Rockledge, FL (May 10, 2012) – Health First has issued its 2012 Community Report: Committed to the Community – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, which highlights stories about how the integrated system has provided health care for the community for the past seven-and-a-half decades. The report highlights such stories as our annual Save a Life CPR Community Day, our close-by Emergency Room care, our Health First Health Plans offerings, our volunteer opportunities, a life-saving procedure called cryoblation, an dozens of others. Also included is a timeline of Health First historical milestones, and an interview with Health First President/CEO Steve Johnson and Board Chairman Jim Shaw about the new era of health care.

Seventeen years ago, three Brevard hospitals ― Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, and Palm Bay Hospital ― joined forces to form our locally-based and operated, not-for-profit health system. Along with Health First Physicians and Health First Health Plans, which now insures more than 63,000 area residents, Health First sits on a strong foundation that has improved many lives in surrounding communities.

Even before the 1995 formation of Health First, these three hospitals were dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of their communities, and now have served Brevard for a combined total of 146 years   ― Holmes for 75 years, Cape Canaveral Hospital for 50 years, and Palm Bay Hospital for 20 years. Health First’s newest facility, Viera Hospital, just completed its first year of service.

This report can be viewed online at www.Health-First.org/CR2012.

About Health First

Health First has been serving the residents of the Brevard County area since it was founded in 1995, with its roots extending back to 1937 when Holmes Regional Medical Center opened as the first hospital in Brevard County.

Health First is the only multi-hospital, not-for-profit health system in Brevard County. This means that every dollar not used to pay for patient care stays in the county to improve healthcare services for all residents, including those without the financial means to pay.  All members of Health First’s Board of Directors reside within its service area and provide oversight for a broad range of services and products including four acute-care hospitals, multiple health plans, a multi-specialty physician group, outpatient diagnostic and treatment centers, a network of fitness and wellness services, and the only Trauma Center in Brevard County.