Local Hospital Named Among Nation’s Best
Sacred Heart hospitals in Pensacola and Emerald Coast have been named among Florida’s best by Newsweek!
Hundreds Walk To End Alzheimers in Okaloosa County
Hundreds gathered at Eglin’s Armament Museum for Okaloosa County’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising over $26,000 and highlighting the impact of Alzheimer’s on Florida’s seniors and diverse communities.
After Needle Sticks Employee, Niceville Manager Makes Plea to Residents About Flushable Wipes
A city worker faces months of medical testing after a needle was found in a sewer blockage—Niceville’s City Manager has a strong message for residents on the dangers of flushing hazardous items!
An Immigrant’s Dream: Former Navy Doc Opens North Walton Doctor’s Hospital
Dr. Huy Nguyen spearheads the reopening of North Walton Doctors’ Hospital, the first physician-owned facility since 2005, providing critical healthcare services to Northern Walton County.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Earns 5-Star Ranking
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has achieved a ‘5-star rating’ in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2024 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. This prestigious rating reflects the hospital’s commitment to high-quality care, patient safety, and excellent patient experience. Ascension Hospitals surpassed the national average in 2024 with an improved average star rating of 3.48, up from 3.27 in 2023. Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, attributes this achievement to the dedication of their caregivers and associates.
Medical Professionals Warn of Effects of Excessive Heat During Summer Months
With significant threats of excessive heat looming over Florida in the coming days, local hospitals are preparing for a potential influx of patients suffering from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. The primary cause of concern is the high humidity levels, which, when combined with rising air temperatures, create dangerously hot conditions. “We tend to set aside the dangers of heat when we don’t hear about extreme or record-breaking temperatures, but with high humidity, the heat index can sneak up on people and have just as big an impact,” explained Dr. Erik Petersen, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital.
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place Recognized Nationally
For the fourth year in a row, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned a place on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five-ribbon level. Based on nationwide online surveys, medical key performance indicators, and patient satisfaction data, this distinction highlights facilities that excel in providing exceptional care to mothers, newborns, and their families. Sacred Heart’s facilities have also participated in Florida’s first postpartum wristband initiative, renewed their Baby-Friendly designation, and house the only NICU serving Walton and Okaloosa counties. The Sacred Heart health system has also been named one of the top 15 health systems in the country for 2024 by Fortune and PINC AI.
HCA Healthcare Urges Firework Safety Ahead of 4th of July Holiday
With the July 4th holiday approaching, hospitals nationwide are bracing for a surge in emergency room visits, mainly due to fireworks mishandling. Many injuries are caused by individuals who misuse fireworks or ignite them while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a lack of safety awareness. “We often see injuries from firecrackers exploding at close range and sparklers causing severe burns to the face, hands, and feet when mishandled,” stated Dr. Kevin Bryan, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Firecrackers can inflict severe injuries if they detonate near the face or hands. Sparklers, which burn at approximately 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt metal—pose significant risks as well, often causing severe burns and potential eye injuries.
Crestview Woman Fights Uphill Battle Against Sickle Cell In Florida
Allison Morris, a caregiver to her daughter Samariah, who battles Sickle Cell disease, founded the non-profit “We Reign” to advocate for resources, awareness, and support. Samariah, a vibrant dancer, faces regular pain crises exacerbated by limited local infrastructure. The organization aims to educate, fund research, and assist caregivers in managing the challenges of the disease.
A Six Figure Pharmacist Salary Just Got More Affordable And Easier to Access for Okaloosa County
With a groundbreaking agreement between Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), high school students in Okaloosa County can now pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree while staying local. The partnership allows students to complete two years at NWFSC and then transfer to FAMU’s Crestview Pharmacy Campus, with access to student housing, alleviating housing concerns. Dr. G. Devin Stephenson, NWFSC’s outgoing president, envisions enrolling 30-40 students per class, enhancing the region’s educational opportunities and community impact.
