Miami is a city in constant motion, defined by its energy, diversity and unmistakable sense of ingenuity. From its evolving skyline to its emergence as a global hub for business, culture and innovation, the city’s fast transformation pace is unstoppable. And as Miami continues to rise, so does the expectation for world-class infrastructure to support it.
Health care is no exception. At the center of this constant modernization is Jackson Health System, one of the nation’s largest public health systems offering world-class care to any person who walks through its doors. Jackson is not simply keeping pace with Miami’s growth but also helping to define it.
Across Miami-Dade County, Jackson is reimagining what a modern healthcare system can be, one that reflects the ambition, resilience and forward-thinking spirit of the community it serves. The $830 million Jackson Miracle-Building Bond program, which was the cornerstone of a 10-year, $2 billion capital plan, along with the fundraising efforts of Jackson Health Foundation, set a clear vision for the future, allowing the health system to re-invest in infrastructure, technology, and patient-centered design to elevate the standard of care at every level.
For more than a century, Miami-Dade County residents have relied on Jackson for their medical needs. The health system is now recognized for its comprehensive medical care, highly trained doctors and cutting-edge treatments. As Miami continues to grow into a global destination, Jackson is ensuring it’s equipped to match that trajectory with excellence, accessibility, and innovation with the construction of new state-of-the-art facilities, including Jose Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West Medical Center, the UHealth Jackson Critical Care Pavilion at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial. Ranked among the top 3% of rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Lynn Rehab Center houses some of the most advanced therapy equipment in the nation.
Most recently, Jackson Memorial’s new emergency room celebrated its grand opening. The new ER triples the size of its former footprint, making it among the largest in the country, representing a transformative step forward in how emergency care is delivered in a rapidly growing city. Spanning more than 178,000 sq. ft., the facility was designed with efficiency, speed, and innovation at its core, with every detail carefully considered to enhance patient access, streamline flow, and improve outcomes.
The $400 million ER is opening in 3 strategic phases to ensure a seamless transition for patients and care teams. Phase one introduces expanded frontline capacity, including 60 general exam rooms, 4 resuscitation rooms, a 50-bed observation unit, 6 triage and 12 fast-track rooms, significantly reducing wait times and enabling faster, life-saving care. In addition, this phase features a fully integrated diagnostic and treatment experience with an on-site radiology suite offering MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, along with an on-site pharmacy for immediate access to critical medications. Phase two will significantly expand overall capacity and specialized services, including more adult emergency rooms, dedicated behavioral health spaces, and a comprehensive pediatric emergency area with features tailored for children, including autism-friendly spaces. In the final phase, the addition of a new third floor and expanded helipad access will further enhance the hospital’s ability to grow with the community and provide essential rapid life-saving care.
Behind this transformation is a force that is both powerful and deeply rooted in community: philanthropy. Jackson Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Jackson Health System, has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life, connecting a network of visionary donors, community leaders, and corporate partners who share a belief in what Jackson represents and what it is becoming.
Nowhere is that collective impact more evident than in the new ER, where philanthropic support has helped bring the nation’s largest and most advanced facility to life. Through the generosity and leadership of organizations and families such as the Lennar Foundation, Benjamin León Jr. Charitable Foundation, Miller Foundation, Royal Caribbean Group Foundation, The Related Group, The Kadre Family, Jose Milton Family Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation, Trish & Dan Bell, The Codina Family, The Gorson Family, Harold Marzouka, Jr., and François Marzouka Trust, and so many more, $100 million has been raised in support of this transformative project. Together, these contributions have helped accelerate investments in cutting-edge technology, elevate the patient experience, and ensure that Jackson continues to set a new standard for emergency care in a rapidly growing region. Additional philanthropic opportunities for programs within the new ER building are available, including a third floor that will be built out to house a precision medicine center with interventional radiology suites and cardiac catheterization labs.
Miami’s generous spirit is perhaps best exemplified by One Day for Jackson, a powerful fundraising initiative, which brings the community together in support of a shared vision. This year, One Day for Jackson raised $1 million. More than a single day of giving, it has become a reflection of the momentum surrounding Jackson’s expansion in the community. It is a moment when individuals, businesses, and community leaders unite, not out of obligation, but out of inspiration. At its core, One Day for Jackson represents the people behind the progress: the advocates who champion the system’s vision, the emerging philanthropists eager to make their mark, and the corporate and civic leaders who recognize the value of investing in the health and vitality of the community. It is this same spirit of engagement reflected in the generosity of partners such as Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, Inc, Miami Heat, Florida Fresh Markets and leading philanthropic families across South Florida, demonstrating how collective action can drive meaningful, lasting change. You can still be a part of this movement and donate by visiting OneDayforJackson.org.
As Miami continues to evolve, so too does the nature of philanthropy. A new generation of donors is stepping forward, one that is driven not only by generosity, but by impact, innovation, and the desire to shape the future. For these individuals and organizations, supporting Jackson is more than a contribution. It is an opportunity to be part of something transformational, to help define what health care looks like in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
What is unfolding at Jackson is not simply a series of projects or initiatives. It is a redefinition of what health care can be: modern, innovative and deeply connected to the community it serves. Jackson is a reflection of Miami itself: bold, diverse, and always looking ahead. And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that the future is not something that happens to a city, it is something that is built by the people who believe in it; JacksonHealthFoundation.org.
