Broward Health celebrates 85th year in operation
MIAMI - Broward Health kicked off the celebration of its 85th year in operation Wednesday.
When it opened its flagship hospital in 1938, in Fort Lauderdale, it was a small converted apartment building.
Now, it is one of the ten largest public healthcare systems in the US.
Part of the 85th-anniversary festivities included special recognition for Newana Bowman, who was the first baby born at Broward Health Medical Center 13 days after the hospital opened on Jan. 2, 1938.
"Of course, I don't remember that day," Bowman joked as she was presented with flowers. "My father drove all the way from Pompano down Old Dixie Highway which was not very big at the time. So it means a lot that I was born here."
A lifelong Broward resident, Bowman said she has been back at Broward Health for the 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 75th anniversaries.
"It's been wonderful to be part of," she said.
"I told her you look like the epitome of Broward Health. You look great," said Broward Health Board of Commissioners Chair Stacy Angier.
That's right, Bowman has aged well, just like the hospital system, which started out as a converted 16-unit apartment building.
It now admits more than 51,000 patients and welcomes 5,300 newborns each year.
As Mayor Lamar Fisher declared Wednesday, January 4th as "Broward Health Day", another special woman was recognized.
Thelma Coates has worked at Broward Health for 60 years!
"When I came here it was four floors, they was all over on the west side. They had everything there. I watched the hospital grow. All I can say is I'm very grateful," Coates said.
Coates started her career at Broward Health as a nurse's aid. She still works there, currently as a patient monitor.
"I feel proud of myself and I feel they're proud to have me," she said.
She hopes to be around for more anniversaries to come. The same goes for Newana Bowman.
"If I'm living and they invite me, if I'm able to come, I'll come," Bowman said.