Members of Leadership Englewood’s 2026 class spent a day recently gaining firsthand insight into the health care services that support the community during the program’s annual Health Care Day.
“The leadership program was adopted by the Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2008 to educate emerging business leaders about the organizations that make our area unique,” said Peter Jennings, president of the Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce. “Health Care Day gives participants the opportunity to learn about the full spectrum of health care services available in our region.”
The day began at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, where CEO Kelly Lindsay welcomed participants and provided an overview of hospital operations and services. Participants learned about the hospital’s more than 40 years of service, its caring for more than 42,000 patients each year, and its annual economic impact of $69.8 million on the region.
The class toured the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory where doctors use advanced imaging technology to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions without the need for major surgery. Staff explained common procedures performed, including tests that allow physicians to view blood vessels and treatments used to open blocked arteries.
Class members also visited patients at Englewood Hospital, delivering handmade get-well cards created by Lemon Bay High School art students.
At Englewood Area Fire Department Station 71, Deputy Chief Karl Bennett discussed the department’s role in emergency medical care and the expansion of advanced life support services. Four of the department’s six engines now offer advanced life support, with additional firefighters currently in paramedic training.
Healing through connection
The group experienced the impact of animal-assisted therapy at Brookdale Rotonda Senior Living, where residents interacted with therapy dogs from Suncoast Humane Society, led by Claire Berton. Earlier in the day, Hope, a miniature therapy horse from Branded Heart Stables, visited the class, highlighting the role of alternative therapies in well-being.
Participants also toured the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic Mobile Medical Unit, which provides medical services to uninsured individuals earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
Additional stops included the Englewood Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Gulf Pines Memorial Park, along with presentations from Englewood Community Care Clinic, Suncoast Blood Center and LifeLink of Florida.
Health Care Day sponsors included Brookdale Rotonda Senior Living, Cape Haze Convenience Store, Englewood Moose Lodge, Freedom Boat Club, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, Jim Litton with Michael Saunders & Co., Leslie Edwards of Key Realty and The Waverly Restaurant & Bar.
Submitted by Julie Beatty
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Leadership Englewood program highlights health care landscape
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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