First lady Casey DeSantisPresident-elect Garrison Sam and secretary Jason Weida of the Agency for Health Care Administration met with leaders of Florida Children’s Specialty Hospitals has Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville to discuss the advancement of pediatric cancer care in Florida.

The event highlighted the united efforts of Florida’s four accredited specialty children’s hospitals: Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital, Health of Nemours children, Nicklaus Children’s Health System and Wolfson.

During the panel discussion, hospital leaders presented their bold vision to elevate Florida to a national leader in pediatric cancer treatment, research and innovation.

Florida is the third largest state in terms of pediatric population and accounts for 6% of all new pediatric cancer cases in the United States. However, the state does not have a pediatric cancer program ranked in the top 25. California has six in the top 50, Texas and Ohio each have four, and New York has three.

“Our children deserve access to exceptional cancer care,” said Allegra C. Jarospresident of Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. “Florida is lagging behind due to insufficient funding. It’s time to prioritize the health of our children, ensuring that no child has to leave the state to receive the care they need.

Leaders from Florida Children’s Specialty Hospitals outlined a comprehensive plan to transform pediatric cancer care in Florida, focusing on investments in four critical areas: advancing groundbreaking research to drive innovation, attract world-class specialists to strengthen care teams, expand access to cutting-edge technologies. programs and clinical trials, and build state-of-the-art infrastructure to support exceptional results. This strategic approach aims to address existing gaps in care and position Florida’s specialty children’s hospitals among the top 25 pediatric cancer programs in the nation by 2029.

“With Florida’s growing pediatric population, investing in cutting-edge care is not only necessary, it’s urgent,” said Martha McGillCentral Florida Region President of Nemours Children’s Health. “By focusing on research, talent and infrastructure, we can ensure Florida’s children receive the best care right here at home.” »

Their collaboration with public and private partners aims to close funding gaps and increase the state’s health capacity.

“Our work ensures Florida families have access to the highest quality care close to home,” said Matthew A. Lovepresident and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami. “By expanding specialty pediatric care in our regions, we are building a future where children can receive world-class treatment without ever leaving their communities.

DeSantis, a strong advocate for cancer research and care, recognized hospitals’ efforts to transform pediatric cancer care. His advocacy has led to transformative initiatives in Florida, including historic funding for Florida Cancer Centers and programs to elevate the state’s standing in cancer research and treatment.

“It’s not just about the numbers,” said Alicia Schulhofpresident of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. “This is about ensuring that every child has access to the care they need, right here in Florida. Together, with the support of state leaders, we can make this vision a reality.

Collaboration between Florida’s children’s specialty hospitals and public and private partners is poised to position the state as a leader in pediatric cancer care, ensuring families will no longer need to travel outside of the State for life-saving treatment.

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