Philanthropy powers $400,000 investment in cardiac care at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A $400,000 philanthropic investment will expand cardiac care at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, helping local patients access advanced heart services without leaving the area. The gift, presented by the AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation in partnership with the Auxiliary during its annual holiday gathering at Riverpark Terrace, will support the hospital’s cardiac care program. The funding will help ensure patients can receive advanced heart care close to home, without needing to travel outside Southeast Volusia County.

The need is significant, particularly among older adults. The area has a higher-than-average population of residents 65 and older, a group more likely to experience heart-related conditions.

“Our Foundation and donors made this possible,” said Dr. Dennis Hernandez, president and CEO of AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “Because of their generosity, we can continue expanding heart care services for patients and families in our community.”

For the Foundation, the contribution reflects continued donor support aimed at improving local health care.

“Our donors give because they care deeply about this community and the people who live here,” said Cindi Flanagan, chair of the AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation. “They want to know that if a neighbor, a friend or a family member needs heart care, it will be available here, in our own backyard, delivered with skill and compassion.”

The investment comes as the hospital continues to earn recognition for patient safety and quality. AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach was recently named a Leapfrog Top Hospital for the second year in a row and received its fourth consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade, distinctions that reflect strong performance in safety measures and patient care.

The evening also highlighted collaboration beyond the hospital. The City of New Smyrna Beach presented a $4,000 donation to the Foundation, raised through a golf tournament held in partnership with AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.

Those partnerships, large and small, help strengthen the local health system over time, hospital leaders said.

“When the community comes together like this, it shows what’s possible,” Hernandez said. “It’s a shared commitment to helping people live longer, healthier lives in Southeast Volusia County.”

Photo caption:

During the AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation’s annual Christmas party at Riverpark Terrace, the Foundation presented a $400,000 donation to support the hospital’s Cardiac Care Program.

From left to right: Cindi Flanagan, chair, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation; Joshua Champion, chief operating officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; Darla Fish, chief nursing officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; Dennis Hernandez, MD, president and CEO, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; Carol Court, vice chair; AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation; Renee Andrus, manager, Development, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach Foundation.