MEDIA ADVISORY
April 14, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—Four Florida hospitals are being recognized this week as Cancer Centers of Excellence. State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong is visiting each facility to present a certificate in honor of this prestigious achievement.

"The first ever Cancer Center of Excellence Awards in Florida reflect the state-of-the-art, patient-centered cancer care available right here in our great state," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Through a rigorous process, these four cancer centers have demonstrated their commitment to cancer research and collaboration that rival programs around the world. This is another great week for Florida's families."

The Cancer Center of Excellence Award recognizes organizations for demonstrating commitment to excellence by providing patient-centered coordinated care for those undergoing cancer treatment and therapy in Florida. The recipients include the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Mayo Clinic Florida, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Florida Health Cancer Center, which includes University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute and UF Health Cancer Center—Orlando Health.

The goal of the Cancer Center of Excellence Award Program is to encourage excellence in cancer care in Florida, attract and retain the best cancer care professionals to the state, and help Florida organizations be recognized nationally as a preferred destination for quality cancer care. The designation is based on measured success in delivering the quality cancer care to patients and family members.

The Cancer Center of Excellence Award was established in 2013 by the Florida Legislature through statute. The Department of Health is charged with facilitating this process for health care organizations that wish to apply for the designation. Each application is assessed by a team of five independent evaluators who determine eligibility for the award through written review and site visits. Evaluators report to the State Surgeon General on applicants that met the rigorous performance measures and excel in providing quality, comprehensive and patient-centered coordinated care. Today's recipients mark the first cancer centers in the state ever to achieve this award.

For more information on the qualifications and process to apply go to www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/research/cancer-center-of-excellence-award.html.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. The department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.