About Jackson Health System
Learn more about our history, recognitions, and how we care for our communities.
Who We Are
Jackson Health System is a nonprofit academic medical system offering world-class care to any person who walks through its doors. Governed by the Public Health Trust, a team of citizen volunteers acting on behalf of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Jackson Health System ensures that all residents of Miami-Dade County receive a single high standard of care regardless of their ability to pay.
An integrated healthcare delivery system, Jackson Health System consists of:
- Its centerpiece, Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Jackson South Medical Center
- Jackson North Medical Center
- Jackson West Medical Center
- Holtz Children’s Hospital/The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial
- A network of UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers
- Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital
- Multiple primary care and specialty care centers
- Two long-term care nursing facilities
- A team of Corrections Health Services personnel
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial
Who We Are
Jackson Health System is a nonprofit academic medical system offering world-class care to any person who walks through its doors. Governed by the Public Health Trust, a team of citizen volunteers acting on behalf of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Jackson Health System ensures that all residents of Miami-Dade County receive a single high standard of care regardless of their ability to pay.
An integrated healthcare delivery system, Jackson Health System consists of:
- Its centerpiece, Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Jackson South Medical Center
- Jackson North Medical Center
- Jackson West Medical Center
- Holtz Children’s Hospital/The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial
- A network of UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers
- Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital
- Multiple primary care and specialty care centers
- Two long-term care nursing facilities
- A team of Corrections Health Services personnel
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial
A Message from the CEO
A Message from the CEO
For more than a century, Jackson Health System has stood as a trusted pillar in our community, known for delivering world-class care, advancing medicine, and serving every patient and family with compassion and excellence. While health care is constantly evolving, one thing that never changes is our commitment to the people who depend on us.
From the moment a patient walks in our doors, they should feel welcomed and confident that they have chosen the right healthcare institution to meet their unique needs. Every interaction – from the first greeting at registration to conversations with our doctors, nurses, and support team – should reflect professionalism and a commitment to delivering the highest quality health care.
We recognize our patients and families come to us when they are navigating some of life’s most vulnerable and uncertain moments. That is why creating an environment grounded in empathy, trust, and respect is just as important as delivering exceptional care. We strive to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued. That is our promise to this community.
Jackson Health System is a landmark institution with a rich history. From opening Miami’s first hospital in 1918 and pioneering medical breakthroughs to serving as a trusted lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson has remained steadfast in its commitment to caring for this community across generations.
In recent years, Jackson has transformed in remarkable ways. We’ve expanded access by building new hospitals and outpatient facilities deeper into the communities where people live, work, and play. We’ve invested in innovation by bringing in leading-edge technologies and advanced treatment options to our hospitals.
At the center of it all, we’ve built an extraordinary team of healthcare professionals that shows up every day ready to heal, comfort, and save lives. They reflect the diversity of the communities we are so proud to serve, and they bring that shared humanity into every patient interaction.
Every decision we make begins and ends with what is best for our patients – because they are at the heart of everything we do. Our product is care, delivered with skill, compassion, and purpose when people need it most.
As Miami-Dade County’s health system, we always stand ready to serve. Thank you for choosing Jackson.
Sincerely,
David Zambrana
President and CEO
Jackson Health System
Description
We recognize our patients and families come to us when they are navigating some of life’s most vulnerable and uncertain moments. That is why creating an environment grounded in empathy, trust, and respect is just as important as delivering exceptional care. We strive to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued. That is our promise to this community.
Jackson Health System is a landmark institution with a rich history. From opening Miami’s first hospital in 1918 and pioneering medical breakthroughs to serving as a trusted lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackson has remained steadfast in its commitment to caring for this community across generations.
In recent years, Jackson has transformed in remarkable ways. We’ve expanded access by building new hospitals and outpatient facilities deeper into the communities where people live, work, and play. We’ve invested in innovation by bringing in leading-edge technologies and advanced treatment options to our hospitals.
At the center of it all, we’ve built an extraordinary team of healthcare professionals that shows up every day ready to heal, comfort, and save lives. They reflect the diversity of the communities we are so proud to serve, and they bring that shared humanity into every patient interaction.
Every decision we make begins and ends with what is best for our patients – because they are at the heart of everything we do. Our product is care, delivered with skill, compassion, and purpose when people need it most.
