More than 100 patients, family advocates, medical students, and team members from across Florida gathered Tuesday at the State Capitol to highlight the academic distinction that defines Tampa General Hospital and USF Health.
“As our region’s only true university-affiliated academic health system, we are incredibly proud to provide compassionate, innovative, high-quality, and complex care to millions of people each year across an ever-growing network of seven hospitals and more than 150 care locations statewide,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. “This event is an opportunity for Floridians who benefit from the power of academic medicine at Tampa General and USF Health to share their stories with our state’s leaders.”
Patients, families, and medical students from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine met directly with lawmakers during “We Are TGH Day” at the Capitol, sharing personal stories that underscored the life-changing impact of academic medicine and the importance of access to exceptional care.
A number of elected officials took part in the day’s events. Sen. Kathleen Passidomo led a mock Session in the Senate Chamber, introduced by former Senate President Ken Pruitt, while current Senate President Ben Albritton also made a guest appearance. Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture Kathy Mears provided an overview of the Cabinet process for attendees.
Lawmakers, including Sen. Gayle Harrell and Reps. Shane Abbott, Danny Alvarez, Adam Anderson, Jessica Baker, Lindsay Cross, Kimberly Daniels, Fentrice Driskell, Karen Gonzales-Pittman, J.J. Grow, Dianne Hart, Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Jeff Holcomb, Vicki Lopez, Angie Nixon and Michael Owen attended the welcome reception on Monday to thank the advocates for traveling to Tallahassee and sharing their experiences.
Throughout Adams Street, legislators, aides, and visitors explored exhibits showcasing Tampa General’s academic excellence — where research, innovation, and education intersect to deliver world-class care. “We are proud to partner with Tampa General to deliver world-class patient care, expand our state’s health care workforce, and advance research — three goals that play a vital role in the future of our university and our communities,” said University of South Florida President Rhea Law.
Attendees also visited the TGH Aeromed helicopter stationed at the corner of South Adams and East Jefferson Street — one of six helicopters in Tampa General’s fleet, each equipped with advanced life-support systems to transport critically ill or injured patients from 23 surrounding counties.
The event concluded with the signing of an agreement by Tampa General Hospital and Secretary Shevaun Harris of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration in support of the TGH Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital.
“This investment will expand capacity and advance behavioral health research and training. Exciting progress ahead!” the agency posted on X.