TIME IS LIFE: Health First and Parrish Healthcare Form Lifesaving Stroke Network Partnership
By Space Coast Daily // May 5, 2026
Health First and Parrish Healthcare formalizes monumental agreement to enhance stroke care across the Space Coast
Because time is of the essence for stroke recovery and survival, Health First and Parrish Healthcare are working together to ensure the community receives care at the closest stroke network hospital for best-practice stroke care – close to home.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — For each minute that passes after the onset of a stroke, nearly two million neurons in the brain are lost.
The “golden hour” – that critical 60-minute time frame from stroke symptom to hospital recovery provides the very best window of recovery, minimizing long-term brain damage and potentially saving a life.
Today, leaders and physicians from Health First and Parrish Healthcare formalized a monumental agreement to enhance stroke care across the Space Coast through the establishment of a stroke network partnership – a clinically integrated collaboration that will coordinate and standardize stroke care across participating hospitals in Brevard County.
The Health First–Parrish Stroke Network represents a major advancement in regional stroke care coordination within Brevard County.
All four Health First hospitals, as well as Parrish Medical Center, operate certified primary stroke centers in Brevard County.
This partnership aims to strengthen regional stroke care by improving quality and patient outcomes while still preserving the independent governance of each participating organization.
By aligning clinical protocols, strengthening EMS coordination, and leveraging shared data to guide performance improvement, the network positions both organizations to deliver faster, more consistent, and higher-quality stroke care across the region.
“Today feels especially meaningful as we step into May and Stroke Awareness Month,” said Health First President and CEO Terry Forde.
“It is a time that reminds us just how critical our work is because when it comes to stroke care, every minute matters. But today isn’t just about signing an agreement, it’s about what’s possible when we come together around a shared purpose—to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve.
“At Health First, we’ve had the privilege of serving this community since 1995, building on a legacy that stretches back to 1937. Through those years, one thing has remained clear: our community deserves exceptional care close to home. Delivered with compassion, respect, and excellence. That’s what makes today’s partnership with Parrish Healthcare so meaningful,” said Forde.
Forde said both organizations of dedicated caregivers bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for patients and families.
“And now, together, we’re building something stronger, focusing on what matters most. Because when a stroke occurs, there’s no margin for delay – minutes and coordination matter. It can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability,” Forde said.
County-Wide Stroke Network: Another Leap Forward
“Working with our colleagues at Health First and EMS to create this county-wide stroke network is another leap forward in how we are advancing life-saving stroke care for our community,” said Dr. Christopher Rajan, Parrish Healthcare Emergency Medicine and Stroke Program Medical Director.
“We, too, are incredibly proud of this work; proud of everyone involved in making it happen and proud to serve our community.”
Dr. Fawad Shaheen, Health First Interventional Neuroradiologist, said, “In stroke care, time is everything. And the truth is, for those of us who do this life-changing work, every month is Stroke Awareness Month.
“We see every day how important it is to recognize the signs early and get care as quickly as possible. That’s why rapid recognition, fast transport, and immediate treatment are so critical.
“When patients receive care quickly, their chances of survival improve, and they’re more likely to recover with less long-term disability. This network strengthens our ability to deliver that level of care across Brevard County,” said Dr. Shaheen.
Dr. Shaheen said many patients will begin treatment at a Primary Stroke Center close to home.
“If more complex care is needed, including advanced procedures like thrombectomy, this network helps ensure they are transferred quickly and efficiently to Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center. That level of coordination can truly change outcomes for patients and their families,” said Dr. Shaheen.
“And this is exactly where innovation is helping us move even faster. We’re already seeing the benefits of advanced technology, including tools like Viz.ai, which help us identify strokes faster, share imaging in real time, and activate care teams more quickly. Combined with strong clinical teams and EMS partnerships, this allows us to move faster and deliver care more effectively,” Dr. Shaheen said.
