Healthcare Network Expands Care for Our Growing Community

by Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network

Collier County is growing rapidly, welcoming new families and businesses each day. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a recent arrival, chances are you’ve noticed the boom. And, as our area grows, so does the need for accessible, quality health care for all who call our community home.

At Healthcare Network, we’ve long understood that a healthy community is a strong community. That’s why we remain committed to bridging health care gaps and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of our neighbors. With new programs and strategic investments, we continue to focus on improving the quality of life for everyone in Collier County – and we’re just getting started.

New Programs Expand Access

As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Healthcare Network is always evolving to better serve our community. Most recently, we have introduced new programs to address critical healthcare needs of patients we serve, including Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) for adults combatting substance use disorders. Grounded in compassion and free of judgment, PCAT encourages healing in a safe supportive environment.

Other new programs include optometry services, infusion therapy– which treats disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and more – and convenient care options, which ensure greater access to comprehensive care for underserved communities.

We have also put a spotlight on enhancing treatment options for children and teens, thanks in large part to the generous support of the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival.

With their help, we introduced intravenous sedation for pediatric dental patients, making it possible for children with disabilities or severe anxiety to receive essential dental care in a calm, stress-free environment. NCEF also made possible the launch of our school based clinic at Manatee Middle School, where Healthcare Network now provides primary care services directly on campus. By removing common barriers like transportation and scheduling, the clinic helps keep students healthy, reduces absenteeism, and supports academic success.

It’s our hope that this clinic will impact students and their families for years to come by addressing health concerns early and providing preventative care where kids learn.

Connecting the Care Dots

Since 2023, Healthcare Network has secured $9.25 million in state funding to construct a new comprehensive health center –Van Domelen Community Health Center – in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates, where no primary care providers currently exist. Named in honor of longtime supporter Julia Van Domelen, this center will serve nearly 30,000 patients in its first year, bringing medical services directly to residents who have long gone without access.

Also in progress is the $5 million renovation of the Marion E. Fether Medical Center in Immokalee. These upgrades will enhance patient access and bring updated medical technology to an area that remains one of the most underserved not only in Collier County, but in the state.

In December 2024, we introduced the Van Domelen Health Express, a 45-foot mobile medical and dental unit designed to deliver essential health care services directly to people in Collier County. Its focus is on reaching health care deserts, like Everglades City and Chokoloskee, while also serving schools, neighborhoods and community events. The unit features three spacious exam rooms, wheelchair accessibility, and restrooms, ensuring patients receive integrated and personalized care at every stop.

Earlier this year, we relocated our Family Care North and Infusion Care practices to our Veterans Park Health Center. This move brings a full range of services together under one roof, making care more convenient for the patients and families in North Naples. The center now features women’s care, pediatrics, family medicine, x-ray and lab, integrated behavioral health counseling and infusion care. An on-site pharmacy will open soon, further enhancing patient care.

Investing in the Future of Community Health

Not only are we advancing existing services, but Healthcare Network continues to work toward a better future. We collaborated with Lee Health and Naples Comprehensive Hospital (NCH) to create a family medicine residency program and recently launched a pediatric dental residency program to train the next generation of community-focused providers.

We have made tremendous advancements over the years, and the best is yet to come. We believe health care should be accessible, affordable and comprehensive for everyone. This is why we remain deeply committed to finding new innovative ways to reach at-risk populations across our community. As the only FQHC in Collier County, we will continue to proudly provide care where health happens, in our homes and neighborhoods.

About the Author

Jamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network. He serves on the executive and chair committees for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and is a member of multiple committees for the National Association of Community Health Centers.

For information, visit healthcareswfl.org