Jackson Health Foundation Announces $100 Million Raised to Support New Emergency Room at Jackson Memorial Hospital

A group of people cutting a blue ribbon for the launch of a new venue.

What:

Jackson Health Foundation announced a record-breaking $100 million to support Jackson Memorial Hospital’s new emergency room, opening to the public on April 23. The fundraising amount marked a major historic milestone in Jackson Health System’s philanthropic history.

The fundraising milestone comes at a critical time, as demand for emergency services across Miami-Dade County continues to rise. This historic milestone was made possible through the generosity of several community leaders, philanthropists, partner organizations, and the community at large. Additionally, during One Day for Jackson (April 16, 2026), Jackson Health Foundation’s annual day of giving, nearly $900,000 (and counting) was raised to support crucial initiatives across Jackson Health System, including the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The Jackson Health Foundation will continue fundraising until April 30.

The special event honored the donors and community leaders who helped make the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial – one of the largest in the nation – a reality. The expansion to South Florida’s largest public healthcare system will further strengthen Jackson’s ability to provide timely, efficient, and high-quality care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay.

Built by Skanska, the new, 178,000-square-foot emergency room is three times the size of the current one and is designed to deliver faster, more efficient, and patient-centered care.

“I know you’re not supposed to pick favorites, but the idea of a new emergency room serving as a beacon of hope and healing on this bustling campus in Miami-Dade County’s health district truly energized me. From the very beginning, this project had a special sense of purpose and the potential to be the most transformative at Jackson in a generation,” said Carlos Migoya, CEO of Jackson Health System. “Jackson Health Foundation has never received any single gift larger than $10 million, so $100 million didn’t just feel ambitious, it felt impossible. To our founding benefactors, thank you for coming together, not for the credit of any one individual, but in the spirit of a true collective effort that benefits the health and well-being of our entire community. What we celebrate today is not just what has been built, but everything that will be possible within these walls, and beyond.”

The event featured remarks from Carlos Migoya, CEO of Jackson Health System; Flavia Llizo, CEO of Jackson Health Foundation; Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, and key donors who contributed to the construction of the facility.

Guests also enjoyed exclusive and immersive guided tours of the newly completed facility and Jackson-inspired libations.

The founding partners that have pledged donations to this new facility include the Lennar Foundation, the Miller Foundation, Benjamin Leon Jr. Charitable Foundation, Related Group, Royal Caribbean Group Foundation, the Kadre Family, José Milton Foundation, the Batchelor Foundation, Trish and Dan Bell, Codina Family, the Gorson family, Harold Marzouka Jr., and Françoise Marzouka Family Trust. Additional philanthropists have also pledged their support, including the Guiribitey family, Mr. David Pyle, and Chaim Katzman, to name a few.

“This new emergency room represents what’s possible when generosity, vision, and a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality care come together. We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and founding partners for helping us build the next era of emergency care in Miami-Dade County, right here at Jackson,” said Flavia Llizo, CEO of Jackson Health Foundation. “This is a milestone not only for Jackson, but for our community – it’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together in Miami. This new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital reflects our shared commitment to delivering exceptional care when it matters most.”

Key features of the new emergency room include:

  • Private patient rooms for comfort and privacy
  • Fast-track triage areas to reduce wait times
  • 57 observation rooms and four advanced resuscitation rooms for critical cases
  • Family lounges and private waiting areas to support loved ones

The new emergency room, located at 1026 NW 19th St., spans two city blocks and includes designated parking and a patient drop-off area.