Our mission leads us beyond the walls of the hospital.
Florida Hospital has a long-standing commitment to advocating for the health, education and overall well-being of local children and families. Florida Hospital consistently supports a multitude of community organizations, as well as various free clinics and food banks. In addition, Florida Hospital has been an established, trusted partner with Volusia County Schools for decades.
At the start of each academic year, Florida Hospital donates backpacks and school supplies, as well as medical supplies, to area schools. Since the early 1990s, Florida Hospital has supported the Health Science Career Academies within Volusia County Schools. Our leaders and clinical experts dedicate time each year to visit area classrooms and host tours of our facilities to educate students about careers in the medical field.
As a natural evolution to the work we’ve been committed to for years, the Volusia County School Board approved an historic partnership with Florida Hospital on June 19. This $2 million, five-year agreement is the first of its kind — one between a school district and a major health care provider — and will serve as a national model. With more than 63,000 students across 78 schools, I am humbled at the thought of the vast number of families in our community that will be positively impacted by this collaboration.
The essence of this partnership is centered on our local children. Our involvement with Volusia County Schools serves as an avenue to expand not only the care available to students and athletes, but also to develop and enhance career opportunities. Through this program, we will address three key issues impacting our schools: career development in the healthcare industry; student athlete health; and chronic absenteeism. To do this, the partnership includes:
*Direct involvement in the district’s six high school health care academies and nine high school and middle school health programs, including internships;
*Coordinated care for student athletes, including a dedicated, certified athletic trainer to serve as a school liaison; and
*Health care services at 36 schools with the highest chronic absenteeism rates.
Within our industry, health care jobs are expected to have the fastest employment growth over the next 10 years, as there is a great need for nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants, and more. Our goal is to create pathways that directly connect students to coursework, certifications and work-based learning opportunities that prepare them for careers within the medical field. As such, Florida Hospital will be the first to offer internships for hands-on learning experiences that will kick-start their careers within the industry.
As an avid soccer player and father of four, I know firsthand that participation in sports can bring the potential for injuries. When the participants are our children, there is an added level of anxiety. Through this partnership, Florida Hospital will be right on the sidelines with a dedicated, certified athletic trainer to serve as a school liaison and coordinate care for student athletes. Additionally, our team will develop improved concussion protocols to help keep students safe while pursuing their athletic passions. We hope this brings a sense of peace to families, knowing a strong health care provider is ready to care for these young athletes in their time of need.
Chronic absenteeism is a critical issue facing our area schools. Last year, nearly 17 percent of Volusia County students were chronically absent from school. Regularly missing time in the classroom can create a significant barrier to learning, earning good grades and even graduating. With Florida Hospital’s eCare app, students and parents will gain access to urgent care providers via live, secure tele-health consultations. We’ll also assist students whose families are under- or uninsured and cannot afford the cost of care. Helping our children get healthy and stay healthy ensures they can come to school each day ready to learn, grow and thrive.
At Florida Hospital, our mission leads us beyond the walls of the hospital and guides us into the communities where we live, work and, in this case, learn. These students represent our future, and we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve at every stage of life, in every stage of health.
— Ottati is the regional CEO of the Florida Hospital Central Florida Division — North Region, which includes the Florida Hospitals in the Volusia County.