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.

💡 Walking, running, or biking after dark? Visibility can make all the difference! Through Health First’s Be Seen, Be Safe program, members of the trauma team are helping keep people safe by distributing free clip-on safety lights across Brevard County. “These lights increase visibility and give drivers the extra seconds they need to slow down and avoid a tragedy,” said Jessica Henwood, Trauma Clinical Outreach Coordinator. Wearing reflective clothing, staying alert, putting away phones, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing can also help prevent injuries. Learn how Health First is helping make Brevard County roads safer: ow.ly/cKj250ZWuvg #HealthFirst #BeSeenBeSafe #NationalPedestrianSafetyMonth

When you think about a career in healthcare, doctor or nurse may be the first roles that come to mind. But there are so many other areas to explore. 🩺 Healthcare needs people with all kinds of skills and interests, with career paths spanning patient care, pharmacy, laboratory services, administration, social work, and more. U.S. News & World Report highlights a wide range of fields in its Best Healthcare Jobs rankings. See the full list: careers.usnews.com/best-jobs… Explore career opportunities at Health First and see where your skills can make a difference: hf.org/careers #HealthFirstCareers #BrevardJobs

💜 It’s National Midwifery Week! This week, we’re celebrating the midwives who care for moms and growing families throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. At Health First, certified nurse-midwives are available 24/7 at The Birth Suites at Holmes Regional Medical Center and Viera Hospital, working alongside our OB/GYNs and maternity care teams to help ensure moms have the right level of care throughout their birth experience. Join us in celebrating our incredible midwives and the important role they play in caring for families across our community. 💜 #NationalMidwiferyWeek #HealthFirst #Midwifery

🎃Caregivers, enjoy a little time for yourself this fall! 🎃 Celebrate the season with an afternoon of creativity, laughter and cozy snacks at the Health First Center for Family Caregivers. Join Rebecca and Brandi for festive pumpkin decorating, sharing ideas and adding a little fall flair and plenty of razzle dazzle! No crafting experience needed. Come create, socialize or simply relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. All materials are provided! 📅 Monday, October 19 🕒 3 to 5 p.m. 📍 Health First Center for Family Caregivers 3661 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, FL 32901 📞 Please RSVP to 321.434.7625

Meet Obianuju Nwamah, DO, an OB/GYN caring for patients in Melbourne at 2325 Vidina Drive and in Cocoa Beach at 699 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Suite 404. Dr. Nwamah is committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health, asking questions, and being involved in their care. Learn more about Dr. Nwamah and schedule an appointment today: ow.ly/Vshz50ZSogh

Flu season is here. 💜 Stay ahead of it with a quick, simple flu shot. Help protect yourself, your family, and your community all season long. Schedule your flu shot today at hf.org/flu

As #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth begins, it’s a good time to check in on your breast health. 🩷 Knowing your risk factors and staying up to date with recommended screenings can support earlier detection. For many women, routine mammograms begin at age 40. Take our quick Breast Health Assessment to learn more about your personal risk factors: bit.ly/BreastCancerRiskQuiz #BreastHealth #BreastCancerAwareness

What’s the secret to 109 years? Mildred Phaneuf shared one piece of advice. “Make sure you don’t eat all the cake,” she joked while celebrating her 109th birthday with family, friends and her Hospice of Health First care team. A former teacher and mother of eight, Mildred has lived through more than a century of memories and milestones. Her celebration was a special moment for everyone honored to be part of her care. For the Hospice of Health First team, moments like these are an important part of supporting patients and families through every stage of the journey. Happy 109th birthday, Mildred!🎉 Read how Mildred celebrated 109 years of memories with her family and Hospice of Health First care team: ow.ly/bOFa50ZVsLY

Join us for a 5 Wishes Class to learn more about advance care planning and how to document your wishes. ✔️Share your healthcare preferences and treatment choices. ✔️Express your personal and emotional wishes for care and support. ✔️Document your spiritual beliefs, practices, and sources of comfort. 📅 October 7, 2–3 p.m. 📍 3661 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, FL 📞 RSVP: 321-434-7625

Viera Hospital is entering a new chapter, bringing more space and enhanced technology to care for our growing community. 💜 Our fifth-floor expansion is now officially open and includes: ✔️ 20 new inpatient beds: 4 dedicated to maternal recovery and postpartum care and 16 in a new Surgical Unit for pre- and post-surgical patients. ✔️ 2 additional OB Emergency Department triage bays. ✔️ New smart room technology designed to enhance communication between patients and caregivers. This comes at an especially important time for our community. Following the closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, we moved quickly to expand capacity and help ensure our North Brevard neighbors have access to high-quality hospital care close to home. Watch the full video for a behind-the-scenes look at the new space.

Meet Anastasia Hawkins, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN caring for patients at the following locations: 📍1223 Gateway Drive, Suite 1D Melbourne 📍3425 Bayside Lakes Blvd. SE, Suite 110 Palm Bay Dr. Hawkins believes open communication is an important part of women’s health care. Her goal is to be a trusted partner who listens and makes sure each patient’s concerns are taken seriously. Learn more about Dr. Hawkins and schedule an appointment at ow.ly/cGhJ50ZNW30

What happens when you’re ready to leave the hospital but still need support? Health First case managers help patients and families navigate what comes next by connecting them with rehabilitation, home healthcare, transportation and other resources. “We’re really the bridge between the patient, their family, and the physicians,” said Stephanie Huezo, BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse case manager at Health First’s Viera Hospital. Her advice? Ask questions. There may be resources available that you didn’t know existed. Learn more about how case managers support patients beyond their hospital stay. ⬇️ ow.ly/tCO350ZU3cm #HealthFirst #PatientSupport #BrevardHealthcare