PARRISH MEDICAL Center Chairman of the Board Robert Jordan (left), Health First Chief Administrative Officer Paula Just, Parrish Medical Center President/CEO George Mikitarian, and Health First CEO Terry Forde at a signing ceremony Sept. 23, 2024. 

On July 17, 2024, Health First and Parrish Healthcare resolved their legal differences and established a new collaboration focused on expanding healthcare access across Brevard County. Two months later, the leaders of the two not-for-profit health systems have further committed to this collaboration by signing new agreements to enhance care options for residents.

These agreements include the integration of Parrish Healthcare system into the Health First Health Plans network, and conversely, the Health First system will participate within the Parrish Health Network. This extended partnership allows Brevard County residents to access two comprehensive networks, improving access to quality care throughout the region.

“With our two systems coming to an agreement the community wins by gaining county-wide access to two high-quality comprehensive networks of care,” said Parrish Healthcare President/CEO George Mikitarian.

In addition, as part of this collaboration, Health First and Parrish Healthcare have signed a real estate agreement that will transfer ownership of the Health First Cancer Institute building in Titusville to Parrish Healthcare, effective by late 2025.

“Health First is committed to removing barriers to care and providing the Brevard community with access to a broad range of high-quality healthcare services. This partnership with Parrish Healthcare will help us achieve that goal by making care more accessible for everyone in the county,” said Paula Just, Chief Administrative Officer at Health First. “This partnership exemplifies Health First and Parrish Healthcare’s shared commitment to a healthier, stronger Brevard County.”

READ the full story in Florida Today HERE.

READ the feature in Space Coast Daily HERE.