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Growing

healthier communities

from the ground up

by Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network

or 46 years, supporters across Southwest and philanthropic organizations that recognize the importance of
Florida and beyond have helped improve every member of a community having equal access to high-quality
F access to healthcare for all residents of healthcare. This collective effort is making a tremendous impact on
Collier County, regardless of income, insurance, the lives of underserved communities in Southwest Florida, now and
or background. for many years to come.
Healthcare Network, founded in Immokalee Planting Healthy Seeds In Another Community
in 1977, began caring for migrant farmworkers When Healthcare Network was founded, Collier County’s
and underserved populations who had difficulties population was approaching 80,000 residents. The 2020 U.S. Census
accessing primary healthcare. Southwest Florida has grown put the population at 375,752, and a 2022 estimate rose to 397,994 –
substantially over the years, of course, and so, too, has the need for that's a 6% gain in just two years.
integrated medical care. That growth is driving the need for more affordable, inclusive
Today, Healthcare Network cares for more than 50,000 patients healthcare options. To accommodate this growth, Healthcare
annually, including over half the children in Collier County. As Network is building a new health center in the Orangetree area
the community grows, Healthcare Network’s highly trained staff of Golden Gate Estates, a community that lacks access to medical
continues to meet the needs of patients through 20 practices care for miles. While much of the real estate west of I-75 is built
located throughout Collier County. out, developers are heading inland with a variety of residential
Nurturing And Anchoring Roots In The Community communities and apartment complexes in the planning, design, and
In 2024, the nonprofit will begin renovations to Marion E. construction phases.
Fether, an expansive building that was the organization’s first The new $15 million comprehensive health center in Orangetree
comprehensive medical center which is located in Immokalee. is set to begin construction in 2024. Once complete, it will offer
Other than routine maintenance and upkeep, this building pediatrics, adult and senior care, obstetrics and gynecology, dental
has been virtually untouched since its grand opening in 1993. care, and behavioral health counseling, as well as a pharmacy to
Renovation plans include reimagining interior administrative serve residents living in this medically underserved area. As with all
spaces to provide additional patient rooms, upgrading technology, Healthcare Network practices, the health center in Orangetree will
and enhancing the patient experience. Beyond these visual changes, provide the community with accessible, affordable, quality care and a
renovations reflect Healthcare Network’s commitment to the vital, promise to not turn anyone away because of their inability to pay for
quality healthcare that patients and the community deserve. medical services.
Branching Into New Innovations Of Care Healthcare Network has begun asking the community to
Healthcare Network is making great strides in its pursuit to help grow its legacy of exceptional care. Gifts of any amount will
make healthcare accessible to all through a multitude of new ultimately help the organization cultivate a healthy and thriving
initiatives that support families and individuals at every age level, community that’s being built from the ground up, one donation
including: at a time.
• Medical Assisted Treatment for Substance Abuse Program For more information, please visit HealthcareSWFL.org/Orangetree
• Family Medicine and Pediatric Dental Residency Programs or call 239-658-3000.
• Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician Training Programs About the Author
• Prescription Mail Order Jamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network, which
• Pediatric Dental IV Sedation for Complex Dental Needs has a mission to provide quality healthcare accessible to everyone in the
• WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project community.
These are world-class programs that elevate healthcare to
the next level, and they’re only possible because of the generous
support from hundreds of individuals, businesses, foundations,

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

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48 Life in Naples | November 2023