Orlando Health South Lake Hospital is Lake County’s First Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence

Clermont, FL (Feb. 26, 2026) – Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has been named the first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center of Excellence in Lake County, reflecting its demonstrated commitment to improving cardiac arrest outcomes, advancing evidence-based care and fostering strong partnerships with local emergency medical services.

The designation comes from a statewide initiative led by the Florida Resuscitation Center Committee, which was formed to develop recommendations on how to increase the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest. To achieve this recognition, a hospital must meet and self-attest to the criteria set out by the committee.

“Providing premium, total cardiac care has been a central focus for our hospital, so we are honored to have earned this designation,” said Lance Sewell, president, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “It’s a testament to our team as well as our emergency medical services partners who work tirelessly when it comes to not only treating patients but also educating the Lake County community and spreading awareness around heart health and issues.”

The criteria also include a strong emphasis on community involvement, such as programs to train bystanders in resuscitation intervention efforts. Centers of Excellence are tasked with promoting wellness and enhancing necessary rehabilitation for cardiac arrest patients as well as providing support for their loved ones and caregivers.

Each year, approximately 350,000 individuals die from cardiac arrest in Florida, and it remains the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

As the trusted community hospital in South Lake County, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has provided healthcare to residents for more than 75 years. It is also the only Leapfrog Group A-rated hospital in Lake County.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.