In Celebration of Women’s Health Month, Broward Health recently recognized Rick Case Automotive Group President and CEO Rita Case for her generous donation to the Broward Health Foundation, which enhanced cardiac care at Broward Health Medical Center. During her visit, Rita also donated CPR Anytime Training Kits and visited a female patient in the progressive cardiac unit, presenting her with a CPR kit. “I want these ladies to take home these kits for their families,” Rita said. “Not only is heart disease the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but a study by Duke University School of Medicine showed that women were 14% less likely to receive bystander CPR defibrillation than men. We want to turn bystanders into lifesavers by encouraging people to learn CPR, and by making CPR kits available, we can save lives.” According to the American Heart Association, to save more lives from the 350,000 cardiac arrests that occur outside of the hospital every year, the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911 must increase, they must have access to highquality CPR, and they must get and use an AED as soon as it is available. 18 JULY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS United Way Broward’s Coalition on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, in partnership with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC) and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), successfully hosted the 11th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference: The Power of Prevention, held May 27-28, 2026, at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood. The two-day Conference brought together nearly 1,000 clinicians, policymakers, educators, prevention specialists, community leaders, and behavioral health professionals from across Florida and beyond to explore innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, recovery and mental wellness. The Conference featured nationally recognized keynote speakers including Kevin Hines, a globally renowned suicide prevention advocate; Ryan Jenkins, leadership futurist and bestselling author; Allan Kehler, mental health advocate and addictions counselor; and Rick Griffin, neuroscience educator and founder of the Neuro Leadership Academy. The Master of Ceremonies was CEO and Founder of Vanessa James Media, Vanessa James. "The Power of Prevention is a reminder that investing in prevention, early intervention, and community support creates healthier outcomes for individuals, families, and communities," said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way Broward. Several outstanding leaders were recognized. Heather Geronemus, Vice President, Belonging & Impact at UKG, received the Paul E. Daly Champion for Prevention Award; David Scharf, Executive Director Community Programs for the Broward Sheriff's Office, was honored with the Community Trailblazer Award; and Silvia Quintana, CEO of Broward Behavioral Health Coalition (BBHC), received the Legacy of Care Award for her lasting impact on behavioral health and community wellbeing. Hundreds of free behavioral health, substance use prevention, crisis intervention, and recovery resources are available throughout Broward County and can be accessed by dialing 211 for communitybased support services or 988 for immediate mental health crisis assistance. Professionals Unite for Behavioral Health Conference United Way Broward Chief Impact Officer Maria Hernandez, United Way Broward President & CEO Kathleen Cannon, BBHC CEO Silvia Quintana, and Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero Broward Health Celebrates Donation to Cardiac Care and CPR Kits Mina Amini, director of medical staff; Jenna Merlucci, Vice President, Heart & Vascular Service, Broward Health; Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group; Shane Strum, president and CEO, Broward Health; Manny Linares, CEO, Broward Health Medical Center; Donna Small, CNO, Broward Health Medical Center; Lauri Littleton, ACNO, Boward Health Medical Center; and Don Eachus, president, Broward Health Foundation Feeding South Florida® – the leading hungerrelief organization in South Florida – is proud to announce that Liam ValdezLee, an 8thgrade student from Shenandoah Middle Magnet School, was named the winner of its Seventh Annual “Feed Your Creativity” Art Competition. Elementary, middle and high school students throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties competed for the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on one of Feeding South Florida's semi-trailer truck wrap – a 36-foot moving billboard that travels throughout South Florida. ValdezLee was recognized during a gallery night at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park warehouse on May 14, where all the submitted artwork was exhibited. Following, the semitrailer truck was revealed during a celebration at Shenandoah Middle Magnet School on May 28. ValdezLee’s artwork will be prominently celebrated and displayed at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park warehouse and recognized on social media. Feeding South Florida’s mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. For more information, visit feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954-518-1818. Winner of “Feed Your Creativity” Student Art Competition Announced Paco Vélez, Devika Ramkissoon, Liam ValdezLee, Lazarus, Shantel Howard, Jessica Benites, Krista Toussant
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