In a significant move to promote healthier living and facilitate greater access to world-class healthcare, Miami-Dade County has officially renamed the Civic Center Metrorail Station to UHealth | Jackson Station. This initiative, unveiled today at 1501 NW 12 Avenue in the heart of Miami-Dade’s Health District, marks a landmark partnership aimed at integrating public transit with the county’s premier health systems.
The renaming, driven by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, represents the first public-private revenue-generating venture for the county, involving the University of Miami Health System and Jackson Health System (Jackson). This marketing partnership, unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners in June, is expected to generate nearly $3 million in non-tax revenue and bring numerous benefits to the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) over the agreement’s term.
“This innovative partnership with the University of Miami and Jackson showcases the powerful collaboration between the private sector, our public health system, and Miami-Dade County,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It serves as a beacon for greater access to healthcare and healthier living. This initiative is part of our relentless effort to build a more robust and efficient public transportation system that is beautiful, functional, and safe, helping residents reach their jobs and healthcare providers faster.”
With Metrorail’s annual ridership surpassing 13.4 million and 90,000 annual boardings at the UHealth | Jackson Station, the renaming aims to highlight the accessibility of top-notch healthcare within the community. Officials anticipate that the station’s new identity will continuously remind residents and visitors of the seamless access to leading medical services in Miami.
District 1 Commissioner and Board Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, emphasized the partnership’s significance. “As a proud transit rider and advocate for strong private sector partnerships, the transformation of one of our busiest Metrorail stations marks a significant milestone in our commitment to vibrant, accessible public transit,” he said. “Thanks to the University of Miami Health System and Jackson Health System, we are making significant strides in improving our transit hubs, and I am excited for future partnerships.”
District 3 Commissioner Keon Hardemon echoed these sentiments, highlighting the collaboration’s impact on his district and the broader community. “I commend the dedication of our county staff and everyone involved in realizing this partnership,” Hardemon stated. “It underscores our commitment to promoting healthier living and enhancing access to our health tech innovation hub through comprehensive transportation infrastructure and service improvements.”
UHealth Chief Operating Officer Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., highlighted the broader vision behind the renaming. “This unveiling is more than just a name. It represents our commitment to increasing community access to healthcare,” Parekh said. “Naming this station with our Jackson partners demonstrates our dedication to expanding UHealth’s presence across Miami-Dade.”
In the next 30 days, UHealth will deploy mobile clinics along Metrorail stations to provide children’s vaccines, screenings, and educational materials, further demonstrating their commitment to community health.
Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, emphasized the importance of this renaming. “Properly naming this Metrorail station UHealth | Jackson reiterates our commitment to enhancing access to Miami’s only academic health system and evolving our health district into one of the nation’s top medical destinations,” Migoya stated.
Officials hope this pioneering partnership will serve as a model for future naming projects throughout the Metrorail system. All signage at the station has been updated to reflect the new name, and partner branding has been incorporated into various elements of the space. The new station name will also feature prominently on digital and static signage throughout the Metrorail system and online.
“Our Marketing Partnerships program exemplifies how we continue to innovate our County government to build a FutureReady Miami-Dade,” said Francesca de Quesada Covey, Miami-Dade County’s Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer. “Together with the private sector, we aim to improve services for our residents and create win-win opportunities.”
The renaming of UHealth | Jackson Station marks a transformative step towards integrating public transit with essential healthcare services, reinforcing Miami-Dade’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more accessible community.
