As part of the service day, Orlando Health hosted 63 various onsite and offsite volunteer projects benefiting different community partners in the various areas where the health system has a presence. Activities included meal packing and serving, hygiene kit assembly, building with Habitat for Humanity and even farm work with animals.

“Today is a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special,” said Megan Almasi, senior director, Orlando Health Community Relations. “By coming together as a team in service, we are humbled to help strengthen the place we call home, wherever that may be. We’re grateful to the many community partners who joined us in our mission to spend a day dedicated to making a lasting impact.”

2,098 team members volunteered throughout the day contributing 2,621 community service hours.

Participation is open to all Orlando Health team members and community partners who share a passion for giving back.

About Orlando Health – Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn,Facebook, Instagram and X.

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Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has been named the first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Lake County, reflecting its demonstrated commitment to improving cardiac arrest outcomes, advancing evidence-based care and fostering strong partnerships with local emergency medical services.

The designation comes from a statewide initiative led by the Florida Resuscitation Center Committee, which was formed to develop recommendations on how to increase the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest. To achieve this recognition, a hospital must meet and self-attest to the criteria set out by the committee.

“Providing premium, total cardiac care has been a central focus for our hospital, so we are honored to have earned this designation,” said Lance Sewell, president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “It’s a testament to our team as well as our emergency medical services partners who work tirelessly when it comes to not only treating patients but also educating the Lake County community and spreading awareness around heart health and issues.”

The criteria also include a strong emphasis on community involvement, such as programs to train bystanders in resuscitation intervention efforts. Centers of Excellence are tasked with promoting wellness and enhancing necessary rehabilitation for cardiac arrest patients as well as providing support for their loved ones and caregivers.

Each year, approximately 350,000 individuals die from cardiac arrest in Florida, and it remains the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

As the trusted community hospital in South Lake County, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has provided healthcare to residents for more than 75 years. It is also the only Leapfrog Group A-rated hospital in Lake County.

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The new area provides a streamlined and welcoming environment where patients can complete registration, undergo exams, receive lab work, and access additional outpatient services—all in one centralized location. Hospital leaders say the enhanced space is designed to improve efficiency, comfort, and overall patient experience while making the process more convenient for the community it serves.

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Vascular surgeons Roger Moccia and Irfan Imami recently completed their 250th transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) procedure, a minimally invasive treatment designed to repair blockages in the carotid artery and help reduce the risk of stroke.

The milestone comes shortly after the surgeons joined Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, expanding access to advanced vascular care for residents throughout Lake County.

TCAR is a specialized procedure that combines surgical principles with endovascular techniques to safely restore blood flow to the brain while minimizing the risk of complications. By offering this innovative treatment locally, Dr. Moccia and Dr. Imami are enhancing stroke prevention services and providing patients with high-level vascular expertise close to home.

Hospital officials note that the addition of the two experienced vascular surgeons strengthens the hospital’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge care to the South Lake community.

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Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room – Blue Cedar in Leesburg and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Joe H. and Loretta Scott Emergency Room – Four Corners have been named 2025 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award^®winners by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services.

This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience.

“The freestanding emergency departments are critical resources when it comes to healthcare in Lake County, as they provide top-tier emergency and outpatient services closer to home for patients,” said Lance Sewell, president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “This award is a testament to the high quality of care that our physicians and team members deliver at those sites, so our patients can rest assured their experience is our top priority.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Located in Leesburg and Four Corners, the freestanding emergency departments operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are staffed by board-certified emergency room physicians, registered nurses and a full support staff.  Features include specialized resuscitation rooms, diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound, x-ray and computed tomography (CT), laboratory services and a helipad for air care transfers when needed.  Outpatient services include diagnostic imaging, laboratory and outpatient rehabilitation.

About Orlando Health – Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook,Instagram and X.

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The designation recognizes hospitals that offer care in what might otherwise become maternity care deserts.  U.S. News identified hospitals that are the only facility providing maternity care to their community.

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital was one of only 147 hospitals named in the nation, and it was also the only hospital in Lake County to be on the list.

“We are truly honored to be recognized for maternity access. Quality maternity care is crucial for a community to thrive for generations to come, which is why we have significantly invested in these services,” said Lance Sewell, president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “Our maternal health teams are dedicated to providing the highest level of compassionate care and understand deeply how pivotal and precious this time is for expectant mothers and their families.”

