Aspire Health Partners - CEO Babette Hankey

Babette Hankey, CEO of Aspire Health Partners, was given the opportunity to resolve several pressing issues within her hospital, yet, despite efforts to engage, she has not taken meaningful action. As mental health advocates, we are deeply concerned about the state of care within Aspire Health Partners and the organization's apparent disregard for transparency and patient rights.

I had hoped for a collaborative discussion to address these issues, particularly with Babette Hankey and Rosa D. White, who plays a key role at Aspire Health Partners. Unfortunately, the lack of attendance at a recent meeting, scheduled for 1 PM by Mr. Maxwell, reflects a missed opportunity to make much-needed changes. Their absence not only wasted my time but also demonstrated a lack of commitment to addressing the valid concerns raised.

Misrepresentation at Aspire Health Partners

One of the most concerning issues revolves around Rosa D. White, who is often referred to as “Dr. White” by both staff and patients. However, it is important to clarify that Rosa D. White is not a licensed medical doctor. According to records from the Florida Department of Health, she is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). While APRNs hold a high level of training and expertise, referring to someone as a doctor when they are not licensed as such can lead to significant confusion and potential harm, especially within a healthcare setting.

In my experience, misleading patients about the qualifications of healthcare professionals is a serious issue. Patients have the right to know who is providing their care and whether those individuals are appropriately licensed. In fact, when this misrepresentation was brought to the attention of Mr. Maxwell, he initially dismissed the claim. Only after presenting concrete evidence—a medicine bottle from the Aspire Health Partners Pharmacy with “Dr. White, Rosa” clearly printed—did he acknowledge the need for further investigation.

The Importance of Transparency and Patient Rights

Patient rights are at the core of this issue. Every individual seeking care, particularly in mental health settings, should be treated with respect, transparency, and honesty. Aspire Health Partners, under the leadership of Babette Hankey, has a responsibility to ensure that its staff members are accurately represented to patients. Misrepresenting credentials not only undermines trust but also raises questions about the integrity of the care being provided.

Transparency is not just about admitting fault but about making a genuine effort to correct mistakes and foster trust with patients and their families. Unfortunately, neither Babette Hankey nor Rosa D. White attended the meeting to discuss these concerns. Their absence raises serious doubts about their willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and to address the growing concerns within Aspire Health Partners.

Advocating for Mental Health Patients

As an advocate for the rights of mental health patients, I believe it is crucial that we hold organizations like Aspire Health Partners accountable. Misrepresentation and the failure to address legitimate concerns regarding patient rights cannot be tolerated. Moving forward, I will be pursuing formal action, including requests to both the State of Florida and Orange County to reconsider their funding of Aspire Health.

Mental health care is one of the most sensitive and crucial aspects of the healthcare system. Individuals seeking help often do so in vulnerable states, and they deserve the highest standard of care. Aspire Health Partners, as one of the major mental health service providers in Florida, should set an example for transparency and ethical practices, not mislead patients.

Filing Formal Complaints with State Agencies

I have already filed complaints with state agencies to address the issues of misrepresentation and potential violations of patient rights within Aspire Health Partners. This process is crucial for ensuring that the organization is held accountable for any discrepancies and that patients receive the care they deserve. The goal of these complaints is not just to point fingers but to initiate change within the system. We want to see improved practices, better communication with patients, and transparency in the qualifications of healthcare providers.

Taking the Fight to the Public

While I will continue to work through formal channels, I am also committed to raising public awareness. Aspire Health Partners, as a publicly funded organization, should be answerable to the communities it serves. I am preparing press releases to bring these issues to light, ensuring that the public, as well as the local media, are informed about what is happening within Aspire Health Partners.

The public has the right to know whether the organizations they trust with their mental health care are operating ethically. Patients and their families should feel confident that the professionals providing care are accurately representing their qualifications and that their rights are being upheld. I will continue to share these findings on my own platforms and through media outlets across Florida, ensuring that transparency prevails.

The Broader Impact of Misrepresentation in Healthcare

Misrepresentation of credentials in healthcare settings is not just a minor error—it can have a profound impact on patient trust and care. When patients believe they are being treated by a doctor, they place a specific kind of trust in that individual. Discovering later that this trust was based on incorrect or misleading information can lead to feelings of betrayal and can undermine the patient's confidence in their care.

At Aspire Health Partners, the misrepresentation involving Rosa D. White should have been addressed immediately. Instead, when it was brought to Mr. Maxwell’s attention, the issue was initially dismissed. It is deeply concerning that only after being presented with physical evidence (the mislabeled medicine bottle) did the seriousness of the situation appear to be recognized. This delay in acknowledging the problem suggests that Aspire Health Partners is not prioritizing transparency or patient rights as they should.

Conclusion: The Need for Accountability at Aspire Health Partners

In conclusion, the situation at Aspire Health Partners is one that demands urgent attention. Under the leadership of Babette Hankey, Aspire Health has failed to address critical concerns related to transparency, patient rights, and the accurate representation of staff credentials. This is not just an administrative issue—it is a patient safety issue that has far-reaching implications for the trust patients place in their healthcare providers.

I will continue to advocate for the rights of mental health patients, pushing for transparency and accountability at Aspire Health Partners. While the road ahead may be long, I remain committed to ensuring that patients are treated with the respect, honesty, and care they deserve.