Parrish Healthcare and Health First Resolve Differences; Structure A New Relationship

BREVARD COUNTY, FL (July 17, 2024)-Parrish Healthcare and Health First leaders announce a new day for Brevard's not-for-profit health systems. The two health systems have resolved their legal differences and are structuring a new relationship that is focused on the future of healthcare on behalf of the Brevard community.

While the details of the new relationship are not yet finalized, the community can expect the lawsuit between the two organizations to be settled and the two organizations working more collaboratively together with a focus on the future of healthcare for Brevard and expanded access to affordable care for all.

Parrish's Chairman of the Board Robert Jordan was instrumental in bringing Parrish Healthcare President/CEO George Mikitarian and a team of Health First leaders including Paula Just, Chief Administrative Officer, Nicholas Romanello, Chief Legal Officer and Brett Esrock, then Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer together upon the departure of Health First's former leaders to structure a new collaborative relationship between the two organizations.

"It was time for our two organizations to come together to do the right thing for the community and Brevard," said Just.

"With barriers removed, differences were set aside, relationships mended, and a path forward for healthcare in Brevard is being paved," added Just.

"I want to recognize and acknowledge Health First's Paula Just, Nicholas Romanello and Brett Esrock personally," said Mikitarian. "Without their leadership, tenacity to reach common ground, and unwavering commitment to doing what's right for the people and communities we both serve, this would not have been possible. I have long advocated that collaborative partnerships over costly competition or disruptive acquisitions are the way to improve quality, safety, service and reduce costs," Mikitarian continued.

Of this newly structured relationship, Jordan, commends Mikitarian and the Health First team for their integrity and character in placing priority on the health needs of the people we have the honor to serve above all else.

Introductory meetings have already occurred between incoming Health First CEO Terry Forde, slated to take the helm at Health First in August, and Parrish's CEO Mikitarian.

Health First's Forde is fully supportive and expressed his appreciation to all involved for their leadership to amicably resolve the long-standing legal issues between the two organizations and looks forward to both not-for-profit organizations focusing their resources and attention to fulfilling their respective missions for the benefit of the people of 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.