One Day for Jackson: A Vision for Miami’s Healthcare Future with Flavia Llizo

April 3rd marks One Day for Jackson, a critical fundraising event for Miami’s Jackson Health System. We spoke with Flavia Llizo, CEO of the Jackson Health Foundation, about this initiative and its community impact. Flavia has led the Foundation’s fundraising efforts for over 20 years, raising more than $190 million for local charities, with One Day for Jackson playing a major role in shaping the future of Miami’s healthcare.
.
The funds raised today will support Jackson Health’s most significant projects, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The new ER, set to open in 2026, will be one of the largest in the nation, ensuring Jackson Health can continue providing life-saving care to Miami’s growing population. “We’re donating a portion of their proceeds, and a lot of that money is being used to help fund the building of the biggest emergency room in the country. That’ll happen right here on the Jackson Memorial campus, and it’ll open in March of 2026,” Flavia explained.
.

.
One Day for Jackson is more than a fundraiser, it’s a community-wide effort. The event invites everyone, from individuals to businesses, to participate in building a stronger healthcare system. Contributions, whether through direct donations or shopping at local partners like Five Guys and Vicky Bakery, help support the Foundation’s mission to improve Miami’s healthcare. As Flavia shared, “Whenever everyone finds out where I work, they always share with me what we call their Jackson miracle story, that Jackson saved their life or that of their family member.”
.
The event also fosters collective responsibility and community involvement. Funds raised will expand the emergency room and improve medical technology, patient services, and accessibility, particularly for the uninsured. “Convenience is a really big factor, right? No matter where you are in the community, if you’re able to get primary care services, it saves the individual time from missing work, kids, missing school, etc.,” Flavia emphasized, highlighting the importance of healthcare access for everyone.
.
Flavia’s passion for Jackson Health is personal. She’s seen firsthand the difference Jackson Health makes in people’s lives, and she knows the expanded emergency room will be vital for Miami. “Jackson Health System is Miami-Dade County’s only public health system, and it does receive funding from tax revenue, but it isn’t enough, right? The community needs to step up,” she said, urging everyone in Miami to support the cause. With her leadership, the One Day for Jackson initiative is helping create a healthier future for the entire community.