Transplant recipients and donor families share the power of organ donation
HCA FL Healthcare at Home
For more information about the author, click to view their website: HCA Healthcare
Nov 08, 2024
Florida - Southwest
Email US
Click to Email Us
Throughout April, we celebrate National Donate Life Month to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved countless lives through donation. We also pause to recognize the talented professionals devoted to the transplant community who make the gift of life possible. In 2023, HCA Healthcare’s skilled transplant teams performed more than 1,200 solid organ transplants at our nine transplant centers.
Did you know? More than 100,000 people are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving transplant, according to Donate Life America.
This number continues to grow as another person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes. Transplants rely on the generosity of donors, and there are not enough donors to meet the need.
“It is an extreme privilege to witness HCA Healthcare’s transplant professionals work together to provide our patients with the best chance for a successful transplant and ongoing transplant care and support. They can serve transplant patients thanks to individuals who choose to donate their organs, saving the lives of loved ones – and even people they have never met,” said James Pittman, MSN, RN, assistant vice president of transplant services at HCA Healthcare. “This Donate Life Month, we strengthen our efforts to shorten the transplant waiting list by encouraging community members to register as organ, eye and tissue donors to share the gift of life with those in need.”
Types of donation
Donate Life America classifies four types of donation:
Deceased donation: Deceased organ, eye or tissue donation is the process of giving an organ (or a part of an organ), eye or tissue at the time of the donor’s death, for the purpose of transplantation to another person. At the end of your life, you can give life to others.
Living donation: Living donation offers another choice for transplant candidates, and it saves two lives: the recipient and the next one on the deceased organ waiting list. Even better, kidney and liver patients who are able to receive a living donor transplant can receive the best quality organ much sooner, often before becoming too sick or starting dialysis.
Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCA): Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCAs) involve the transplantation of multiple structures that may include skin, bone, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. The most commonly known type of VCAs are uterus, hand and face transplants.
Pediatric Donation: Pediatric transplants differ slightly from other organ donations — as organ size is critical to a successful transplant, children often respond better to child-sized organs. There are currently 2,000 children under the age of 18 waiting for a variety of organs, and nearly 25% of them are under 5 years old.
Register to be an organ donor on Donate Life America’s website
Donate Life Month stories
Below, we introduce you to some of the people that make up HCA Healthcare’s transplant community, from transplant recipients to donor families and living donors. Read how their lives were forever changed by organ donation and transplantation.
Brothers with rare kidney disease receive life-saving organ transplants
As children, HCA Healthcare patients and brothers Anthony and Victor Moreta were active and healthy. During adulthood, they were both diagnosed with a rare type of kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which causes scarring in the filters of the kidneys. It is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, which can only be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant.
While Victor was at work as a Tampa Police Department officer in 2015, he became dehydrated and turned pale. He was taken to the nearest emergency room, where he was diagnosed with kidney failure. He was advised to seek care from a specialist for dialysis and to explore a transplant.
Victor was placed on the transplant waiting list while he began dialysis and searched for a kidney donor. After a year, he found a perfect match when the family member of a colleague was tested. Three months later, Victor received his new kidney via living donation at HCA Florida Largo Hospital’s Transplant Center.
“When they told me that I was going to have my transplant, it was a very scary thing – I’ve never had any surgery before. Everyone was so helpful, all the way from the admin reception people to the transplant intensive care unit to the kidney clinic that I still go to. I can never thank this hospital enough for what they did for me. I’ll be eternally grateful.”
Victor Moreta, HCA Florida Largo Hospital kidney transplant patient
Almost a year after Victor’s successful transplant, his brother, Anthony, was diagnosed with kidney failure. “My brother called me and told me that I need to go to [HCA Florida] Largo [Hospital] to see the doctors and see if they could do a transplant,” Anthony recalled. He received dialysis for about a year while searching for a living donor.
“A living donor can be someone who is just in general in good health. They don’t have to be blood-related, but blood type compatible,” said Dr. James Eason, Director of Abdominal Transplant at HCA Florida Largo Hospital.
About the time Anthony started to feel discouraged about finding a donor, his wife’s colleague learned she was able to donate to him. Anthony and his donor were even able to see each other in the hospital before their surgeries.
Today, you can find the brothers back to work and spending their spare time surrounded by family. “The idea of these people literally saving my life and my brother’s life is amazing,” Anthony reflected.
