About Us

When I reflect on the work we do — not just this year, but across every chapter of this Foundation’s history — I am filled with profound gratitude and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Since our founding in 1991, the Jackson Health Foundation has stood at the intersection of community and compassion, translating the generosity of donors, partners, and advocates into world-class care for those who need it most. This work did not begin with us, and it will not end with us — and that continuity is what I treasure most about this mission.

Our Golden Angel Society and Guardian Angels have built a foundation of enduring philanthropy, understanding that transformational change is not built in a moment, but through years of sustained dedication. Through their individual generosity and the celebrated traditions of the Golden Angels Gala and the Guardian Angels Luncheon and Fashion Show, these remarkable groups have raised significant funds that secure the perpetuity of world-class care at Jackson — ensuring this community will always have access to the exceptional health care it deserves. They are not just donors — they are partners, champions, and the very reason we are able to do this work. Jackson would not be what it is without them, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

In 2024, we launched One Day for Jackson with a simple but powerful idea: for Miami-Dade County to dedicate one day to give back to the health care system that is here for them every single day of the year. Jackson provides care to all county residents, regardless of their ability to pay — it is the backbone of this community. What followed has been nothing short of remarkable. Year one brought $500,000. Year two doubled that to $1 million. This past year, the community shattered every record, raising nearly $2 million — not because of any single effort, but because Miami-Dade has chosen to show up for the institution that has always shown up for them.

All of that generosity, loyalty, and belief has been building toward something historic. In April 2026, Jackson Health System opened the doors to one of the largest emergency rooms in the United States — a monumental milestone made possible by raising $100 million from the leaders and philanthropists of Miami-Dade who stepped up to this challenge with fierce pride and unwavering resolve. This is what all of those years of giving were for. This is the moment we worked toward together.

None of this is possible without the tireless dedication of our Board of Directors, whose leadership and vision continue to strengthen everything we build upon. I am deeply grateful for each member’s commitment — past and present.

The momentum we have built is not a finish line — it is a launching pad. As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to scale our impact, deepen our reach, and continue bringing meaningful support to the patients and families who count on us most.

Thank you — for giving, for advocating, for showing up year after year. You are the reason miracles happen every day at Jackson. The best is still ahead, and we will build it together.

With gratitude and purpose,

Flavia Llizo
Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Health Foundation

Our Mission

JACKSON HEALTH FOUNDATION is the private fundraising arm of Jackson Health System (JHS), the most comprehensive healthcare provider in South Florida. Established in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to philanthropic activities that benefit the medical programs and services at JHS. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation helps to fill the gaps of major capital projects and programmatic needs that are not financed by public bond support.

Our Vision
The vision of the Jackson Health Foundation is to provide Jackson Health System with the support and resources to excel as a world-class academic medical system.

Our Core Values
The Jackson Health Foundation works in conjunction with the Jackson Health System, a world-class medical institution, by embracing our core values: