Charlotte County Economic Development “Excellence in Business Award” Recognizing: HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital


December 10th, 2024

Celebrating Excellence: HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital Honored with “Excellence in Business Award”

In moments of crisis, true leadership shines. That’s why Charlotte County is proud to honor HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital with the prestigious “Excellence in Business Award” for their outstanding response and unwavering dedication during the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

Rising to the Challenge

When disaster struck, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital exemplified resilience, compassion, and quick action. Their efforts went far beyond providing medical care—they became a lifeline for their colleagues and the community.

🏪 Mini Marts and Fuel Stations:
To address immediate needs, the hospital established on-site Mini Marts and fuel stations, distributing over 3,300 gallons of fuel and more than 1,000 bags of groceries to their staff and community members in need.

🏨 Support for Displaced Employees:
Understanding the personal impact of the storm, HCA provided hotel accommodations for employees who lost their homes and extended access to their Employee Assistance Program, offering critical counseling and emotional support.

Preparedness in Action

As Hurricane Milton approached, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital activated the HCA Healthcare Hurricane Playbook, a proactive plan that ensured safety and readiness:

🚑 Patient Safety First:
Ahead of the storm, 161 patients were safely evacuated to hospitals in Miami to ensure their well-being.

🌊 Fortifying Against the Storm:
Using innovative protective measures like the Tiger Dam, the hospital safeguarded its facilities against the anticipated storm surge.

A Community Pillar in the Storm’s Aftermath

Under the leadership of CEO Michael Ehrat and a team of dedicated volunteers, the hospital was able to reopen its doors just hours after the storm passed. Their actions provided essential medical care and support to a community in need, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the health and safety of Charlotte County.


Why HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital Deserves This Recognition

HCA’s actions during Hurricane Milton are a testament to their values—compassion, preparedness, and service. Their swift and decisive response ensured:

  • Critical resources were available to employees and the community.
  • Patient safety remained the top priority, even under extraordinary circumstances.
  • The hospital stood ready to serve as soon as it was safe to do so.

Congratulations to HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital

On behalf of Charlotte County, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital for their exceptional efforts and leadership. Their contributions during Hurricane Milton were not only lifesaving but also a reminder of the power of community and resilience in the face of adversity.

💙 To the entire HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital team, congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 💙

#ExcellenceInBusiness #CharlotteCountyStrong #HCAFloridaFawcettHospital #HurricaneMiltonResponse #CommunityLeadership