A New Lifeline for Rural Florida: Ascension Sacred Heart Secures $2.8 Million
Ascension Sacred Heart has received more than $2.8 million to expand rural health care in Northwest Florida. The funding will help create a mobile stroke unit serving five counties and provide diagnostic and imaging equipment for the Emerald Coast Family Medicine Residency program, expanding access to timely care in rural communities.
New Cardiologist Strengthens Walton County’s Growing Heart Care Team
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has welcomed cardiologist Darin Busby, MD, to its Miramar Beach practice. Busby specializes in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, expanding access to heart care in Walton County. His arrival adds to the area’s largest heart care team as local health officials emphasize the need for increased cardiovascular services.
Golden Hour for Good: Popular Wine & Fries Event Returns to Destin
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida will host its annual Wine & Fries fundraiser in Destin, raising money to help families stay close during medical treatment.
Local Hospital Earns Prestigious Statewide Distinction
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Captures Repeat Statewide Hospital Honor Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Captures Repeat Statewide Hospital Honor Staff Reports February 2, 2026 2:30 pm Emerald Coast, Health, South Walton, Walton County In Brief: Sacred Heart Emerald Coast earned a place on Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second consecutive year. The hospital continues to […]
There When Seconds Matter: Ascension Sacred Heart Earns Stroke Certification
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has earned Primary Stroke Center certification, strengthening access to life-saving stroke care in Walton County.
Walton County Celebrates a Joyful New Beginning With First Baby of 2026
Walton County rang in 2026 with the birth of Merritt Taylor, the first baby born in the county just after midnight on New Year’s Day.
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.
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.
Local Hospital Grades Revealed. Did Yours Get An A?
We have the grades for HCA Fort Walton-Destin, Sacred Heart of the Emerald Coast, HCA Twin Cities and North Okaloosa Medical Center.
