BROWARD COUNTY, FL- Broward County Commissioners along with the Chief Executive Officers and administrators from the Broward Hospital Districts and local hospitals have agreed to develop a pilot healthcare program for 20,000 Broward residents.

The proposal is sponsored by Broward County Commissioner Mark Bogen who stated that " technology exists that can save tens of thousands of lives of Broward residents." The proposal submitted by Bogen aims to cut cardiac and cancer death by using diagnostic screening as a preventative tool, which is currently not paid for by public or private insurance.

The hospital and medical professionals along with the County Commissioners discussed the preventative health cardiac pilot program, which would include 5,000 seniors, 5,000 Black residents, and 5,000 residents ages 45 to 60. The preventative cancer program would include 5,000 residents of different ages and backgrounds.

Currently, the only preventative tests that are paid for by private and public insurance involves mammograms and colonoscopies. However, Bogen cited data showing 1 in every 2 men will have a heart attack while 1 in every 3 women will experience a cardiac event. As for cancer, 1 in every 3 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Bogen's goal is to use medical technology to catch heart disease or cancer before it becomes too late.

Bogen said he looks forward to working with Shane Strum, Dr. Rodolfo Blandon, Aurelio Fernandez, Mark Doyle, and other professionals to establish a preventative health program that will save the lives of Broward residents. 

Once the pilot program is fully developed, it will come back to the Commission for further discussion and a vote.  

February 15, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Mgr
Broward County Commission
954-357-8053