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.
Kim Fulcher
Halifax Health Senior Vice President & CHRO and Executive Director of VHN
“ 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.
Mike Marques
Vice President & Chief Information Officer
“ 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 voicebased 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 longterm 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.
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