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Center for Women and Babies, part of Orlando Health Women’s Institute, offers total, trusted care for women, from pre-pregnancy through post-partum care. Board-certified obstetricians delivering at the hospital care for both moms and babies before, during and after delivery. Nurses and lactation consultants also offer the support and resources moms need to be successful.

The trusted community hospital for more than 75 years, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital is nationally recognized for safety, quality and patient experience. It is also the only hospital in Lake County to have an “A” rating from the Leapfrog Group.

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The new hospital reflects AdventHealth’s faith-based mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, bringing nationally recognized care and convenience to a rapidly growing community. 

“Our goal is simple — to make sure families never have to leave home to receive trusted, compassionate care that helps them heal in body, mind and spirit,” said Kay Barnett, CEO of AdventHealth Minneola. “We know how important it is for patients to be surrounded by their loved ones during times of healing. This hospital ensures that South Lake County families can stay close to home while receiving the exceptional care AdventHealth is known for nationwide.” 

AdventHealth Minneola is the ninth hospital in the AdventHealth Central Florida Division, offering a broad range of services designed to meet community needs, including: 

• A full-service emergency department 

• Comprehensive imaging and diagnostic services 

• Five operating suites and endoscopy services 

• Outpatient laboratory 

• Heart catheterization labs 
• 40 critical care patient rooms and 40 general medical/surgical rooms 

These services address a significant need in South Lake County, where nearly half of residents currently travel outside the area for inpatient care, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). 

“This marks a new chapter for health care in South Lake County,” said Dr. Miles Bennett, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Minneola. “Our team of skilled physicians and specialists is here to deliver advanced medical expertise with uncommon compassion the kind that reflects our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ and help every person feel whole.” 

Located within a growing community hub surrounded by homes, parks and local businesses, the hospital was designed to serve as a cornerstone for wellness and connection. Construction is also underway on an adjacent medical office building that will offer outpatient services in gastroenterology, urology, oncology, cardiology, general and vascular surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, outpatient laboratory and pharmacy — further expanding access to care for South Lake residents. 

AdventHealth Minneola joins the AdventHealth Central Florida network, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Florida and among the Top 20 hospitals in the nation. This recognition reflects AdventHealth’s dedication to high-quality, whole-person care that prioritizes patients’ well-being above all else. 

“It is an honor for me and my fellow City Council members to officially welcome AdventHealth to Minneola,” said Mayor Pat Kelley. “The opening of AdventHealth Minneola marks a milestone for our community — one that brings not only excellent care close to home but also creates hundreds of new opportunities for families to live and work right here.” 

The new hospital is creating more than 500 jobs for the community. 

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AdventHealth Minneola, 1800 North Hancock Road, Minneola, celebrated the opening of AdventHealth Minneola and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce officiated the ribbon cutting on Sunday, December 7^th. The celebration included an informative and comprehensive tour of the brand new 200,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.  

The four-story hospital’s construction began in mid-December 2023, with a planned completion date of 2025. The plan has held true to the schedule with a “opening of the doors” date set for this Wednesday, December 10^th. The opening will mark a point in history for the City of Minneola as the city’s first ever hospital located within the city limits.

The hospital, which includes a 30-bed Emergency Room and triage area, is complete with the latest and greatest digital and technological capabilities. From a state-of-the-art surgical wing to a pediatric care unit, the hospital will feature integrated smart room technology, allowing nurses to provide virtual care and consultations. Technology will also allow out-of-town relatives and friends to communicate, via audio and video, with their loved ones that are admitted to the hospital for care. Other services and features offered will include five operating rooms, two catheter labs, interventional radiology, outpatient lab services, full-service imaging, endoscopy services and cardiac catheterization labs.

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Kay Barnett will take the helm of the new campus as the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. Kay recently served as vice president of strategy and emerging operations for the Northwest Market of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division.  Kay’s previous experience includes serving in division-wide roles such as strategic planning and executive director of network development, as well as progressive business development roles at AdventHealth’s Altamonte Springs location.AdventHealth Minneola, which is expected to bring 500 jobs to the community and help address physician shortages, is prepared to serve the residents of South Lake County with a convenient location, personalized approach, and a commitment to excellence.

Visit www.AdventHealth.com/AdventHealth-Minneola for a complete list of services offered.

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