More than 300 community leaders, elected officials, and philanthropists attended a ceremonial groundbreaking Oct. 26 for the new José Milton Memorial Hospital to be located in the City of Doral, just west of the Palmetto Expressway in the 7800 block of NW 29 Street.
The blue-carpet celebration, recognizing a $10 million gift from the José Milton Foundation, signifies a major milestone in the nearly 100-year history of Jackson Health System – and continues the legacy of foundation founder, family patriarch, and architect José Milton.
“The Milton Family Foundation’s donation represents the largest gift we have received, and will go a long way in establishing facilities that allow us to extend our unique brand of healthcare directly into the communities we serve,” said Jackson Health System President & CEO Carlos A. Migoya. “Today’s event is a tremendous tribute to a man that I knew personally. I am extremely honored to be a part of this momentous occasion.”
This major gift came about as a result of José Milton receiving treatment at Jackson South Community Hospital and Jackson Memorial
Hospital. He was very pleased with the high level of care and compassion he received and so in 2013 he made his first gift to Jackson Health Foundation – the health system’s fundraising arm. Thus began a long-term philanthropic relationship. Since his passing, his family has continued to honor its patriarch’s vision.
“This is a very special day for my family,” said Cecil Milton, a trustee of the José Milton Foundation. “Our father had tremendous respect for Jackson Health System and its incredible team of health care professionals.
“My brothers and I, and our families, are so moved by Jackson’s ability to care for everyone regardless of whom they are or where they came from,” he continued. “We are honored and happy to be able to provide this gift to the Miami-Dade community, and to be able to continue our father’s legacy by providing access to state-of-the art medical care.”
Designed by the architectural firm Perkins + Will, with Robins & Morton serving as the primary builder, the 100-bed hospital serves as the anchor of a 27.3-acre medical campus (Jackson West) and will include a new emergency department, diagnostics and imaging, a children’s-ambulatory clinic, doctor’s offices, and adult specialty clinics. The projected budget for Jackson West, including José Milton Memorial Hospital, the outpatient building, parking garage, the land purchase, and design costs is $253 million.
“Construction of the new facility begins in early 2017 with an expected completion in 2020,” said Jackson West Vice President Aristides Pallin. “The hospital will create 600 to 800 permanent healthcare jobs, primarily in clinical positions, and provide immediate access to medical care to more than 585,000 residents within five miles of the hospital.”
In addition to providing health care to this under-served area of Doral, the new facility will also serve the neighboring communities of Miami Springs and Sweetwater.
The ceremonial groundbreaking began with a rendition of a song treasured by José Milton, “America, the Beautiful,” performed by Ariel Rose, a recent graduate of the University of Miami.
In addition to Carlos Migoya and Cecil Milton, speakers and participants at the groundbreaking event included:
• President of the José Milton Foundation Ana VeigaMilton;
• Foundation Trustees Frank and Joseph Milton;
• Public Health Trust Chairman Joe Arriola;
• Chairman of the Board-Jackson Health Foundation Dr. Rudy Moise;
• President & CEO-Jackson Health Foundation Keith R. Tribble;
• Vice President-Jackson West Aristides Pallin;
• Chief Medical Officer-University of Miami Health System Dr. Michael Barron;
• City of Doral Mayor Luigi Boria;
• Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Giménez; and
• County Commissioner-District 12 José “Pepe” Diaz.
For further coverage of the groundbreaking event, tune in to a quick video now playing on the city’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpWe6zlpn4Y.
José Milton Foundation continues the legacy of founder and family patriarch José Milton, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit, generosity, common-sense determination, fiscal responsibility, and love for South Florida. The foundation supports programs and organizations in South Florida that improve quality of life, with a special focus on education, research, and healthcare. The José Milton Foundation is represented by President Ana VeigaMilton; Trustees Cecil, Frank, and Joseph Milton; and Junior Board Members Alec, Daniella, Diana, Eric, Jessica, Joseph, Justin, and Nicky Milton.
Jackson Health Foundation is the fundraising arm for Jackson Health System, the most comprehensive healthcare provider in South Florida and the largest public hospital in the country. The Foundation seeks private philanthropic funds to improve Jackson’s facilities, provide the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority projects. Jackson Health Foundation offers several fundraising programs such as the Golden Angel Society, the foundation’s premier giving society.
For information about Jackson Health Foundation, visit www.JacksonHealthFoundation.org or call 305-585-GIVE (4483).
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