Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay to Break Ground on NICU Expansion as Measles Cases Climb Nationally
Jacksonville, FL – March 14, 2026 – Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay plans a NICU expansion while national measles cases continue rising, affecting Florida families.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County is preparing to expand neonatal intensive care services, a move that could increase access for families across the greater Jacksonville area.
NICU Expansion Planned in Clay County
Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County announced it will break ground March 24 on a neonatal intensive care unit expansion. Hospital leaders said the project is intended to enhance care for premature and medically fragile newborns in the region.
The Clay County campus serves families from across Northeast Florida, including parts of Duval County. Expanding NICU capacity can reduce the need for some families to travel farther for specialized newborn care and may help manage growing demand as the region’s population increases.
Details about the size and timeline of the expansion were not fully outlined in the initial announcement, but the groundbreaking signals continued investment in maternity and newborn services close to Jacksonville.
Measles Activity Remains Elevated Nationally
At the same time, measles activity continues to draw attention nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,281 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of March 5, 2026, with cases reported in Florida among other states.
Most confirmed cases this year have been associated with outbreaks, according to the CDC. Earlier reporting in Northeast Florida documented confirmed cases in Duval County in 2026.
Public health officials continue to emphasize routine immunizations as the primary way to prevent measles and limit community spread.
What Residents Should Know
Families expecting a baby who may require specialized care can monitor updates from Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County regarding construction timelines and service availability.
For vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, residents can review immunization records with their primary care provider or consult local health department resources for current recommendations and clinic hours.
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
