UHealth | Jackson Metrorail Station Ushers in New Era of Access
The renaming of the former Civic Center stop is a unique collaboration between UHealth – University of Miami Health System, Jackson Health System and Miami-Dade County.
The bustling Metrorail station on the medical campus paused to mark a moment in history on Friday morning. Nearly 100 people gathered for the unveiling of the newly named UHealth | Jackson Station, marking a new era of access for all South Florida patients.
The renaming of the former Civic Center stop is a unique collaboration between UHealth – University of Miami Health System, Jackson Health System and Miami-Dade County.
“This innovative partnership is a shining example of the power of collaboration between the private sector, our public health system and Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who kicked off the event. “Most importantly, it serves as a beacon for greater access to health care and healthier living. It is part of our tireless commitment to building a more robust and efficient public transportation system that is also beautiful, functional, safe and engaging while enhancing the overall quality of life for all residents and visitors.”
World-class City, World-class Access
Dipen Parekh, M.D., chief operating officer of UHealth, founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute (DSUI) and the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, addressed the crowd, saying Miami is a world-class city that deserved world-class health care and world-class access.
“This unveiling is more than a name. Naming this station with our Jackson partners demonstrates our commitment to increasing access for the entire community, just as we do by expanding UHealth’s presence across Miami-Dade in the coming year,” he said.
District 1 Commissioner and Board Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, spoke about the Metrorail’s impact on his higher education.
“I reflect on that kid who took the Metrorail to UM and walked to the law school,” Gilbert said. “I am here today because of these two iconic brands and the importance of this metro system. The transformative change of one of our busiest Metrorail stations represents a significant milestone in the county’s steadfast commitment to vibrant, accessible public transit.”
Christina Morales, RN, BSN, a nurse in UHealth’s Cardiovascular Division, expressed how proud she was to see her employer’s name on the station. She said it benefits patients by giving them expedited access to health care.
A Miami-Dade County First
This renaming marks the first time the county has sold the naming rights to a property. With it, the station has a new look. An enthusiastic countdown led to a curtain drop and the station’s new signage. Guests were able to tour the platform and see the updated station signs, with teal branding to reflect the new name. Wallscapes and elevators were wrapped in messages such as “Your Stop for Non-stop Health Care” and “Non-stop Commitment for Non-stop Commuters.”
The UHealth | Jackson Station name will also appear on digital and static signage throughout the Metrorail system and online. Over the next 30 days, UHealth will deploy mobile clinics along the Metrorail stations, providing children’s vaccines, cardiovascular screenings and educational materials to further demonstrate its commitment to meeting patients and the community where they live.
“Properly naming this station reiterates our commitment to enhance access to Miami’s only academic health system and launch the district into a top destination,” said David Zambrana, D.N.P., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer of Jackson. “This will create great pride and a better commute experience for our patients and employees. Today is not just a new name or signage. It’s a testament to our shared vision of a modern and efficient health care district that meets the modern needs of our community.”
Tags: community outreach, Dr. Dipen Parekh, Jackson Health System, UHealth - the University of Miami Health System