Florida Trend Exclusive
A cancer vaccine?
As doctors and scientists continue to search for more effective cancer treatments, researchers at the University of Florida and partner institutions may have achieved a breakthrough. Researchers from UF and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston found a significantly longer survival rate for advanced lung cancer and melanoma patients who received a COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine within 100 days of beginning immunotherapy. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida Health Department finds heavy metals in over a dozen baby formula samples
A new statewide initiative aims to improve the health and wellness of Floridians, with state leaders emphasizing transparency, accountability, and a “families first” approach. As part of the effort, the Florida Department of Health recently conducted testing on infant formula products sold across the state. Officials said the department analyzed 24 infant formula samples from different brands purchased at various stores. [Source: WESH]
Legislative Session preview: Federal cuts amplify health care access, affordability debates
As Florida lawmakers convene for the 2026 Legislative Session, health care advocates are calling on state leaders to prioritize access to and affordability of health care. Advocates from across Florida gathered virtually last week to highlight mounting pressure on families, particularly children, as federal health policy changes take effect. The expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits and the passage of last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act are projected to result in more than 10 million people nationwide losing coverage over the next decade. [Source: Florida Politics]
Study shows Florida has the lowest flu vaccination rate in the U.S.
It may be a familiar warning — get vaccinated and wash your hands — but doctors say this flu season is proving unusually deadly, with symptoms appearing at record rates and thousands of deaths already reported. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about 5,000 people in the U.S. have died from the flu so far this season. Nationwide, cases are spiking, and Florida physicians say this year’s outbreak looks different from recent seasons. More from WTSP and Gulf Coast News Now.
New approaches could ease the home care workforce crisis
When older people struggle with daily activities because they have grown frail, because their chronic illnesses have mounted, or because they have lost a spouse or companion, most don’t want to move. For decades, surveys have shown that they prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible. That means they need home care, either from family and friends, paid caregivers, or both. But paid home care represents an especially strained sector of the long-term care system, which is experiencing an intensifying labor shortage even as an aging population creates surging demand. [Source: Health News Florida]
See also:
» Tarrah Lowry: Federal cuts put Florida’s home health care at risk
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Big Bend Hospice is extending its reach into rural Northwest Florida
Tallahassee's nonprofit hospice has announced a major expansion into the rural counties to the west of its present service area. Big Bend Hospice CEO Bill Wertman says the organization is gearing up to provide services to Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf counties, in addition to the eight-county region it already serves. So more hiring is underway.
› Jupiter Medical, West Palm Beach's HSS team up for orthopedic surgery
Jupiter Medical Center and the Hospital for Special Surgery are teaming up to provide patients greater access to orthopedic care. The alliance will allow HSS, No. 1 in the country for orthopedics, to perform inpatient surgeries at Jupiter. It is a major step for the nonprofit hospital, which opened in 1979 mostly for emergencies. Since then, Jupiter has since grown into a major medical center. Now the HSS affiliation is expected to make it a top destination for orthopedic surgery, too.
› Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville honors local women shaping health care
Nine women from across the First Coast will step into the spotlight next month for contributions they’ve quietly been making for years. They are the newest class of Women With Heart, a decade-long tradition honored during Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville’s annual luncheon, recognizing those who shape the region’s health not just through medicine, but mentorship, philanthropy and acts of service. Hosted by the nonprofit, the event doubles as its largest fundraiser of the year, spotlight women whose work strengthens the city’s health care ecosystem.
› South Florida nurses cancel strike, will vote on new deal
Ahead of a planned strike, registered nurses at three South Florida hospitals recently in turmoil have secured a potential deal that includes better pay and safer staffing measures. The nurses at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Coral Gables Hospital and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes were prepared to strike Friday after ongoing contract negotiations had stalled with the facilities’ relatively new operators.