Introduction

I am pleased to inform you that Dr. Brian Hurwitz was appointed Chair of the Engage Estero Health Committee earlier this year. Brian previously served as Chair of its Cardiovascular Health Subcommittee, where he led efforts to improve emergency response capabilities in gated communities in Lee County. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has been a member of the Healthcare Committee for several years. (See bio below)

To expand the committee, refresh the team’s focus, and generate new healthcare communication ideas, Brian recently launched a recruitment drive. This was very successful and motivated several residents with impressive backgrounds to join the committee.

The organization relies on volunteers with an interest in various areas of our work to lend their expertise to enhance what we do. Our purpose is “to improve the quality of life for all residents of Estero. By conducting objective, fact-based research and providing information, we empower citizens to make informed decisions about the future of our cherished community.”

With the help of our existing and new committee members (see below), there has been a very impressive range of communications covering many aspects of healthcare released in the last few months. These articles can be found in the health section of our website, www.esterotoday.com.

Community Meeting Featuring Healthcare Topics in 2025 

April 23, 2025, meeting covered:

• • Improvements in The Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. DMark Bloomston, M.D. Medical Director, Florida Center for Pancreatic Diseases, Lee Health.
  • Improvements in Getting AEDs to Patients in Need- Quickly. Dr. Brian Hurwitz.
  • The Rights for Clean Water in Greater Estero, Joseph Bonasia, Operations and Communications Director for the Florida Right to Clean Water organization.
  • The summary of the meeting can be viewed via the link: https://esterotoday.com/apr2025summary/

Brian’s Bio and New Members Joining the Healthcare Committee   

Dr. Brian Hurwitz

Dr. Hurwitz received his PhD from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York City. He has been a trailblazing educator whose career spans over four decades of transformative leadership in higher education and special education.
As Full Professor and Founding Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at New Jersey City University (NJCU), he championed professional development and pedagogical excellence, guiding faculty and staff across the university.

Dr. Hurwitz served as Project Director for seven U.S. Department of Education personnel preparation grants, securing over $4.5 million in funding to support students pursuing degrees in special education. These multi-year initiatives provided scholarships, stipends, technology, and books—fueling the success of future educators and therapists.

An advocate for cardiovascular health and emergency preparedness, Dr. Hurwitz is dedicated to advancing drone-delivered emergency care.

He collaborates with researchers and first response systems to support the deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), Narcan, and other life-saving interventions via unmanned aerial systems. His work focuses on increasing survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by reducing response times, especially in hard-to-reach or gated communities.

Diana Genotti

A resident of the Cascades since 2013, Diana graduated from the Graduate Citizens Academy and the Estero Leadership Program. She currently serves on the PFAC – Cancer (Patient Family Advocate Counsel) for Lee Health and has organized various Health and Safety Seminars covering Caregiving, Balance, Dementia, and CPR.

She has worked as a Human Resources Director for several companies, including New Opportunities, Inc. (a Connecticut-based Community Action Social Service Agency), Diana Waller Associates, Inc. (a Human Resources and Change Management Consulting Firm), and previously Yankee Energy Services Company (Connecticut’s largest gas utility). She has collaborated with several profit and non-profit organizations and remains active in multiple community leadership groups.

Ned Newland

A 25-year resident of Estero, he has built a career in Medical Marketing Communications. He founded his own company in 1985, Edward Newland Associates, Inc. (specializing in sales, market research, marketing plans, ads, mail, conventions, internet, patient and professional education, and patient advocacy groups), now known as Rarity Health (www.rarityhealth.com), which is now in its 40th year with his children at the helm.

He holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Maryland and has completed graduate business courses at Syracuse University. A former U.S. Marine, he is also a member of Rotary and Elks. Ned mentioned that he previously worked with Don Eslick, former President of the ECCL.

Anne Butcher

Anne is a certified holistic health practitioner, board-certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), and a certified yoga instructor. She has a passion for natural wellness, with a strong belief in the transformative power of whole foods.

She states that her holistic approach emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit, aiming to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being through informed dietary choices and lifestyle practices. Anne is also an award-winning realtor and has worked in the area for 21 years.

The Healthcare Committee, which includes representatives from Lee Health, is an essential and vibrant part of Engage Estero’s focus. If you’re interested in learning more about our work in community healthcare or in joining the committee, please contact Dr. Brian Hurwitz, Chairman, by email at: brianhurwitz1234@yahoo.com.

Written by