel at delivering compassionate care that restores independence and quality of life to our patients and their families.”
At Baptist Health, we’ll never stop searching for new forms of treatment to help those debilitated by stroke or other injuries. Learn more about this new system that restores quality of life after a stroke: https://t.co/rOVg07ZwnN
We were #BaptistProud to host the Life Flight Jacksonville Critical Care Conference at our Baptist Center for Professional Excellence! 🚁 💙
We created our Baptist Center for Professional Excellence so that health care heroes could have access to cutting-edge technology and simulate real-world situations. It was wonderful getting to watch Emergency Nurses and EMS professionals from across the region collaborate, simulate and innovate under our roof.
A lot of knowledge was shared at the conference that will have a great impact on emergency services in our area and we're so grateful to all who attended! 💙
Yesterday was an all-time great #FourthOfJuly as we welcomed many new babies across Baptist Health! ❤️🤍💙
Here are just two of the families who celebrated Independence Day by welcoming their newest little firecracker at #BaptistBeaches. 🇺🇸👶
These adorable #BaptistBabies will always have a birthday to remember. Not only were they born on the Fourth of July, but they also arrived during the historic #America250 celebration!
🇺🇸 As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we're celebrating in Red, White and Baptist Blue!
For 250 years, service has been at the heart of our nation's story. Today, we're grateful for the team members who carry that spirit forward by caring for our community.
While many are enjoying cookouts, making memories with family and watching fireworks, our dedicated team members are doing what they do every day: providing compassionate care for our patients and community. 🩺❤️🩹
This Fourth of July, we're especially grateful for the physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and every team member spending the holiday serving others. Thank you for your compassion, dedication and commitment to caring for our community. And thank you to our community for trusting us with your care.
❤️🤍💙 Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙
Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we're reminded that the values of service, compassion and perseverance are reflected every day in the work of our team members.
We asked a few members of our Baptist Health family what this milestone means to them and how they see those values reflected in the work they do. Here's what they shared:
For prep and sterile technician Damia Davis, those ideals are reflected in the care she provides every day: "I've always felt like America was built on the premise of helping others, and I am happy to do that here every day."
For patient care logistics manager Sarah Davis, it shows up in the moments patients and families may never see: "Every patient safely transferred, every bed found during a surge, every team member or family helped during a difficult moment is a reflection of the enduring American ideals of service, perseverance and caring for one another."
For Gracie Berglund, PR & communications relations coordinator, caring for others is one of the most meaningful ways to honor this milestone. "As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, I'm especially proud to work in health care because caring for others is one of the most meaningful ways we serve our community. I'm grateful to contribute to something bigger than myself and work alongside people who are committed to caring for others every single day."
This Independence Day, we're grateful for the team members who bring these values to life - not just on the Fourth of July, but every day of the year. ❤️🤍💙 #BaptistProud
🇺🇸 Kicking off the holiday weekend with a little red, white and blue spirit.
Our #BaptistJax leadership team made the rounds to celebrate America's 250th birthday with the hard-working team members who make caring for our community possible. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and memorable Fourth of July weekend!
Summer safety starts here! 🌞⛱️ Join us at Baptist Medical Center South for a FREE Summer Safety Fest for the whole family! Learn important safety tips to keep your kids safe and healthy while enjoying activities like:
🚑 Touch a truck experience
🚴 Helmet checks & fittings
🎁 Giveaways
🍔 Food & refreshments
📝 Safety resources & information
So mark your calendars and come on out for some summer fun in the sun!
🗓️ Saturday, July 18
🕙 10 am - 1 pm
📍 Baptist South, Flat Parking Lot A | 14550 Old St. Augustine Rd.Jacksonville, FL 32258
Teams from across our campuses came together yesterday for food, fun and fellowship in celebration of America's 250th birthday! 🇺🇸
Dressed in their red, white and blue, our team took time to reflect on how far medicine has come over the past 250 years and celebrate the privilege of caring for our community every day.
America is the land of opportunity, and we're #BaptistProud to have health care heroes from so many backgrounds united by one shared mission of caring for others.
Happy #America250! ❤️🤍💙
🐥 🦆 BREAKING NEWS: The newest arrivals at Baptist Medical Center Beaches are quacking us up!
For the second time this year, and for the last several years, a mother duck has given birth to the cutest baby ducklings right in the courtyard in the middle of the Baptist Beaches maternity ward! Her five precious ducklings light up everyone's day - from caregivers and team members to patients and visitors, these little ducklings bring a smile to everyone's face. 🐣
💦 The #BaptistBeaches team has given the feathered family a "pond" to cool off in and serve them delicious peas and other food when they get hungry. These ducklings may not be the type of babies that we're used to, but we're #BaptistProud to lead the flock, making new moms feel their best!
🏠🩺 A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING: Baptist Health's Hospital at Home program has now served 100 patients!
Since launching earlier this year, the program has provided eligible patients with 24/7 support, advanced remote monitoring and personalized care plans — all while allowing patients to recover in the comfort and familiarity of home. ❤️
By extending hospital-level care into the home, we're helping patients recover comfortably while receiving the expert care they need. With continuous support from physicians, nurses, community paramedics and care teams, patients can receive high-quality care while remaining in familiar surroundings.
🙌🎉 Thank you to the physicians, nurses, community paramedics and care teams making this innovative model possible every day. Here's to the first 100 patients — and many more to come!
