HCA Florida Citrus Hospital celebrates anniversary of HCA Healthcare lease
Community members came together to celebrate 10 years of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital being part of HCA Healthcare.
Inverness, FL – HCA Florida Citrus Hospital marked a milestone on November 1, 2024 as it celebrated its 10th anniversary as part of HCA Healthcare. The event was a heartfelt reflection on a decade of dedication to the health and wellbeing of the Citrus County community.
The anniversary celebration featured speeches from key figures, including hospital CEO Lisa Nummi, who emphasized the hospital's commitment to caring for the community. She spoke to remarkable milestones achieved over the past ten years including 107,865 patients admitted, 400,000 emergency room visits and 4,700 births. She also highlighted the investment of $831,894,126 in salaries, wages, and benefits which supports the workforce and fuels the local economy, providing stability and opportunity for countless families. “These statistics tell a powerful story of our impact in Citrus County. They reflect not only the volume of care provided but also the trust the community has placed in us. Every number represents a patient, a family, a life changed and a community uplifted,” she said. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of providing quality healthcare to our community. We will continue to invest in our staff, expand our services and engage with our community to understand their needs better. Together, we will strive to ensure that HCA Florida Citrus Hospital remains a beacon of health and hope for many years to come.”
Other notable speakers included HCA Healthcare West Florida Division Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gus Sepulveda, Citrus County Hospital Board Chair Dr. Marc Fallows, Citrus County Hospital Board legal counsel Bill Grant and Inverness City Manager Eric Williams, who all reinforced the hospital’s vital role in the community.
Christina Reed, Executive Director of Citrus County Blessings, spoke about the importance of addressing food insecurity, adding, "Hunger is about so much more than an empty stomach – it is a health issue. That’s why our partnership with HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is so impactful. Your dedication to improving our community’s health and wellbeing extends far beyond your hospital’s walls. Your support has enabled us to reach even more children and families with the food they desperately need.”
Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, echoed her appreciation, stating, "Our collaboration with HCA through the Pathways to a Healthier Florida grant brings a unique opportunity to enrich our students’ learning and inspire future careers in healthcare right here in our community. Together, we’re not just providing education – we’re building a healthier, stronger community. We’re incredibly grateful to HCA who is a champion for our children and community each and every day.”
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Health Equity Catalyst Grant, awarded to the Community Food Bank. The funding is through the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a community impact fund focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity.
Administrators from HCA Florida Citrus Hospital and HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital proudly presented a check for $25,000 to support the food bank's efforts in addressing a root cause of health inequity, focusing on food insecurity and providing access to healthy food. Barbara Sprague, CEO of the Community Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "Bless you all for caring for our community in so many ways.”
The anniversary celebration was not only a moment of reflection but also a renewed commitment to serving the community with compassion.