Over the past decade, Halifax Health has undergone one of the most significant periods of growth and transformation in its nearly 100-year history. What began as a commitment to expand access and elevate care for Volusia County residents has evolved into a comprehensive strategy focused on advanced medicine, workforce development, and long-term economic impact. As Halifax Health reflects on the progress of the last ten years, the organization is equally focused on positioning itself, and the region, for the next decade of healthcare innovation and growth.

Looking Back: Building Access, Expertise, and Innovation

Ten years ago, Halifax Health made a pivotal decision that set the tone for its future: partnering with UF Health to bring board-certified heart and vascular surgeons to the community. That collaboration proved transformational. Today, the Halifax Health & UF Health partnership has expanded to include 12 specialties, ranging from neurosurgery and trauma surgery to orthopedics, plastic surgery, and urology. These partnerships ensure that residents can access highly specialized care close to home, care that once required travel outside the region.

That philosophy of local access has guided major investments in both facilities and services. Most recently, Halifax Health invested $10 million to establish the Halifax Health | UF Health Neurosciences Center, consolidating comprehensive neurological care under one roof. Expanded partnerships with Brooks Rehabilitation have further strengthened care options, adding inpatient rehabilitation beds, broadening adult and pediatric services, and increasing outpatient access across the community.

Geographic expansion has been another hallmark of the past decade. What started nearly ten years ago

as a freestanding emergency department in Deltona has grown into a full-service hospital, complemented by additional freestanding emergency departments in Port Orange and Daytona, and a growing network of primary care offices throughout Volusia County. Hospice services at Halifax Health have also expanded beyond county lines, now serving patients in Orange and Osceola counties.

Clinical innovation has remained central to Halifax Health’s strategy. The organization has consistently invested in advanced technology, regularly upgrading robotic surgical platforms and frequently serving as an early adopter of cutting-edge solutions. In 2024, Halifax Health earned national recognition as the first health system in the United States to treat cancer patients using the Accuray Radixact® System with VitalHold™ technology marking a new standard in precision radiation therapy. That momentum continued with the completion of a state-of-the-art, two-room Angio-CT suite, integrating angiography and CT imaging in a single space to enable faster diagnosis, real-time image guidance, and improved patient outcomes.

One of the most transformative milestones came with the launch of the Epic electronic medical records system. This $92 million investment unified eight separate record systems into one integrated platform, significantly enhancing patient safety, strengthening care coordination, and giving patients immediate access to their health information through MyChart. For Halifax Health, Epic represents not just a technology upgrade, but a foundational shift in how care is delivered and experienced.

Strengthening the Workforce: Investing in People

As healthcare systems nationwide face workforce shortages, Halifax Health has taken a long-term, proactive approach to developing talent locally. Recognizing early warning signs of a nursing shortage more than a decade ago, the organization focused on strengthening the pipeline rather than relying solely on recruitment.

Halifax Health launched one of Florida’s first formal nursing residency programs and has since invested more than $6 million in Daytona State College’s nursing programs. Through initiatives such as the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Grant – supported by state matching funds – Halifax Health has helped expand educational capacity, improve NCLEX readiness, and provide critical resources for future nurses.

“Through our student nurse intern programs, apprenticeships, education-to-employment scholarships, and residency programs, we are giving individuals meaningful, hands-on, real-world experience that accelerates career growth,” said Kim Fulcher, Senior Vice President & CHRO and Executive Director of VHN at Halifax Health. “At the same time, these efforts ensure our region continues to benefit from a skilled, sustainable healthcare workforce now and well into the future.”

AI and the Digital Future of Care

Technology continues to shape the future of healthcare, and Halifax Health is approaching emerging tools such as artificial intelligence with careful, deliberate strategy.

“A multidisciplinary AI committee ensures thoughtful governance, alignment, and patient safety, while vetted AI solutions are being introduced in ways that support clinicians and reduce administrative burden,” explained Mike Marques, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Halifax Health.

As digital tools mature, Halifax Health is exploring technologies – from Epic’s AI capabilities to voice-based agents – that can enhance efficiency and improve access without compromising quality or trust.

Looking Forward: The Next 10 Years

As Halifax Health looks ahead, its focus remains clear: expand access, deepen specialty care, invest in people, and drive innovation that directly benefits the community. Future growth will build on the foundation laid over the past decade, adding new access points, advancing specialty service lines, and continuing strategic investments in technology and infrastructure.

Equally important is the role Halifax Health plays as an economic anchor in the region. Healthcare is one of Volusia County’s most significant industries, driving job creation, workforce stability, and long-term economic growth. By offering high-quality, high-wage jobs across clinical and nonclinical roles, Halifax Health helps attract and retain talent while keeping healthcare dollars local.

Over the next ten years, Halifax Health aims to further strengthen partnerships with universities, residency programs, and workforce development organizations; expand advanced care services that keep patients close to home; and embrace innovation in ways that enhance both outcomes and experience.

A Legacy of Care, A Future of Opportunity

The story of Halifax Health over the past decade is one of intentional growth guided by community needs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence. The next decade promises even greater impact. By continuing to evolve alongside the community it serves, Halifax Health is not only shaping the future of healthcare in East Central Florida, but helping ensure a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant region for generations to come.