Jackson Health System Breaks Ground on José Milton Memorial Hospital in the City of Doral

Miami, Florida, October 31, 2016 (Newswire.com) - A new milestone in the nearly 100-year history of Jackson Health System began October 26, with the official ceremonial groundbreaking for the new José Milton Memorial Hospital to be located in the City of Doral. Attended by more than 300 community leaders, elected officials, philanthropists and other dignitaries, the blue-carpeted celebration recognized a $10 million gift from the José Milton Foundation, whose work continues the legacy of its founder and family patriarch, architect José Milton.

“The Milton Family Foundation's donation represents the largest gift we have received, and it will go a long way in establishing facilities that allow us to extend our unique brand of healthcare directly into the communities we serve," said Jackson Health System President & CEO Carlos A. Migoya. "Today’s event is a tremendous tribute to a man that I knew personally, and I am extremely honored to be a part of this momentous occasion.”

This was a very special day for my family. Our father had tremendous respect for Jackson Health System and its incredible team of health care professionals. We, my brothers and I, and our families were moved by Jackson's ability to care for everyone regardless of who they are or where they came from. We are honored and happy to be able to provide this gift to the Miami-Dade community, and to be able to continue our father's legacy by providing access to state-of-the art medical care.

Cecil Milton, Trustee of José Milton Foundation

After receiving treatment at Jackson South Community Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital, José Milton was very pleased with the high level of care and compassion he received throughout Jackson Health System. As a result, in 2013 he made his first gift to Jackson Health Foundation – the health system’s fundraising arm, thus beginning a long-term philanthropic relationship. Since his passing, his family has continued to honor its patriarch’s vision.

“This was a very special day for my family,” said Cecil Milton, a Trustee of the José Milton Foundation. "Our father had tremendous respect for Jackson Health System and its incredible team of health care professionals. We, my brothers and I, and our families were moved by Jackson's ability to care for everyone regardless of who they are or where they came from. We are honored and happy to be able to provide this gift to the Miami-Dade community, and to be able to continue our father's legacy by providing access to state-of-the art medical care.”

Designed by the architectural firm Perkins + Will, with Robins & Morton serving as the primary builder, the 100-bed hospital will anchor a 27.3-acre medical campus (Jackson West) and will include a new emergency department, diagnostics and imaging, a Children's Ambulatory clinic, doctor's offices, and adult specialty clinics.  The projected budget for Jackson West, including José Milton Memorial Hospital, the outpatient building, parking garage, the land purchase, and design costs, is $253 million.

“Construction of the new facility will begin in early 2017 with an expected completion in 2020,” said Jackson West Vice President Aristides Pallin. “The hospital will create 600 to 800 permanent healthcare jobs, primarily in clinical positions, and provide immediate access to medical care to more than 585,000 residents within five miles of the hospital.”

The ceremonial groundbreaking began with a rousing rendition of a song treasured by José Milton - America, the Beautiful, performed by Ariel Rose, a recent graduate of the University of Miami.

In addition to Carlos Migoya and Cecil Milton, speakers and participants included José Milton Foundation representatives Ana VeigaMilton, president; Frank Milton & Joseph Milton, trustees; Joe Arriola, chairman, Public Health Trust; Dr. Rudy Moise, chairman of the board, Jackson Health Foundation; Keith R. Tribble, president and CEO Jackson Health Foundation; Aristides Pallin, vice president, Jackson West; Dr. Michael Barron, UHealth – the University of Miami Health System, chief medical officer; Mayor Luigi Boria, City of Doral; Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, Miami-Dade County; and José “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, District 12.

Catering for the event was provided by Sara Sharpe.

Source: Jackson Health Foundation