Heart transplant recipient shares gratitude
HCA Healthcare patient Kathleen Hornbecker is proud to be able to get her blood pumping while attending cardiac rehabilitation at HCA Florida Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida following her heart transplant late last year. However, six months ago, none of this would have seemed possible because her heart was failing. Over the past 20 years, she has had two heart attacks, a stroke and congestive heart failure twice.
“I knew I was dying,” Kathleen told Bay News 9. “I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t even lay down to sleep. I had to sit up to sleep.”
Dr. Andrew Boyle, the medical director of advanced heart failure at HCA Florida Largo Hospital determined Kathleen would be a candidate for a heart transplant. Dr. Boyle noted that “her heart was not squeezing, but rather rocking.” After her transplant, Kathleen’s heart is pumping as strong as ever and she was referred to another hospital within the HCA Florida Healthcare network, HCA Florida Northside Hospital for cardiac rehabilitation.
“[It’s] tremendously different,” Dr. Boyle said. “So that’s why she felt as well as she did. And that’s why she’s able to do cardiac rehab and why she’s able to get back to her usual life.”
As a transplant physician, he takes his oath to organ donor families very seriously. And, he encourages everyone to have conversations with their loved ones about organ donation because it can change and save lives. Kathleen is grateful every day someone had that conversation when her need came. “Now I definitely know how blessed I am and hopefully get to see my grandchildren grow up,” she said, adding that she now plans to live to 100.
Husband proves to be a match for wife in more ways than one
Shortly after saying “I do” at the altar, John Stathas was able to prove that he was a match in more than one way for his new wife, Megan.
During Megan’s annual physical, lab work uncovered that she was living with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. Her husband said after the initial fear, he wanted to know how he could help. That’s when John began testing, alongside the couple’s family and friends, to see if they could potentially be her donor. To Megan’s surprise, her husband was a match.
“She already has my heart. What’s a kidney?”
John Stathas, donated kidney to wife
In August 2020, John donated his kidney to his wife at HCA Healthcare’s Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. Megan’s living donation transplant surgery went seamlessly and the couple was excited to shift their focus on growing a family.
In 2022, the couple welcomed a baby girl. “With John being able to give his wife the gift of life, and her then bringing new life into the world, it’s come full circle,” said Christine Opp, living kidney donor coordinator at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center.
“Being able to do the things that I always wanted to do, like being a mom. That’s amazing that we can go back to life as normal,” Megan added.
This Donate Life Month, John shares his advice for others: “If you are healthy and looking for something to contribute to the world or to someone, sign up to be a living donor. You might just save a stranger’s life, or save your parent’s life, or a sibling or your wife.”
Teen’s legacy lives on through organ donation
After suffering traumatic injuries from a falling tree in 2023, fifteen-year-old cheerleader Aleya Brooks was taken to HCA Healthcare’s TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Doctors put her on life support, but her family had to make the difficult decision to take her off life support as her condition worsened. Aleya was an organ donor.
“There was never a person that she met that she did not deeply care for,” said Jason Brooks, Aleya’s father. “She wanted to heal brain trauma, brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, etc. It’s really hard that our daughter, who was going to heal so many actually died of a traumatic brain injury. As her parents, it’s been the greatest joys of our lives, to be part of her journey.”
In a powerful gesture to show Aleya’s family that they were not alone, the care teams at the hospital hosted an honor walk for the teen, recognizing her heroism as an organ donor. Aleya’s cheerleading teammates were among the more than 500 people who lined the hospital’s halls to pay tribute to the gift of life that was being passed on.
Tristar Skyline Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Hamilton said it was an emotional evening for many reasons. Aleya’s organ donation not only provided solace to her family but also comforted those who cared for her. “It’s meaningful for our staff, for our doctors, nurses that are caring for patients who pass away and to know that some good and something meaningful came out of that tragedy,” said Dr. Hamilton.
Four of Aleya’s organs were donated to three people: A 65-year-old woman, a 36-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman. They were all given a second chance at life.
“I had my sister’s kidney for almost 35 years. So, she knows how important organ donation is,” said Aleya’s mother, Darla Brooks. “And I absolutely know that she [Aleya] would want to do anything to save more lives.”
Neighbor becomes a lifesaver
If you are driving around Idaho Falls, Idaho, and come across a car with a license plate that reads ‘GTBA,’ you will find transplant recipient Robert Parkinson behind the wheel. The four-letter acronym displayed on his car meaning, ‘Good To Be Alive,’ are the words that he lives by after getting a second chance at life.
This month, Robert participated in a Donate Life Month ceremony at HCA Healthcare’s Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to share the importance of organ donation while also honoring the selflessness of Jeremy Rose, his neighbor and liver donor. Jeremy was involved in a tragic construction accident in Hawaii in 2010 that caused him to become brain-dead at 34 years old.
The family was initially hesitant to donate Jeremy’s organs with hopes that he would recover in the Hawaii hospital. Back in Idaho, Robert was not expected to survive the week without a liver transplant.
After understanding that Jeremy was not going to recover and learning of Robert’s dire condition, Jeremy’s family donated his liver on the condition it went to Robert, saving his life. Because of the role his family and sister Emily Bowcutt played in helping to decide to donate Jeremy’s organs, Robert felt compelled to honor Donate Life Month this year at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where Emily is a medical and surgical director.
In total, three lives were saved with the generosity of Jeremy and his family. “Not a doubt in my mind he would want this,” shared Emily. Because of her experience working in the hospital, Emily says she knew no matter what they did, she was going to lose her brother. Because of the organ donation, their family found meaning in the loss of Jeremy.
The gift of life has caused these two families to grow closer. “We were more acquaintances before, and now we’re family,” Robert said. “I just want to express appreciation for the gift of life. There’s a lot of people involved, a lot of medical people involved, there’s the donor family involved, and they’re the real heroes of these stories. I’m just grateful.”
Robert now has 24 grandchildren that he now gets to watch grow up because of the generosity of Jeremy’s family.
Other Articles You May Like
Geriatric Mental Health Counseling: Uplifting Minds with Compassion and Care
Program OverviewBaker Senior Center Naples offers Geriatric Mental Health Counseling to address the emotional and psychological challenges commonly experienced by older adults and their families. The program provides licensed, professional outpatient therapy in a supportive setting, including individual, couples, family, and group sessions tailored specifically for seniors.Who It's ForThis program supports seniors and caregivers dealing with: Anxiety and stress Depression Grief and loss Major life transitions (such as retirement or chronic illness) Cognitive changes Low self-esteem Anger, trauma, or unresolved emotional pain Loneliness and isolation Caregiver burnout What It Offers Outpatient Counseling: Confidential therapy for individuals or families needing support. Licensed Clinicians: Therapists are credentialed professionals with extensive geriatric experience. Holistic Mental Health Support: Services are goal-directed and client-centered, often incorporating creative therapies like music and group discussion. Support for Cognitive Conditions: Programming also benefits those experiencing memory loss, combining emotional guidance with social engagement. This program is vital for older adults who may be underserved by traditional mental health services or hesitant to seek help elsewhere.Funding & AccessibilityBaker Senior Center Naples is committed to removing financial barriers to mental health care. The program is: Partially grant-funded, ensuring low or no-cost therapy for qualifying individuals. Insurance-friendly, with many services covered under Medicare or private plans. Supported by donors and foundations, allowing expansion to meet the increasing mental health needs of older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties. Real-Life ImpactThe center has served dozens of seniors facing grief, depression, and isolation. One participant shared how therapy helped her cope with the loss of her spouse, regain emotional balance, and reconnect with life. These stories demonstrate the programs power to transform sadness into strength and disconnection into resilience.Leadership & Clinical Oversight The program is led by Pamela Osborne, LCSW, Chief Clinical Officer, who brings over three decades of experience in geriatric counseling and mental health services. She ensures clinical quality, therapist credentialing, and integration with the centers other programs, such as case management, caregiver support, and memory care services. Why It MattersChallengeSolutionSeniors facing grief or depressionPrivate, professional therapy sessionsCaregivers experiencing burnoutCouples or family counseling for stress reliefEmotional struggles from chronic illnessSupport groups and resilience coachingIsolation and loss of purposeGroup therapy and community-based activitiesLife transitions and role changesShort-term therapeutic support with clear goalsThis program not only supports emotional healing but also promotes dignity, independence, and improved quality of life. How to Access Services Eligibility: Adults aged 60 and older; family caregivers may also participate. Referrals: Seniors can self-refer or be referred by healthcare providers, family members, or case managers. Scheduling Appointments: Call the center directly to discuss availability, insurance coverage, or financial assistance options. Final ThoughtsGeriatric Mental Health Counseling at Baker Senior Center Naples is more than a clinical serviceit is a compassionate bridge to emotional wellbeing for older adults. Through professional counseling, strong leadership, and inclusive access, the center empowers seniors to overcome emotional hardships, reduce isolation, and build healthier, more connected lives. If you or a loved one are facing emotional challenges, Baker Senior Center Naples is ready to helpconfidentially, compassionately, and professionally.
Geriatric Case Management: Supporting Safe, Fulfilling Aging in Place
Overview & Why It MattersLoneliness, isolation, and complex health needs are pressing challenges for older adults. In Naples alone: Approximately 1 in 3 seniors wakes up feeling isolated each morning. Loneliness among older adults is associated with a 45% increased risk of mortality. Over 22,000 seniors in Naples live with dementia, and Alzheimers is diagnosed every 66 seconds nationwide. Reddit+12Baker Senior Center Naples+12BenefitsCheckUp+12 To address these challenges, Baker Senior Center Naples offers a robust Geriatric Case Management program designed to help seniors thrive at home, safely and with dignity. What the Program ProvidesProfessional Case Manager Services Conducts comprehensive in-home assessments, including daily living needs, home safety, and fall risk. Develops tailored care plans that may include community referrals, caregiver support, and benefits assistance. Maintains ongoing monitoring and plan adjustments to ensure evolving needs are met. Coordinates Medicare/Medicaid navigation, ensuring access to essential health coverage. Baker Senior Center Naples Volunteer Support Network Offers welfare checks, friendly phone calls, transportation assistance, and social engagement visits. Hosts programs like Music & Memory, delivering meaningful interaction for those with cognitive impairment. Baker Senior Center Naples+1csw.fsu.edu+1 Transportation & AccessibilitySeniors can access non-emergency medical transporttaxis or public transitwith door-to-door service that accommodates essentials like packages and service animals. Flexible scheduling (from same-day to weekly booking) is available, with insurance, voucher, or membership-based payment options. BenefitsCheckUp Impact & Reach Serves over 140 frail seniors, helping them maintain independence and manage chronic health conditions. Baker Senior Center Naples+5Baker Senior Center Naples+5BenefitsCheckUp+5 Funded in part by a $242,500 grant from the Collier Community Foundation, enabling staff expansion to assist around 50 additional low- to moderate-income seniors and handle up to 1,500 case calls yearly. swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4swfloridabusinesstoday.com+4 Extensions & Oversight Part of Baker Senior Centers comprehensive services including clinical mental health care and dementia respite programming overseen by a licensed clinical officer. Reddit+12swfloridabusinesstoday.com+12Baker Senior Center Naples+12 Megan Edwards, CCM, appointed in November 2024 as Director of Geriatric Case Management, enhances reach into under-served populations, supporting independence and reducing homelessness risk. Baker Senior Center Naples+2swfloridabusinesstoday.com+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2 Benefits for Seniors & FamiliesBenefitDescriptionSafety & IndependenceProfessional in-home assessments and care coordination support aging in place.Holistic SupportCombines practical help (transportaging, tech assistance) with emotional and cognitive engagement.Advocacy & AccessGuides seniors through complex systems like Medicare/Medicaid and community services.Isolation ReductionRegular interaction via volunteer visits promotes resilience and social wellbeing. How to Access the Program Eligibility: Adults 60+ in Collier and southern Lee counties; frail or isolated seniors are prioritized. Enrollment: Contact the Center at (239) 3254444 or email for an intake appointment to initiate assessment and care plan development. BenefitsCheckUp+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2Baker Senior Center Naples+2Intellispect+7Baker Senior Center Naples+7Baker Senior Center Naples+7 Summary Baker Senior Center Naples Geriatric Case Management program empowers older adults to remain healthy, connected, and safe in their own homes. Through in-home professional assessments, tailored care plans, volunteer support, and transportation services, this initiative addresses critical needs such as social isolation, health navigation, and quality-of-life concerns. Backed by clinical oversight, community grants, and a strong volunteer force, the program plays a vital role in the centers mission to enrich the lives of seniors in Southwest Florida.
Member Programs at Baker Senior Center Naples
Baker Senior Center Naples sets the stage for vibrant, purpose-driven experiences tailored for adults aged 60 and above. Heres an in-depth look at their dynamic member programs: Core PhilosophyPrograms are thoughtfully crafted to help seniors socialize, stay active, and continue learning in an uplifting, nurturing environment. They equip participants to navigate lifes shifts with ease and confidence Facebook+8Baker Senior Center Naples+8YouTube+8. Weekly Wednesday Hot LunchA cornerstone of their offerings, the midday lunch gathers around 400 members. Its more than a mealits community. It fosters connection and camaraderie while members enjoy social interaction in a welcoming atmosphere . Cyber Caf & Tech ClassesThe Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cyber Caf invites members to unwind over coffee and conversation. Beyond leisure, tech workshopscovering smartphones, tablets, and computersempower seniors to stay digitally connected and confident . Arts, Culture & Enrichment ProgramsFrom painting, decoupage, and watercolor to resin creations and readers theater, the center brims with artistic inspiration. Cultural touchpoints like opera viewings, travelogue presentations, film screenings, jazz evenings, and guest lecture series (e.g., on Northern Thailand and nutrition labeling) enrich the mind and spirit . Exercise & Wellness ActivitiesDesigned to promote strength, flexibility, and balance, offerings include: Total Fitness, Senior Fitness, Move & Groove Bone Building Fitness, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga Balance & Posture, Karate Fitness, Flex & Thrive Line Dancing, Morning Yoga, Veterans' Mobility These gentle yet effective sessions support excellent physical well-being DOEA. Mind & Memory EnrichmentMembers engage in mindfulness meditation, origami, trivia, current events, writing groups, and more. Regular documentary features like Our Oceans and bi-weekly movie matinees create shared moments of reflection and dialogue . Music & Social ClubsLearn ukulele, join drum circles or karaoke lounges, take part in the Happy Ukulele Group (HUGS), garden with peers, or enjoy instrument-based gatherings. These social options keep camaraderie thriving . Monthly Featured EventsEach month, exclusive highlights include: Paint the Town evenings Lectures like Northern Thailand Chiang Mai and Lamphun Performances: Gypsy Jazz, Twilight Cabaret, opera presentations Screenings of foreign films such as Jean DiFflorette These events offer rich intellectual and cultural engagement Facebook+3DOEA+3Baker Senior Center Naples+3. Sample Daily ScheduleMondayThursday see packed days: Mornings begin with fitness or creative arts. Midday features hot lunch, documentaries, and social gatherings. Afternoons offer painting, writing, dancing, meditation, and games. Fridays focus on leisure: gardening, cards, games, film screenings, drum circles, art, chess, and comedy clubs form a light-hearted farewell to the week . Dementia & Memory-Focused BreaksThe center supports early memory loss through Brookdale Cognitive Healthstructured activities using music, art, gentle exercise, and socialization to foster cognitive wellness. Caregiver support groups provide much-needed respite and community Baker Senior Center Naples+1Baker Senior Center Naples+1. Watch this quick news segment on how their dementia respite groups are making a real difference: Membership & Access Available to adults 60 and older. Members enroll via MyActiveCenter to reserve classes or events. Non-members can join by applying in person or contacting the center. Programs are offered at minimal or no cost, with many covered by insurance or included in membership Baker Senior Center Naples. Why It MattersBaker Senior Center Naples is more than a community hubits a lifeline. It combats isolation, nurtures lifelong learning, supports mental health, encourages physical activity, and offers crucial support for memory loss and caregiving. Its inclusive, vibrant programming promotes personal growth, connections, and well-being.Interested? Explore the monthly schedule or newsletter for upcoming events. New members can apply at 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane or call (239)3254444. Ask about caregiver support sessions, dementia respite, or tech help. Let me know if you'd like a formatted overview for a flyer or tips on how to highlight certain programs!
Local Services By This Author
HCA FL Healthcare at Home
Health Calls-Physical & Occupational Therapy 3800 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida, 33966At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.
HCA FL Healthcare at Home
Home Health 3800 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida, 33966At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.
HCA FL Healthcare at Home
Speech Therapy 3800 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida, 33966At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.