Health First, AdventHealth expanded partnership officially begins

​Health First and AdventHealth are pleased to announce they have signed a deal to align resources. The new agreement will create a super-regional system of care, ushering in an era of making high-quality, convenient care even more accessible for customers from the Gulf Coast to the Space Coast.

The agreement, officially signed June 17, 2019, includes AdventHealth's purchase of a minority share of Health First, while Brevard's community health care system remains locally owned. This partnership brings even more advanced tools and technologies to the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) — from digital innovation platforms to increased capital to improve the infrastructure and resources of their organization.

"Health First and AdventHealth have a proven track record of working together to enhance health care for the communities we serve," said Steve Johnson, president and CEO for Health First. "We have seen firsthand, when we successfully launched a health plan together five years ago, that AdventHealth's mission is right in line with ours. Both of our organizations are dedicated to serving the wellness and health needs of our communities in an environment that heavily emphasizes integrity, ethics and the highest-quality, most compassionate care possible."

This agreement will benefit not just the two organizations, but their customers, too. It will enhance the range of AdventHealth and Health First, forming a super-regional IDN. Customers will see expanded accessibility, the highest-quality care available and improved customer convenience.

"We're more convinced than ever the alignment of the AdventHealth and Health First brands is a natural fit," said Daryl Tol, president and CEO for AdventHealth Central Florida Division. "By partnering to create this new super region we are able to expand our services and deliver a connected experience for our consumers, one that now stretches from the Gulf Coast to the Space Coast."

Health First retains majority control of the organization and will also maintain its name and brand but

will have synergy with their AdventHealth partners thanks to the use of technology and strategic initiatives that are still being considered.

"Health care is always changing, and we are excited to adapt to these changes," Johnson said. "Health First has been a part of Brevard County for more than eight decades. Taking these steps will ensure we are here to serve our community for many more decades to come."