Healthcare Network and YMCA to Build Pediatric Clinic on New Healthy Living Campus

Partnering to build an all-inclusive system of care for Collier children

by Jennifer Varoski

DR. VEDDER AND THE YMCA KIDS

When the missions of two great community organizations align there’s only one thing to do. Unite to create something even greater.

For more almost four decades, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida has worked to provide everyone in our community with quality healthcare, even those who cannot afford it. At the heart of the Greater Naples YMCA lies the principle of building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With the opening of the new YMCA Healthy Living Campus, both organizations will partner to deliver an all inclusive system of care for Collier children with a new state-ofthe-art pediatric clinic housed within the Y.

It’s no surprise that Collier County’s largest provider of early childhood education services, the YMCA, and the largest provider of pediatric care in Collier County, Healthcare Network, are a perfect duo.

“I believe this project is a model of responsible and intelligent collaboration,” says John C. Riley, CEO of Riley Philanthropy. “These two vital organizations have carefully considered where their missions align and have chosen to combine resources to achieve the common goal of the best outcomes for the health and well-being of Collier County’s children.”

At the new 5,400 square foot pediatric clinic, doctors and medical staff from Healthcare Network will work with wellness and education professionals at the YMCA to provide high quality health and nutrition programs to infants, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten children
enrolled at the Y childcare center, as well as to those participating in youth programs and teen development. Healthcare Network will
deliver primary and behavioral health services to patients of the clinic, which will be open to all children in the community and to breastfeeding moms needing outpatient lactation services. Dental and vision care will also be available via the Healthcare Network’s Care
Mobile Program.

Heading up the pediatric clinic will be Healthcare Network’s Dr. C. Todd Vedder, one of Naples’ most preeminent pediatricians and a founder of the Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition of Collier County.

Dr. Vedder has spent the last 15 years practicing pediatric medicine, 11 here in Naples, and is committed to improving the health and wellness of every child in our community.

“I have always been a firm believer that in order to make an impact on the children and families you care for you must connect with other community resources,” says Dr. Vedder. “What better way to connect than to put your practice in the midst of an ecosystem that embraces
child wellness from every angle.”

Healthcare Network and the YMCA are also exploring a partnership with The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida to bring physical and occupational therapy, as well as other specialized health services, to the pediatric clinic. Promising practices in children’s mental health, like Healthcare Network’s integrated behavioral care program, will round-out the clinic’s scope of services helping to build a fully inclusive, organized system of care.

“This medical partnership is leading edge for our community,” says Paul J. Thein, ED.S. CEO and president of the Greater Naples YMCA. “The YMCA team of wellness and education professionals will work side by side with the Healthcare Network medical experts to assure the developmental needs of the children and families in our care are being met.”

By being on-site where the children are throughout the day, Healthcare Network’s medical staff can provide immediate diagnosis and care, giving hardworking parents an added level of comfort and helping to eliminate many unnecessary trips to the emergency room, and in some cases, hospitalizations.

“Healthcare Network shares the YMCA’s philosophy that youth development, healthy living and social responsibility are the keys to a sustainable and thriving community,” says Healthcare Network’s CEO Mike Ellis. “This clinic presents a unique opportunity for us and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.”

Funds are currently being raised to build-out the pediatric clinic at the YMCA and naming opportunities are available. For more information, please call Steve Wheeler, vice president of development at the Healthcare Network Foundation, at 239.658.3111. In the meantime, Dr. Vedder will be serving patients at Healthcare Network’s Children’s Care North, 1265 Creekside Parkway, #208, Naples, 239.591.1755.

System of Care

Healthcare Network’s new Pediatric Clinic at the YMCA Healthy Living Campus will provide the following services:

• Primary Healthcare
• Dental and Vision Care (via the Healthcare Network’s
• Ronald McDonald Care Mobile)
• Behavioral Services
• Physical and Occupational Therapy
• Outpatient Lactation Services for Breastfeeding Moms