Supporting Healthcare for All

GABRIELLE O’BOYLE, Marketing Director / Healthcare Network

For many decades,Jerry F. Nichols has quietly set an inspiring example through philanthropy, dedicated to improving the lives of children and working adults in Southwest Florida.

Recently, Nichols solidified this commitment by making the first major donation to Healthcare Network’s capital campaign. This donation will support the construction of the nonprofit organization’s planned 20,000-square-foot health center in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates, ensuring essential access to affordable healthcare for the community.

“The Orangetree area has grown over 75% in the last several years, which makes the lack of healthcare services alarming,” said Jamie Ulmer, Healthcare Network president and CEO. “Jerry’s continued support of our mission is a testament to his generosity and commitment to making Collier County a healthier place for everyone.”

Jerry Nichols, center, gifts a check to Healthcare Network’s CEO Jamie Ulmer, left, and Associate Director of Philanthropy Antonello Castaldi for the construction of a comprehensive health center in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates.

Located in northeastern Collier County between Ave Maria and Golden Gate, the planned health center is projected to provide care to nearly 30,000 patients in its first year. The array of comprehensive services will include pediatrics, adult and senior care, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, x-ray and lab, behavioral health counseling and a drive-thru pharmacy.

Healthcare Network also received $1.75 million in appropriation funds from the state, sponsored by Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Florida House Representative Lauren Melo, to build the comprehensive health center.

“I believe healthcare is vital to keeping any community thriving,” Nichols said. “Everyone should have access to essential primary care services. Supporting the construction of the new health center means that Orangetree residents, including vulnerable children and seniors, have access to affordable and comprehensive care without needing to leave their own community.”

In 2018, Nichols received the Healthcare Networker of the Year Award for his pivotal role in supporting the improvement of pediatric care in Collier County for thousands of area children. He was also recognized as the lead donor for the Nichols Community HealthCenters, a 50,000-square-foot primary health care facility in the heart of the Golden Gate community that opened in 2020. This center significantly enhancedessential healthcare services for the largest underserved population in Collier County.

Along with the Nichols Pediatric Center at the YMCA of Collier County, it reinforces Nichols’ vision of making quality healthcare accessible to all children and their families in Southwest Florida.

Nichols has not only made financial contributions, he has also dedicated his time to numerous causes, primarily focusing on local children and education. Some of the many not-for-profit organizations supported by him include: the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Ronald McDonald House of SWFL and Healthcare Network’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. In addition, Nichols provides support to various Lee Health programs, including Golisano Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples, and Golisano’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Center in Bonita Springs.

Nichols hopes that his support for this project, which aims to bring affordable, quality health care to families in need, will inspire others.

Healthcare Network is actively seeking contributions for its capital campaign with the goal of raising $15 million. Community support is pivotal to achieving this goal and ensuring that every resident in Collier County has access to essential primary care services. Visit HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more about Healthcare Network’s mission and contribute to the capital campaign.