April 7, 2020 by John Fernandez
Watch Now: Homestead Hospital’s 75th Year Marked by Health Fair, ‘Golden Knights’
(Caption: The Homestead community and the U.S. Army’s ‘Golden Knights’ celebrated Homestead Hospital’s 75th anniversary.)
Community members of all ages recently came together to celebrate Homestead Hospital’s 75th anniversary, taking part in a wellness-and-prevention health fair and enjoying a stunning parachuting display by the U.S. Army’s ‘Golden Knights.’
Originally built in 1940, Homestead Hospital was one of the first hospitals in Miami-Dade County. More than seven decades later, it remains the only full-service hospital in deep South Dade County, serving the largest community compared to other hospitals in the county.
The event combined the hospital’s annual community health fair while celebrating its 75th birthday. Dozens of hospital departments hosted informational tables, and free health screenings were provided to adults. Several demonstrations exhibited life-saving techniques and guidelines, including tips on CPR safety and child-proofing homes.
Extending outdoors were several fun children’s activities, including caricaturists, face painting, an obstacle course, rock climbing wall and rides.
The day was extra special for the numerous attendees who were born at Homestead Hospital over the past 75 years. Bill Olson was among the very first babies born at the original Homestead Hospital, which opened as James Archer Smith Hospital located just west of Krome Avenue. Born September 6, 1940, Mr. Olsen was the third person born at the original 10-bed facility. Mr. Olsen and other James Archer Smith “babies” celebrated their special “birthdays” together with a group photograph.
Today’s Homestead Hospital, a modern four-story facility built in 2007 a few miles east of its original site, has 142 beds, 411 physicians and 1,239 employees. The hospital offers comprehensive medical care, including advanced diagnostic tests, surgery, and emergency care for children and adults.
Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter attended the event to commend Homestead Hospital for the high-quality health services it offers to area residents. He also extended the city’s appreciation to Baptist Health South Florida for its steadfast support of ensuring that high-quality healthcare has remained a pillar of the community over many years.
Many attendees of all ages agreed the one of the highlights of the day was welcoming the U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed and commonly known as the “Golden Knights,” onto the Homestead Hospital grounds. The award-winning team jumped from 13,000 feet to perform skydiving feats in honor of the hospital’s 75 years. Once on the ground, parachute team provided several children with an interactive demonstration about all that goes into the jumps and what it means to serve as a Golden Knight.
The Baptist Health South Florida News team was there to capture the celebration. Watch now.
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