Florida free health care clinics urge uninsured to seek their services
Free and charitable clinics provide a range of services for free and reduced costs to those unable to afford healthcare, aiming to help uninsured and low-income individuals. In 2024, Florida ranked 45 out of all 50 states with one of the highest uninsured rates – 10.9 percent – in the country. As hospital costs rise and insurance premiums double for many Americans, the number of people who cannot pay for care has increased and free and charitable clinics may be the only available safety net. More from USA Today and TC Palm.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Historic transfer
After more than a year of negotiations, the Florida State University board of trustees has approved the purchase of all Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare assets. The $110-million deal transfers TMH, founded in 1946, to FSU Health — a major academic initiative designed to improve health services, research, education and clinical care in North Florida. FSU President Richard McCullough is the driving force behind the merger. [Source: Florida Trend]
Athletes credit a tiny new scope developed in Florida for faster surgical recoveries
Several top pro athletes and their surgeons say a modern version of an old tool is shaving weeks off the recovery time for certain injuries. And some top doctors think this is only the beginning. The NanoNeedle 2.0 is a miniaturized, flexible version of the traditional arthroscope. The device is made in Naples, with training there and in Tampa. The model is accumulating an impressive list of proponents. [Source: AP]
Florida launches Medicaid fraud crack down initiative
Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new initiative aimed at cracking down on fraud — Medicaid fraud, more specifically. He discussed the crackdown on Friday in West Palm Beach, claiming that the move will strengthen oversight and potentially prevent fraud before it even happens. “Today, we announced major actions to strengthen the integrity of Florida’s Medicaid program and crack down on fraud,” he stated. More from Click Orlando and HME News.
Florida is up to eight cases of Vibrio vulnificus – so-called 'flesh-eating bacteria' – in 2026
Two new cases of Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” were reported in Florida during the week of May 28 to June 6, according to the state Department of Health. The infections were reported in Okaloosa and Palm Beach counties, the most recent cases listed in the state’s online database. Florida has recorded eight cases so far this year. [Source: WUSF]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Johnson & Johnson to invest $1 billion in vision operations in Jacksonville
Johnson & Johnson announced Monday that it will invest more than $1 billion in Jacksonville to strengthen its vision operations. The New Jersey-based healthcare giant said in a news release that it will scale its U.S.-based manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities as it builds a Jacksonville distribution center and invests in advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies to add capacity and meet demand for its Acuvue brand contact lenses.
› How a ‘moderate’ risk of extreme heat in South Florida can affect your health
It’s going to be H-O-T this weekend, South Florida. The National Weather Service in Miami is expecting a “moderate” risk of extreme heat this weekend and into next week across South Florida. The hotter it is, the higher the risk for blistering rashes, painful sunburns, muscle cramps and more severe heat-related illnesses, especially as people travel, hit the beach and pool, and gather for FIFA World Cup watch parties and activities.
› USF summer nursing program offers teens hands-on inspiration to join an in-demand career
It's not every day high school students can practice listening to the heartbeat of a pediatric manikin – especially one that can talk, turn its head and even cry. Fifty high school students from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties had the opportunity to not only examine “PediHal,” a high-fidelity pediatric manikin, but also dive into an early introduction to nursing with clinical simulations and skill labs.
› Orlando Health doctor recalls Pulse response and lasting impact on trauma response
Dr. Chadwick Smith, the trauma surgeon on call at Orlando Regional Medical Center on the night of the Pulse nightclub shooting, said training was key in the hospital’s response as dozens of patients arrived in the emergency room in a matter of minutes. “The first wave of patients was 36 patients in 36 minutes — about a patient a minute for about a half hour,” Smith said.