The holiday season is quickly approaching, and this time of year is often spent reflecting on and giving thanks for the people in our lives. At UF Health Jacksonville, it’s also another opportunity to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication to improving the health of our community. In the spirit of giving, I want to highlight some of the amazing things our teams have accomplished recently.

In October, we were recognized by the Jacksonville Business Journal with an inaugural “Community Impact Award” for bringing COVID-19 testing to underserved residents. Ann-Marie Knight, vice president of community engagement and chief diversity officer, led the charge and we were able to provide thousands of free tests to individuals who could not take part in other testing offered throughout the city, whether due to health conditions, transportation or other obstacles. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to make sure all residents have access to quality medical care, and I am honored that we were recognized for these efforts.

Additionally, I recently announced the generous gift from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. This gift is helping us further establish the Urban Health Alliance, a comprehensive resource and health innovation hub that brings together organizations and individuals to improve the health of Jacksonville residents using community-initiated, self-sustainable strategies and solutions.

While we help our community, I also want to encourage a spirit of giving and support for one another. Many employees who were working remotely are now returning to work on campus. Although things are returning to normal in some ways, the threat of COVID-19 has not vanished. Please continue to be vigilant and use precautions by wearing face masks and maintaining appropriate physical distance from others.

Thank you for your continued efforts and hard work in serving our community and moving medicine forward.

Sincerely,

Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA

CEO, UF Health Jacksonville

Dean, UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville