A powerful message of care took the spotlight at Jazz in the Gardens. During the March 7–8, 2026, event at Hard Rock Stadium, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) debuted a new 60-second commercial highlighting its impact in the community.
Are you or someone you love struggling with opioids like fentanyl, heroin, or pain pills? Help is closer than you think and recovery is within reach. Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS), in partnership with the University of Miami, is participating in a research initiative to bring lifesaving care to opioid users located in high-risk communities across Miami-Dade County. As part of this collaboration, the partners have launched a “Better Together” campaign to combat opioid addiction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6.1 million people ages 12 or older reported having an opioid use disorder in 2022. While overdose deaths are decreasing, opioids remain a major contributor, highlighting the continued need for education, prevention, and access to treatment resources.
“No one should have to struggle with opioids alone. It’s better together,” said Ryan Hawkins, president/CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System. “We are here to help. Treatment is available and recovery is possible for those who may be struggling.”
Opioids are powerful drugs that block pain signals in the brain that can be highly addictive and dangerous when misused. The Better Together campaign seeks to reduce the number of individuals with opioid addiction/opioid use disorder (OUD) in Miami-Dade county.
Always here to help, JTCHS connects individuals to compassionate, evidence-based care. The organization offers Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in outpatient primary care, support from trained, compassionate providers, and linkage to additional services.  To take the first step, call 786-487-3545.Â
About JTCHS
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
Good oral health habits start early, and every child deserves the care and support needed to build a healthy smile for life. With this in mind, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS), in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Dental Society, recently hosted its annual Give Kids a Smile Day at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex, providing uninsured patients with free dental and vision services.
“Cost and limited access to dental care can make it difficult for some parents to keep up with routine appointments. Events like this help connect families to needed services while creating a positive experience for children,” said Dr. Deborah George, EVP/Chief Dental Officer at JTCHS. “Our staff and volunteers were excited to provide these services to children in our community and teach them about the importance of good oral health.”
During the event, children received free dental services such as exams, cleanings and sealants. After completing their dental visits, they also received optometry exams, providing families with access to additional preventive care in one setting.
The event also created a fun, family-friendly environment for children and their parents. After receiving services, children enjoyed activities including painting, face painting, a bounce house, treats and music from an on-site DJ. Each child also received a bag with oral hygiene items, including a toothbrush and other essentials to encourage healthy habits at home.
For more information about Jessie Trice Community Health System and its services, visit JTCHS.org.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org.
Ryan R. Hawkins (center), president and CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System, poses with volunteers and patients during the 2026 JTCHS Give Kids A Smile Day, an event where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
Dr. Lashunda Collins, DDS, provides dental services to a young patient during Give Kids A Smile Day, hosted by Jessie Trice Community Health System in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Dental Society. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
From left, Dr. Lashunda Collins, DDS; Dr. Deborah George, DDS, executive vice president and chief dental officer; and Dr. Ashley E. Reid, DDS, of Jessie Trice Community Health System at Give Kids A Smile Day, recently held at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
Jessie Trice Community Health System staff and volunteers pose during the annual Give Kids A Smile Day, recently held at the JTCHS Corporate Office Complex, where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
A young patient poses with Jessie Trice Community Health System staff and volunteers during Give Kids A Smile Day, where uninsured children received free dental and vision services. (Photo by Audrey LaPalme, Sonshine Communications).
Building on its continued commitment to community health, the Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) will once again host  its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” in partnership with the  Miami-Dade County Dental Society.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026 , from 8:30 AM – 1 PM at the JTCHS Corporate Office, located at 5607 NW 27th Avenue in Miami, Florida, and it  will provide FREE general dental services, including  exams, cleanings, and sealants, for uninsured children.
“Give Kids a Smile Day is an important part of our ongoing commitment to children’s health in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Deborah George, EVP/Chief Dental Officer at JTCHS. “We encourage families to join us and take advantage of the services being offered.”
In addition to dental screenings and cleanings, other highlights of the event include entertainment, fun activities for kids, food, fun and more. This includes face painting, bounce houses and spin the wheel games and prizes just to name a few. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (305) 637-6400.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org.
WHO: JESSIE TRICE COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEM
WHAT: “GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY” – PROVIDING FREE DENTAL SERVICES FOR UNINSURED PATIENTS. WILL ALSO HAVE FUN GAMES, EVENTS, ACTIVITIES, FOOD & MORE.
WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 · 8:30 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: JTCHS CORPORATE OFFICE COMPLEX
5607 NW 27TH AVENUE
MIAMI, FL 33142
CONTACT: FOR EVENT DETAILS AND MORE INFORMATION, CALL 305-637-6400
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CALL BERNADETTE MORRIS AT (305) 450-0942 OR LUISA MARTINEZ AT 305-409-2644.
In this Issue:
Everyone would want a prescription for better health, right?  For this reason and so many more, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) observes World Pharmacists Day, recognized on September 25th.
“We salute pharmacists for their important role in delivering safe and effective care,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS. “Our pharmacy team is committed to ensuring the availability and appropriate use of medicines and contributing to quality health coverage of our patients.”
This year’s theme for World Pharmacists Day is “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.” Each day, pharmacists across the globe help meet critical health needs. World Pharmacists Day celebrates the contributions of pharmacists to better health outcomes.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS recently earned a Prestigious HRSA’s CHQR badge for Advancing HIT for Quality. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty-nine  (59) school-based health suites.
JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
September is National Gum Care Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of gum health. Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) encourages the community to take proactive steps to maintain healthy gums.
Gums are the soft tissue in the mouth that surrounds and protects the teeth and their roots. They act as a barrier, keeping bacteria away from the roots of the teeth and the underlaying bone. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, which can harden into tartar and lead to inflammation, infection, and damage to the tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
“Gum disease can have serious effects if ignored or left untreated,” said Dr. Deborah George, EVP/Chief Dental Officer at JTCHS.“Knowing the warning signs, maintaing a good oral care routine and keeping up with regular dental exams makes all the difference.”
Here are some warning signs that may indicate unhealthy gums:
A consistent dental hygiene routine can make taking care of the gums easy. For more information about JTCHS Dental Services or to schedule a dental exam, please call 305-637-6400.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org.
It’s time to take control over cholesterol. This month, Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) observes National Cholesterol Education Month.
“Cardiovascular health is very important,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO of JTCHS. “National Cholesterol Education Month is a time to increase awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. JTCHS is the perfect place to cater to your health needs and ensure that you take the right steps to boost your health longevity.”
High cholesterol can definitely take a toll. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, people with high cholesterol are twice as likely to have heart disease than people with lower cholesterol levels; 73.5 million American adults (31.7%) have high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol and fewer than 1 out of every 3 adults with high LDL cholesterol has the condition under control. JTCHS wants to ensure that residents take steps to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering their cholesterol.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. JTCHS recently earned a Prestigious HRSA’s CHQR badge for Advancing HIT for Quality. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty-nine  (59) school-based health suites.
JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) is proud to announce that it has earned the 2025 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Badge for Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This recognition highlights JTCHS’s efforts to leveraging technology to improve patient care quality.
“We are absolutey thrilled to earn this prestigious badge,” said Dr. Joycelyn Lawrence, chief medical officer of JTCHS. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care for our patients. We understand the vital role technology plays in everyday life and are proud to remain at the forefront.”
CHQR badges recognize Health Center Program awardees and look-alikes (LALs) that have achieved quality improvements in areas of access, quality, health information technology, and health outcomes using Uniform Data System (UDS) data from the most recent reporting period. To receive the Advancing HIT for Quality Badge, JTCHS showcased its capabilities in providing telehealth services, exchanging clinical information online with key healthcare providers, engaging patients through HIT, and collecting data on patient health-related needs.
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty nine (59) school-based health suites.
JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
National Health Center Week (NHCW) was celebrated August 3–9, 2025 and Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) joined the celebration with a week full of themed events highlighting staff, patients, residents, and partners.
The week kicked off on Saturday, August 2, Fuel Your Fitness Day, where employees and board members participated in a morning workout to promote wellness. JTCHS then recognized its dedicated staff on Staff Appreciation Day, held on Monday, August 4, with President & CEO Ryan R. Hawkins and board members visiting each JTCHS facility to personally thank employee and hand out goodies.
On Tuesday, August 5, Patient Appreciation Day showcased JTCHS’s commitment to the community, with giveaways to thank patients for choosing JTCHS as their healthcare provider. Among the items distributed was a fan that read, “We’re Fans of Our Patients.” Social media takeovers throughout the week highlighted the expertise of JTCHS’s Family Medicine and Dental Residency teams.
The festivities continued on Friday, August 8, with Partner Appreciation Day, recognizing key community partners who help advance JTCHS’s mission, and concluded on Saturday, August 9 on Gratitude & Future Vision Day with the annual Back-to-School Immunization Fair, held in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, offering free immunizations to families preparing for the new school year.
“National Health Center Week is a time to celebrate the incredible role of health centers and all those who are part of them, from staff and patients to community partners,” said Ryan R. Hawkins, president & CEO of JTCHS. “For 58 years, Jessie Trice Community Health System has been dedicated to improving the health of our community, and NHCW was a wonderful reminder of the impact we continue to make every day.”
For more information about JTCHS, visit JTCHS.org. To keep up with the latest news and events, follow JTCHS on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
About Jessie Trice Community Health SystemÂ
The Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc. is one of Miami-Dade County’s preeminent federally qualified community health care centers, governed by a remarkably dedicated Board of Directors (51% of which are users of the medical and dental services) and an incredibly talented, committed family of providers and staff. The 1st Federally Qualified Health Center in the state and 5th in the nation, Jessie Trice Community Health System, Inc., is a Florida 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization that has been serving Miami-Dade County since 1967. JTCHS served its first patients from a trailer. Now, more than fifty (50) years after its founding, JTCHS owns and operates eight (8) Comprehensive Primary Care centers, a 40 bed Women’s Residential Center for substance use, and fifty nine  (59) school-based health suites.
JTCHS knows and specializes in comprehensive health, offering a myriad of services to improve the health of the community. This includes: dentistry, family medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, transportation, pharmacy, healthy start, obstetric & gynecological care, school-based health, community health promotions, health & wellness center, pediatrics, and ancillary services. For more information on the Jessie Trice Community Health System, call 305-637-6400 or visit jtchs.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their services and facilities, follow Jessie Trice Community Health System on Facebook, X and Instagram @JessieTriceCHS.
From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Dr. Deborah George, EVP/chief dental officer; Dr. Luckner Denord, EVP/chief strategy and quality officer; Toni Thompson, EVP/chief ambulatory officer; Paul Roberts, board vice chair; Irene Taylor-Wooten, board chair; and Amy Clark, chief financial officer for Jessie Trice Community Health System. During NHCW 2025, the JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility during Staff Appreciation Day to personally thank employees and hand out goodies.(Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)
Members of the JTCHS staff posed happily with members of the executive team and the board. During NHCW 2025, the JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility during Staff Appreciation Day to personally thank employees and hand out goodies.(Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)
From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO; Dr. Ouida Bridges, pediatrician; Irene Taylor-Wooten, board chair; and Amy Clark, chief financial officer for Jessie Trice Community Health System, pictured during Staff Appreciation Day. In celebration of National Health Center Week, held Aug. 3–9, Jessie Trice Community Health System hosted a week full of themed events highlighting staff, patients, residents, and partners. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)
From left: Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO, and Dr. Sheryl Reaves, optometrist, of Jessie Trice Community Health System, pictured on Staff Appreciation Day during National Health Center Week 2025. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)
From left: Dr. Fabian Thurston, EVP/chief operating officer; Ryan R. Hawkins, president and CEO; Amy Clark, chief financial officer; and Toni Thompson, EVP/chief ambulatory officer, pictured entering one of Jessie Trice Community Health System’s facilities on Staff Appreciation Day. The JTCHS executive team and board members visited each facility to personally thank employees and hand out goodies. (Photo/Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)
Jessie Trice Community Health System executive team and board members join staff during Staff Appreciation Day as part of National Health Center Week 2025. Leadership visited each facility to personally thank employees and distribute goodies.
