West Kendall Baptist Hospital recognized by Florida Hospital Association for Community Contributions
MIAMI ― November 27, 2019 ― West Kendall Baptist Hospital has received a Community Benefit Achievement award from the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) for its efforts to improve the health of the community. The honor, given during the FHA’s annual Celebration of Achievement in Quality and Service Awards in Orlando, recognized West Kendall Baptist Hospital in the 150-beds and under division. The award highlighted the Healthy Hub, where more than 25,000 free health screenings have been performed since opening in the hospital lobby in 2015.
The Healthy Hub is a one-stop health kiosk that provides screenings such as blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat and weight. Aiming to improve overall fitness and balance ― and decrease the risk of falls ― TRX MAPS was added last year. It measures mobility, muscle activation, posture and symmetry as participants do three squats and then provides results and suggested exercises to target problem areas.
A dedicated registered nurse is on site to provide education and motivate participants to improve their health and return for reassessment. She also gives them “green” prescriptions to encourage them to visit local parks and green spaces. If they do not have a primary care physician or need a specialist, they are referred to one. On occasion, participants are whisked to the emergency room if results indicate a potentially dangerous problem.
“At the Healthy Hub, we have served community members as young as 11 and as old as 86,” said Javier Hernandez-Lichtl, CEO of West Kendall Baptist Hospital. “In many cases, participants are surprised that they are at risk for illness and disease. What is most satisfying is seeing area residents get a better understanding of their health status. Many have been empowered to change their lifestyle because of a visit to the Healthy Hub. They have become healthier by losing weight, lowering their cholesterol and glucose levels and even by stopping smoking.”
The Healthy Hub is one of many programs spearheaded by West Kendall Baptist Hospital that relates to the health and wellness of the community. The hospital also drives Healthy West Kendall, a partnership with schools, businesses, government and civic organizations. Healthy West Kendall was selected as part of the inaugural cohort to participate in Communities of Excellence 2026, a learning collaborative that used the Baldrige Framework to elevate the community.
About West Kendall Baptist Hospital
West Kendall Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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