- Lindsay Cashio

Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.

Just days before competing in the DAYTONA 500, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, visited Blue Lake Elementary School in DeLand.
After reading a short story to the students, Erik Jones and The Erik Jones Foundation partnered with AdventHealth to donate and unveil a "Bookworm" vending machine to the elementary school. This machine rewards kids for positive behaviors, as the students can earn special tokens to redeem for books they can keep.
In addition, AdventHealth announced they will donate $5,000 annually to keep the vending machine fully stocked with books for the children.
“We are committed to nurturing healthier communities, and we believe early literacy is key to the future well-being of our children,” said Eric Lunde, AdventHealth DeLand CEO. “We hope this gift will help foster a love for reading and empower young minds, laying a foundation for a lifetime of success.”
When the racecar driver established his foundation in 2021, he made “igniting a passion for reading” part of its mission. Book vending machines have become a signature part of his community efforts after Jones purchased one for his former elementary school and the school saw a 300% increase in the number of kids who chose a book as their reward for being good students.

"I want these machines to inspire kids to read and continue reading. That's the ultimate goal,” Jones said. “Being a strong reader is important to unlocking doors and helping young people live up to their full potential. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with AdventHealth to deliver another book vending machine for some well-deserving kids.”
On Feb. 18, Jones will pilot the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE in the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500, marking the first of six races he will drive the AdventHealth-sponsored car. Jones's first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series came at Daytona International Speedway in 2018.

"We are thrilled NASCAR driver Erik Jones visited today, not only to encourage our students to explore the world of books by reading to them, but also by donating a gift that will foster a love of literacy throughout their years at Blue Lake Elementary," Principal Holly Bailey said. "We appreciate AdventHealth's continued support in reinforcing the importance of attendance and academic success across Volusia County Schools."

AdventHealth serves as the Official Health Care Champion of Volusia County Schools, a first-of-its-kind partnership between a school district and major health care provider. Through this partnership, AdventHealth is committed to assisting the school district with reducing chronic absenteeism; streamlining and coordinating the care of student athletes; and creating more pathways for students to enter directly into health care related jobs following graduation.
Recent News
Following AdventHealth’s mission to help team members, guests and patients Feel Whole, AdventHealth Castle Rock officially opened the Pittman Pathway Wellness Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Two women in Lake County that have been best friends since high school have now given birth to two beautiful babies just hours apart.
AdventHealth Millenia ER is celebrating its first anniversary of providing lifesaving, whole-person care to residents and visitors in West Orlando.
The hospital’s three-story expansion will be completed in summer 2026.
AdventHealth President/CEO David Banks reveals three benefits of practicing design thinking.
Dr. Jason Jennings, orthopedic surgeon with AdventHealth Medical Group Colorado Joint Replacement at Porter, was selected to present his research findings at the 3rd International Consensus Meeting on...
When it comes to back health, how you sleep matters just as much as how you move during the day. According to Dr. Sharad Rajpal, a neurosurgeon at AdventHealth Avista, your nighttime habits can either...
Personal experiences and the desire to give back inspired AdventHealth Avista ICU Manager Megan May to pursue a career in nursing. Her journey began in the very halls of Avista, where as a child she...
July marks Fibroid Awareness Month—a time to spotlight a condition that affects an estimated 26 million women across the United States.
Aimee Keller-Pickford to serve as CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden; Sheila Rankin to lead AdventHealth Winter Park.
AdventHealth is pleased to announce the appointment of Bela Nand, MD, as the new Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Mid-America Region, effective June 29, 2025.
This expansion reflects AdventHealth’s commitment to delivering more access, more choice and more whole-person care to Western North Carolina.