Press Releases

Nicklaus Children's Health System to Offer $15 Plus Minimum Wage Starting in September

June 29, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Health System has made the decision to increase its minimum wage starting in September of 2021 to the new standard required by Florida constitutional mandate a full five years ahead of the timeline for full adoption. 

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Specialty Services Again Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

June 15, 2021 – Five Nicklaus Children's Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the best in the nation, according to U.S.News & World Report’s 2021-22 “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings. Nicklaus Children's has more ranked pediatric programs than any other hospital in Florida.

New Leading-Edge Treatment for Leukemia Now Offered at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

June 10, 2021 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital is one of the only hospitals in Florida, and the first pediatric hospital in South Florida, to offer the latest immune cell treatment for children and adolescents with certain types of leukemia. The Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is authorized to deliver the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy to the pediatric population. 

Dr. Jennifer Mccafferty-Fernandez Promoted to Vice President Of Strategy and External Affairs, Chief of Staff at Nicklaus Children's Health System

June 07, 2021 – Dr. Jennifer McCafferty-Fernandez has been promoted to vice president of strategy and external affairs, chief of staff at Nicklaus Children’s Health System. In this role, she oversees the Office of the CEO, encompassing government and community affairs, corporate responsibility, innovation, strategy, and marketing and corporate communications.

From the Operating Room to the Classroom; Healthcare Technology on Display for College Students

June 03, 2021 – During a two-day demonstration held in April at the University of Florida, anatomy students were able to observe and dissect 3D printed organs, including 40 heart models donated by Stratasys, maker of the J750 Digital Anatomy ™ Printer. The students also had the opportunity to see and learn about the structures of the heart up close with the ApoQlar HoloLens2 mixed-reality glasses.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital recognized as a NYSS Champion to Promote Participation in Youth Sports

April 26, 2021 – The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to recognize Nicklaus Children’s Hospital as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion. As a NYSS Champion, Nicklaus Children’s has demonstrated its commitment to support safe, fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and accessible youth sports opportunities.

Nicklaus Children's Innovates with Latest Immersive Technology to Support Planning of Congenital Heart Procedures and Medical Education

April 08, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is taking a lead globally in using the latest immersive technology to advance surgical care planning, and patient education. The hospital’s Cardiovascular Surgery Advanced Projects Laboratory (CSAPL) is now using emerging mixed reality technology to support planning of complex congenital heart procedures and help patient families visualize how the surgical team will conduct repairs. The technology is also being used to support clinical classroom learning in association with medical education partners.

Nicklaus Children's and Kohl's Partner to Provide Food Assistance During Pandemic

March 23, 2021 –

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Cares are providing food assistance to patient families during the pandemic with a new pilot program that helps eligible families buy healthy groceries. So far, nearly 200 patient families have received assistance since the Nicklaus Children’s GiveMe5 Food Pantry initiative began in January of this year.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Heart Program Renamed to Heart Institute

March 23, 2021 – The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is changing its name to the Heart Institute, a name that conveys its commitment and dedication to offering the next level of clinical care to children and families everywhere.

Nicklaus Children's Health System Appoints Three New Board Members

March 10, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Health System, parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has appointed three new members to its board of directors. Joining the panel are Alex Krys, Carlos Perez-Abreu and Miguel Sosa, all recognized business leaders who contribute significantly to the South Florida community.

Nicklaus Children's Offers Covid-19 Vaccine to At-Risk Children and Young Adults

March 05, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has announced availability of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for Florida’s children and young adults ages 16 to 21 who are currently under the care of physicians or specialists for medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as posing an increased risk for severe illness associated with COVID-19.

Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo Team Up With Nicklaus Children's Hospital for the #Nicklaus4Kids 50/50 Campaign

February 16, 2021 – A lucky fan will win a life-changing cash prize in support of the Nicklaus Children's Patient Assistance Fund

Baptist Health South Florida and Nicklaus Children's Health System Begin Pediatric Emergency Care Collaboration

February 04, 2021 – Nicklaus Children's Health System and Baptist Health South Florida – two of South Florida's leading healthcare providers – have activated a previously announced agreement to expand collaboration related to pediatric care. Effective this week, the 24-hour pediatric emergency departments at Baptist Hospital and Homestead Hospital are staffed by Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists (NCPS) physicians.

Jackie Gonzalez, Renowned Nursing Leader, Retires from Nicklaus Children's Health System

January 12, 2021 – After 41 years of distinguished leadership at Nicklaus Children's Health System, Jackie Gonzalez, health system senior vice president and chief nursing officer, has announced her retirement. Ms. Gonzalez is recognized nationally and internationally for her longstanding leadership and commitment to patient care and safety.

Chad A. Perlyn Named President of Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists

January 08, 2021 – Chad A. Perlyn, MD, PhD, FACS, FAAP, has been named president of Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists (NCPS), the physician-led multispecialty group practice of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

Helenemarie Blake Joins Nicklaus Children's Health System as Vice President and Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer

January 04, 2021 – Helenemarie Blake has been appointed vice president and chief compliance and privacy officer at Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

Nicklaus Children’s Health System (NCHS) Recognized as a Platinum and Gold Award Recipient by eHealthcare Leadership Awards

December 08, 2020 – Nicklaus Children’s Health System (NCHS) was honored during the 21st annual eHealthcare Leadership Awards with a Platinum Recognition for Best Social Media, and a Gold Recognition for Best Healthcare Content. Platinum Recognition is the highest level of achievement bestowed by the annual awards program, which highlights the very best websites and digital communications from a broad spectrum of healthcare organizations.

Kara Marante Promoted to Vice President and Chief People Officer for Nicklaus Children's Health System

November 12, 2020 –

Kara Marante has been promoted to vice president and chief people officer for Nicklaus Children’s Health System after serving as the organization’s interim chief talent officer for the past several months.

Dr. Jefry Biehler Appointed Executive Medical Director of Quality for Nicklaus Children's Health System

November 10, 2020 –

Dr. Jefry Biehler has been appointed executive medical director of quality for Nicklaus Children’s Health System (NCHS), parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. In this role, Dr. Biehler will drive optimization of patient outcomes by advancing evidence-based quality care initiatives throughout the health system.

Dr. Marcos Mestre Appointed Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Nicklaus Children's Hospital

October 27, 2020 – Dr. Marcos Mestre has been appointed vice president and chief medical officer for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. In this role, he will advance collaboration among the 309-bed pediatric specialty hospital’s clinical and administrative leadership, and community physicians to ensure quality clinical care and operational efficiency.