Health Care

Here are six healthcare issues and changes we watched this year in South Florida

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Healthcare in South Florida went through several changes in 2025.

They included Mount Sinai Medical Center announcing plans to open a new medical complex in Westchester and a new partnership between FIU and Nicklaus Children's Health System.

Catch up with our coverage of these and other stories below.

Mount Sinai Medical Center, which has its main hospital in Miami Beach, is opening a new emergency center in Westchester.

NO. 1: A MIAMI BEACH HOSPITAL IS EXPANDING ACROSS THE BAY. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CENTER

There will be an ER and more. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Dr. Juan Cendan, dean of FIU’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, left, Jeanette Nuñez, interim president of FIU, center, and Matt Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, pose with a document announcing the launch of a new clinical, research and academic collaboration between FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Health System on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Florida International University campus in Miami, Fla. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 2: WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF KIDS’ HEALTHCARE IN MIAMI? FIU AND NICKLAUS HAVE A PLAN

The move cements a longstanding relationship. Here’s how it may affect you. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Jackson South Medical Center, 9333 SW 152nd St, in south Miami-Dade has recently renovated its catherization lab as part of a plan to provide new and expanded cardiac care. By Michelle Marchante

NO. 3: HEART DISEASE FORECAST TO RISE IN SOUTH FLORIDA. HERE’S WHAT ONE HOSPITAL IS DOING

Inside the new lab, doctors will use tech that will let them reconstruct 3D models of a patient’s cardiovascular system. | Published July 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Lily Lopez, a dental assistant with Caring for Miami, fills out paperwork inside the Mobile Dental Clinic in Opa-locka. Caring for Miami is providing free dental care for uninsured and underserved residents. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 4: AT AN OPA-LOCKA CLINIC, MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN GROUPS PARTNER TO OFFER FREE DENTAL CARE

For the first time since it opened in 2008, patients at an Opa-locka healthcare clinic will be able to receive consistent dental care — from cleanings to cancer screenings and root canals — and it’s not going to cost them a penny. | Published September 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lauren Costantino

State Surgeon General of Florida, Joseph A. Ladapo, speaks during the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami, Fla. While considered helpful in preventing tooth decay by dentists, the practice has come under fire by some for alleged health risks. The bill passed to take the fluoride out of drinking water even though federal agencies like the American Dental Association says it could be harmful. By Alie Skowronski

NO. 5: FLORIDA WANTS TO REMOVE VACCINE MANDATES. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS?

Just weeks into the new school year, Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo announced the state is going to be working to eliminate all vaccine mandates. | Published September 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Clara-Sophia Daly, Michelle Marchante

Women greet each other at the Kendall Social Club at Kendale Lakes Park clubhouse on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2025. By Carl Juste

NO. 6: IT TAKES SOME FAITH TO HELP SENIORS LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES. SEE WHAT CAN HAPPEN

Jewish Family Home Care began with a specific mission — to help Holocaust survivors remain in their homes with dignity as they aged. | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carli Teproff

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.