Health First and Parrish Healthcare Sign Health Plan and Cancer Center Agreements Community to Benefit From Expanded Collaboration and Access to Care
BREVARD COUNTY, FL (September 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. Today, 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.
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About Parrish Healthcare: Parrish Healthcare, America’s first Joint Commission Integrated Care Certified network, includes: Parrish Medical Center, a Cleveland Clinic Care Network member and one of the nation’s most recognized hospitals for clinical quality, patient safety, and healing environments; Parrish Medical Group, NCQA certified patient-centered medical homes; and Parrish Health Network, a coalition of healthcare providers, insurers and others working together to improve quality and safety and lower healthcare costs on behalf of individuals, families and businesses.
About Health First: Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County's not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully integrated delivery network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services. As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is committed to investing in our community. In 2022, Health First provided more than $220 million in community support. To learn more about Health First and how we're giving back to our community, please visit HFgivesback.org.
