Health First

Due to severe weather: • All Health First Medical Group locations, including lab and imaging, are closed this morning, with tentative plans to reopen this afternoon. • Family Pharmacy locations will have delayed openings. Please avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe. For the latest updates, visit hf.org/alert

Health First wishes you a safe and spook-tacular Halloween! 🎃👻 While you’re out trick-or-treating tonight, remember to stay safe: 👀 Keep an eye out for traffic. 🚶 Use crosswalks when available. 🚗 Make sure little ghosts and goblins are easy for drivers to see. Drivers, slow down and watch carefully for trick-or-treaters out enjoying the night. 🍬

Months of phone calls. One unforgettable first meeting. 💜 Throughout his cancer journey, Ken Mistele found support in Health First oncology nurse navigator Jennifer Kennedy. When they finally met face-to-face, he told her, “I couldn’t do it without you.” Their story highlights how Health First’s Oncology Nurse Navigator Program offers patients guidance, reassurance and support during difficult times. Read their heartwarming story below. ⬇️ ow.ly/vTEZ5101u5h

🧠 On World Stroke Day, Tabetha Walker’s story is a reminder that stroke can happen without obvious warning signs and that timely care can make all the difference. After suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm and hemorrhagic stroke, Tabetha was transported by Health First’s First Flight to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where Dr. Abhishek Agrawal treated the aneurysm using a minimally invasive coiling procedure. “Know your genetics and understand your risk factors,” Dr. Agrawal said. Today, Tabetha is sharing her story to encourage others to know their family history, recognize the signs of stroke and seek emergency care quickly. Read how timely care from Health First helped Tabetha on her road to recovery: ow.ly/l0Gp51023Fu

Candy ✅ Costume ✅ Safety tips? Don’t skip those. 🎃 Before heading out, take a quick look at these simple ways to help keep Halloween fun, safe and healthy for everyone. 🎃🍬 #WellnessWednesday #HealthyHalloween #HalloweenSafety #Halloween2026

💗 Brevard County came together for a special morning at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer! Nearly 5,000 people gathered at The Avenue Viera, raising $223,000 to support breast cancer research and services for patients and families. Sponsored by Health First Cancer Institute alongside other community partners, the event brought together survivors and supporters, all walking for a cause that touches so many lives. “We’ve walked beside the patients, families and survivors who inspire us every day,” said Lindsay Jacques, Health First Vice President of Oncology Operations. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event possible! 🎀 Read the full story below. ⬇️ ow.ly/rFWW5101tWA #MakingStrides #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthFirst

Meet Kamaljit Kaur, MD, DipABLM, a board-certified family medicine physician now caring for patients at 7125 Murrell Road, Suite B, in Melbourne. Dr. Kaur takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to family medicine, with a focus on building trust, encouraging open communication, and helping patients feel informed and supported throughout their care. Learn more about Dr. Kaur and schedule an appointment today: ow.ly/wPbN50ZSpU7 #MelbourneFL #FamilyMedicine #HealthFirst

Join us for a meaningful day at Camp Bright Star's Harvest Hope, a special fall festival where children ages 5–13 can find hope healing, and comfort as they navigate grief.🍂 Led by Hospice of Health First and Bright Star bereavement specialists and specially trained volunteers, this free, one-day camp combines grief support and education with fun, interactive, and therapeutic activities. Campers will learn healthy ways to process grief, connect with others who share similar experiences, and discover meaningful ways to heal. 💜 📅 November 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 📍 Gleason Park | Indian Harbour Beach Registration is required. No same-day registration will be available. To register, call 321.434.3242 or email [email protected].

Meet Anne Butler, MD, a board-certified internal medicine provider, now caring for patients at 1855 Knox McRae Drive, Titusville. Anne takes a personalized approach to care, focusing on each patient’s unique needs and helping them feel heard, informed, and supported. Learn more about Anne and schedule an appointment today: ow.ly/hVvu50ZSpAF #InternalMedicine #PatientCare #HealthFirst

🎀 Join the Brevard County community this Saturday in supporting the fight against breast cancer. Presented by Health First Cancer Institute in partnership with Lite Rock 99.3, the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk brings together survivors, caregivers, families, friends and supporters from across the community. 📅 Saturday, Oct. 24 ⏰ Festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. | Walk starts at 9 a.m. 📍 The Avenue Viera Click the link to learn more and register: ow.ly/Zai850ZZLhh