As Miami-Dade County’s health system, we always stand ready to serve. Thank you for choosing Jackson.
Sincerely,
David Zambrana
President and CEO
Jackson Health System
Support Jackson Health Foundation As We Make Miracles Happen Daily
You can make a real difference in the lives of our patients, support world-class health care at Jackson with a contribution to the Miracle Fund. Your generosity fills the gaps of major needs that cannot be financed.
Donate NowMore Than 100 Years of Compassionate Care
It all started on June 25, 1918 when the new Miami City Hospital (now Jackson Memorial Hospital) opened its doors and began providing care to the community.
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Jackson Memorial Hospital’s New Emergency Room
Jackson Memorial Hospital opened one of the largest ERs in the nation, designed to deliver faster, more advanced care for our community.
5000 Liver Transplants
Miami Transplant Institute(MTI) reached a milestone of 5000 liver transplants. Leading the Southeastern region and making second chances possible through organ donation and world-class care. On this same year, we also celebrated our 500th lung transplant at MTI.
On-Site Trauma Center at the F1 Miami Grand Prix
Ryder Trauma Center opened what is now known as the Carlos A. Migoya Medical Center, a fully equipped on-site trauma center at the F1 Miami Grand Prix. From guaranteeing swift emergency response to operating hydration stations, our team helped keep the races both thrilling and safe.
First Autism Friendly Designated ED in Florida
In collaboration with UM-NSU CARD, our pediatric emergency departments now feature dedicated sensory spaces where patients can experience soothing music, dimmed lighting, and the cozy comfort of a bean-bag chair during their medical visit.
UHealth Jackson Critical Care Pavilion
Jackson Memorial Hospital was expanded to include a new UHealth Jackson Critical Care Pavilion featuring private intensive care suites to support transplant and neurosurgery as well as modernization efforts to create a welcoming environment and enhancement to patient care.
First Hospital in Doral
Jackson West Medical Center home of the new José Milton Memorial Hospital is open as the first hospital in Doral.
Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center
The new Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial opens our new, state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, to give patients back their lives.
Miami Transplant Institute
The Miami Transplant Institute claims the nation’s top position, performing more organ transplants than any other hospital in U.S. history, with a record-breaking 747 transplants performed in 2019.
A Century of Miracles
Jackson Health System celebrates 100 years of serving the community.
Ryder Trauma Center Celebrates 25 Years Of Saving Lives In Miami-Dade County
Ryder Trauma Center celebrates 25 years of saving lives at Jackson Memorial. After 25 years of experience, records show that the lives of nearly 95,000 critically injured people have been saved at Ryder Trauma.
Jackson South Provisional Level II Trauma Center Opens
Jackson South Medical Center opened its provisional Level II trauma center. The center began operating as a full-service, around-the-clock trauma center. But unlike other provisional Level II trauma centers, it has immediate access to the leading-edge resources of Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial.
Burn Rehabilitation Therapy Unit Renovation
In October 2016, Florida Power and Light (FPL) donated $500,000 to Jackson Health System and the Jackson Health Foundation to renovate and upgrade the rehabilitation therapy unit at the center. The FPL Power to Care Burn Rehabilitation Therapy Unit now features new parallel bars, trampolines, and exercise equipment that are used to help patients with their treatment and recovery.
Ryder Trauma Center Fortification Project
Ryder Trauma Center begins a fortification project that involved hardening of the exterior of the building with funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management System. The new structure is designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.
Miami-Dade County Approves A Helipad At Jackson South Medical Center
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) unanimously approved an application for a helipad at Jackson South Medical Center, moving the hospital closer to readiness for being a part of Jackson Health System’s expansion of its world-renowned trauma service.
Ryder Trauma Celebrates 20 Years Of Saving Lives
On August 3, 2012, Ryder Trauma Center celebrates its 20th anniversary. At that point, records showed that the lives of nearly 75,000 critically injured people have been saved because of the efforts of the outstanding medical team at Ryder Trauma Center.
Teletrauma Networks Awarded NAHP Safety Net Award
Jackson is awarded the 2010 NAPH Safety Net Award by the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems for “Emergency Preparedness.”
