Health First, Parrish Form New Relationship Focused on Quality Healthcare for Brevard Residents

Agreement will expand access to affordable care to all on the space coast

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Parrish Healthcare and Health First leaders announced 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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