Meet Shervin Sarmad, MD, an internal medicine physician caring for patients at 7125 Murrell Road, Suite D, in Melbourne. Dr. Sarmad focuses on helping patients better understand their health, explore their treatment options, and make informed decisions about their care. Learn more about Dr. Sarmad and schedule an appointment today: ow.ly/XnwK50ZSoOo #InternalMedicine #MelbourneFL #HealthFirst

Early detection saves lives! 🩷 Regular screenings help catch cancer early, giving you the best chance for effective treatment. Schedule your mammogram today at hf.org/hope

The flu can hit hardest for some of our most vulnerable neighbors — including children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions. Help protect them, protect yourself, and keep our community strong.💜 Schedule your flu shot today at hf.org/flu

Now that's what we call lifting each other up! 💗🚒 We're proud to partner with the Melbourne Fire Department, Palm Bay Fire Rescue, and Malabar Fire Department to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. From pink fire engines to the pink scrubs worn by our Health First Breast Center associates, providers, and physicians like fellowship-trained breast surgeon Sharon Noori, MD, we're showing up for a cause that touches so many in our community. A big thank-you to our local first responders for helping us spread this important message! Learn more about breast health at hf.org/hope.

Meet John Gachiani, MD, MBA, FAANS, FAAPNS, a board-certified neurological surgeon now caring for patients at two Health First locations in Melbourne: 1130 Hickory St., Suite B, and 1251 Hickory St. Dr. Gachiani understands that treatment choices and coordinating care can sometimes feel challenging. He works to help patients better understand the process so they can feel more informed and supported as they make decisions about their treatment. Learn more about Dr. Gachiani and schedule an appointment at ow.ly/8yPm50ZTyQy

Healthier living and greater independence are at the heart of this community initiative. Through a $25,000 Health First Wellness Grant, Promise in Brevard is helping adults with disabilities improve their well-being through nutrition education, fitness classes and wellness activities. For resident Branda, the program is making a difference: “It makes me feel good. I noticed that I used to eat a lot of sweets, and now, I’m on a routine.” Partnerships like this reflect Health First’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. Read the full story below. ⬇️ ow.ly/EhUs50ZXCyS #HealthFirstCares #HealthFirstGivesBack #CommunityWellness

October is National Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to refresh what safe sleep looks like for infants. 💜 Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or caregiver, knowing the basics can help create a safer sleep environment for a baby. Take a look at these simple safe sleep reminders. #SIDSAwareness #SafeSleep #InfantSafety #WellnessWednesday

Small changes can make a big difference. Through a $25,000 Health First Wellness Grant, residents at Promise in Brevard are building healthier routines and more independent lives through the Be Better WELLNESS Initiative. The program brings nutrition education, fitness classes, and wellness support directly to adults with disabilities living at the West Melbourne campus, helping residents improve their health, build confidence, and stay engaged in daily routines. For residents like Branda, the impact is real: healthier habits, more structure, and feeling better every day. We are proud to support community partners like Promise in Brevard as they expand access to resources that help people live healthier, fuller lives across Brevard. Learn more at hf.org/wellnessgrants and hf.org/givesback

From patient to medical assistant at the Health First Breast Center. 💗 Seven years after facing breast cancer herself, Lisa Shuminsky is now helping others through the same journey. “I can tell them I was sitting in that chair,” she said. A routine mammogram revealed Lisa had Stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer. Today, Lisa is cancer-free, using her own experience to connect with patients facing the same fears and questions she once had. Read how Lisa is turning her experience into support for others. ⬇️ ow.ly/l6VX50ZVsov #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthFirstCancerInstitute #HealthFirst

🩸 Join OneBlood for a blood drive at Health First's Palm Bay Hospital today! All donors receive a $20 eGift Card, a Halloween T-shirt and a complimentary wellness checkup, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening 📅 Tuesday, October 13 🕦 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 📍 Health First Palm Bay Hospital Appointments are encouraged! Reserve your spot here: donor.oneblood.org/donor/sch… ID required. Donor incentives provided by OneBlood. Terms and conditions apply.