Haiti Relief
Just 12 hours after the earthquake struck in January 2010, Project Medishare, an organization founded and led by University of Miami/Jackson physicians Dr. Barth Green and Dr. Arthur Fournier, had mobilized the first medical team on the ground in Haiti. At the same time, our medical professionals here in Miami were also impacting the lives of earthquake survivors. In all, Jackson treated 205 earthquake survivors – all of whom survived.
Burn Center Receives Notice Of Successful Verification By The ABA
In March, after completing the rigorous process set forth by the American Burn Association and American College of Surgeons, the UM/JM Burn Center receives notice of successful verification by the ABA. There are only three ABA verified burn centers in Florida.
Designated As Primary Responder
Jackson Health System is designated as the primary responder in case of a disaster, bioterrorist attack, or public health emergency in Miami-Dade County. Ryder Trauma is one of the four main components for emergency preparedness.
U.S. Army Selects Ryder Trauma To Train Surgical Teams
In October 2001, the U.S. Army selects Ryder Trauma as its only national Army Trauma Training Center in order to enhance the clinical skills and experience of its Forward Surgical Teams before being deployed for combat.
U.S. Congressman Writes Law
On October 28, 1994, the William Lehman Injury Research Center in Ryder Trauma was officially dedicated with special guests, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Federico Peña and retired U.S. Rep. William Lehman (D-Florida). Cong. Lehman created legislation that enabled the Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the center’s research.
Grand Opening
On August 3, 1992, Ryder Trauma Center opened just weeks before Hurricane Andrew devastated South Miami-Dade County. Ryder Trauma – the designated South Florida facility to treat the President of the United States, if necessary – has a rooftop helipad that can withstand the weight of a 20,000-pound Blackhawk helicopter. The helipad’s capability played a critical role after Hurricane Andrew since those who were critically injured were airlifted to Jackson on board Blackhawks.
Ryder System, Inc’s Ryder Charitable Foundation Donation
Ryder System, Inc’s Ryder Charitable Foundation provided a $2.5 million naming gift to Jackson Health Foundation, in support of Ryder Trauma Center.
Miami-Dade County Voters Approve Sales Tax
Miami-Dade County voters approved an extra half-penny sales tax to support Jackson Memorial Hospital. Trauma care is targeted as one of three primary needs.
Jackson Health Foundation
The construction of a self-contained trauma center is the first commitment made by the newly created, private, not-for-profit Jackson Memorial Foundation, now known as Jackson Health Foundation. Among their initiatives is the grass-roots “Bricks for Trauma” campaign, which asked citizens to “pave the road to recovery.”
Six Hospitals Drop Out Of The Trauma Network
Six hospitals dropped out of the trauma network, leaving Jackson Memorial Hospital with all of the adult patients and more than 90 percent of the pediatric patients in the County. Miami Children’s Hospital, now known as Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, also remained in the network.
Trauma Level I Established
An eight-hospital trauma network is created in Miami-Dade County with Jackson Memorial designated as a Level I trauma center.
The University Of Miami School Of Medicine Opens
The University of Miami School of Medicine, the first medical school in Florida, opened on September 22, 1952 with 26 students. Jackson Memorial Hospital immediately becomes an integral part of the medical school’s program.
An Assassination Attempt On Franklin D. Roosevelt
Shortly before arriving at Jackson Memorial Hospital, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made an address at a political rally in Bayfront Park. As he prepared to leave, he called his friend, Mayor Anton Cemak of Chicago, to his sedan for a friendly chat. And in that moment, a deranged man, Guiseppe Zangara, fired several bullets, missing the president but striking Mayor Cemak and four others. Mayor Cemak was rushed to surgery, and subsequently hospitalized at Jackson Memorial. President Roosevelt stayed by his friend’s side for the night. However, despite tremendous efforts by the hospital staff, Mayor Cermak died 30 days later.
A Nursing School Opens In 1920
When Ainah Royce, RN, arrived at Miami City Hospital in 1920, one of her first accomplishments was organizing a training school for nurses. At that time, registered nurses on private duty received $6 a day for 12-hour shifts, and $8 a day for 24-hour shifts.
The New Miami City Hospital Opens
Currently known as the Alamo Building, The new Miami City Hospital opened its door on June 25, 1918. Today, the historic building stands in the epicenter of the sprawling Downtown medical campus.
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