March 2025 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Spring has officially sprung along the Emerald Coast. Around here, we all know that with spring comes busier roadways, distracted drivers and that relentless yellow pollen that continues to coat our vehicles while wreaking havoc on our sinuses. That said, spring also brings longer days, warmer weather, beautiful flowers, outdoor events and a sense of new beginnings. Here at One Okaloosa EDC, spring has gotten off to a very busy start. Along
HCA Florida Healthcare Hospitals Prepare for Cold and Flu Season
As we head into fall and winter, the rise of cold and flu viruses become a big concern. Each year, approximately eight percent of Americans are sickened by influenza. HCA Florida Healthcare providers urge everyone to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones during this season. "The flu is more than just a cold; it can strike suddenly and lead to serious complications like pneumonia, dehydration and even death,” said Dr. John Krause, internal medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin
High Humidity Combined with Higher Temps Can Lead to Life-Threatening Conditions
With elevated to significant threats of excessive heat in Florida over the next several days, doctors at local-area hospitals are bracing for an influx of patients suffering from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. The chief culprit? High humidity levels which, combined with rising air temperatures, create dangerously hot conditions. “We tend to set aside the dangers of heat when we don’t hear about extreme or record-breaking temperatures, but with high humidity, the heat index can sneak up
HCA Florida Hospitals Announce Dr. Dan Hagler as Chief Medical Officer
Dan Hagler, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer (CMO) of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, as of March 4. In this role, Dr. Hagler will lead the clinical and quality initiatives that support consistent clinical performance and practice standards across HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Dr. Hagler brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience with a proven track record of improving quality and
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Okaloosa County School District Partner to Rollout Thank a Teacher Program
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced today the launch of a Thank a Teacher—a joint partnership between HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital and OCSD. Thank a Teacher is a program celebrating the Okaloosa County School District's dedicated educators. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, students, families, and staff members are encouraged to share their stories about a particular teacher's inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons,
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Collect More than 3,000 School Supplies
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital joined HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across the state throughout July to participate in the organization’s first statewide We Show Up for Our Schools month of service. In partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and United Way Emerald Coast, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital collected more than 3,000 supplies for students and teachers in our community ahead of the new
HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Introduces Pet Therapy Program
HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has launched its first pet therapy program, in partnership with the nonprofit Dog Harmony. Patients and staff got a special visit Wednesday from 6-year-old Goldendoodle Maya to wrap up National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week. Maya stopped by each department – including the laboratory, respiratory therapy, surgical services, the emergency room and intensive care unit – giving kisses and lifting spirits. “We’ve been hoping to bring pet therapy to HCA Florida Twin