🏠➡️ To learn more about Hospital at Home, visit: https://t.co/S3QxuLMOiq
We’ll be lighting the Weaver Tower in red, white and blue the entire month of July in celebration of America’s 250th birthday! 🇺🇸 🎂
We’re #BaptistProud to celebrate this historic occasion with the community we love. 💙
We all know WHY we should eat healthy, stay active and see our doctor regularly. But sometimes the biggest challenge is figuring out HOW to get started.
According to Dr. Jason Largen, a board-certified family physician at our Beachwalk office, lasting improvements often come from small, sustainable changes rather than drastic overhauls. Here are a few of his tips:
⏱️ Give yourself time. Building new habits (and breaking old ones) doesn't happen overnight.
🤏 Focus on one or two changes at a time, and celebrate your progress along the way!
🥗 Don't aim for perfection. Strive to make healthy choices 80% of the time.
🚶 Avoid comparing yourself to your younger self. Start where you are today and build from there.
😮💨 Exercise doesn't have to happen in a gym. Any activity that gets your heart rate up and leaves you breathing a little heavier can benefit your health.
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Largen is passionate about helping patients create realistic, lasting lifestyle changes. Learn more or schedule an appointment at https://t.co/GdLaKx8sI2.
🏳️🌈💙 During Pride Month, we're recognizing team members whose experiences and perspectives help make Baptist Health a place where people are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Today, meet Miguel, a volunteer and community relations coordinator at Baptist Medical Center South.
When Miguel arrived in the United States from Colombia, he was starting over in nearly every sense - learning a new language, building a new career and finding his place in a new community. But that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for helping others. After moving to the U.S., Miguel shifted his career from law to social work and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Not only did his big move lead Miguel to discover his love for serving others and supporting his community - it also led him to his now-husband, Adrian. Born in Cuba, Adrian had lived in the U.S. for only six months longer than Miguel, yet he had a stronger grasp of English. As they both navigated their new lives, Adrian's strength and support pushed Miguel to keep pursuing his dreams.
“I arrived knowing only ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye'," shared Miguel. "Adrian’s support motivated me to keep going and continue my education.”
Last year, Miguel's heart for service led him to #BaptistSouth, where he now oversees volunteer programs and works with the Community Health and Well-Being team to help address critical needs in our community. But Miguel's passion doesn't end with community service - he also greatly values workplace culture and relationships. At previous workplaces, Miguel felt he had to keep his personal life separate from work, but that all changed when he joined the Baptist team.
“I’m honored to work for an organization like Baptist. When people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, they don’t just grow - they help their communities grow too.”
#BaptistProud
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, we thought about how many incredible sights there are to see in this incredible country. We asked members of our team to share some of their favorite places in the country, and we got photos from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters!
What's your favorite place to visit in the United States? 🇺🇸
This is your sign to finally schedule that appointment you've been putting off! 🗓️❤️🩹 Whether it's your annual primary care check-up, a mammogram, a colonoscopy, or anything in between, our ER team is sharing the one health check they would NEVER miss!
Spoiler alert: some of these are things a lot of us push to the back burner. 🙃 Which screening are you overdue for?
At Baptist Health, our community has been at the center of all we do since 1955. 💙
Food insecurity has been a major issue for our community for far too long, and we’re #BaptistProud to provide support for organizations like @FeedingNEFL, Epic-Cure, JFCS - The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services, @WasteNotFlorida and the Clay County Food Insecurity Taskforce.
We always want wellness to extend beyond our walls, and these are organizations that are making that happen on the front lines. 🥒 🥕
To learn how to get involved and what we’re working on to combat the problems of food insecurity, read the current newsletter and subscribe to future quarterly Community Impact Newsletter here: https://t.co/xS5xq1wkJ5
We were #BaptistProud to sponsor the final day of the @JaxShrimp's Red Caps Weekend! 🔴 ⚾
Sunday was a great day for baseball, family fun and celebrating Jacksonville's rich baseball history. From games of catch in the outfield to kids racing the bases after the game, it was a day full of memorable moments.
We were also proud to have Dr. Andrew Shaw and Dr. Vyshak Chandra join the radio broadcast to share how the team at Lylerly Neurosurgery at Baptist Health is helping patients find relief from spine and back pain.
The Red Caps were Jacksonville's Negro League baseball team from 1938 to 1942, and it's an honor to help recognize their lasting impact on our community. Seeing the players take the field in Red Caps jerseys was a meaningful tribute to a team whose legacy continues to inspire. ❤️
NOW OPEN! Baptist SilverLeaf Medical Campus is open and ready to serve the St. Johns County community! Located at 8595 St. Johns Parkway in St. Augustine, this new medical campus expands access to care for the growing SilverLeaf community, bringing together:
🍃 Baptist Primary Care
🍃 Baptist Heart Specialists
🍃 Baptist Rehabilitation
🍃 Baptist Wellness Center
🍃 Lab Services
🍃 And more, all under one roof
And coming this fall:
🍂 Baptist Orthopedics
🍂 Baptist Neurology
🍂 Emergency center for adults & children
As SilverLeaf and western St. Johns County continue to grow, we're proud to expand access to the care families need - right where they live.
For more info about our newest facility, visit https://t.co/oIzksqDDEg.