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Longtime donor Jerry F. Nichols generously supports Healthcare Network’s vision
to make affordable primary medical care accessible to everyone

Supporting Healthcare

for All

by Gabrielle O’Boyle,
Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Healthcare Network

or many comprehensive care without needing to
decades, leave their own community.”
F Jerry F. In 2018, Nichols received the
Nichols has quietly Healthcare Networker of the Year Award
set an inspiring for his pivotal role in supporting the
example through improvement of pediatric care in Collier
philanthropy, County for thousands of area children.
dedicated to improving the lives He was also recognized as the lead donor
of children and working adults in for the Nichols Community Health
Southwest Florida. Center, a 50,000-square-foot primary
Recently, Nichols solidified this health care facility in the heart of the
commitment by making the first major Golden Gate community that opened in
donation to Healthcare Network’s 2020. This center significantly enhanced
Jerry Nichols, center, gifts a check to Healthcare Network’s
capital campaign. This donation essential healthcare services for the largest
CEO Jamie Ulmer, left, and Associate Director of Philanthropy
will support the construction of the Antonello Castaldi for the construction of a comprehensive underserved population in Collier County.
nonprofit organization’s planned health center in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates. Along with the Nichols Pediatric Center
20,000-square-foot health center in the Orangetree area of Golden at the YMCA of Collier County, it reinforces Nichols' vision
Gate Estates, ensuring essential access to affordable healthcare for of making quality healthcare accessible to all children and their
the community. families in Southwest Florida.
“The Orangetree area has grown over 75% in the last several Nichols has not only made financial contributions, he has also
years, which makes the lack of healthcare services alarming,” said dedicated his time to numerous causes, primarily focusing on
Jamie Ulmer, Healthcare Network president and CEO. “Jerry’s local children and education. Some of the many not-for-profit
continued support of our mission is a testament to his generosity organizations supported by him include: the Boys and Girls Club
and commitment to making Collier County a healthier place for of Collier County, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, the
everyone.” Community Foundation of Collier County, the Ronald McDonald
Located in northeastern Collier County between Ave Maria House of SWFL and Healthcare Network’s Ronald McDonald
and Golden Gate, the planned health center is projected to Care Mobile. In addition, Nichols provides support to various
provide care to nearly 30,000 patients in its first year. The array Lee Health programs, including Golisano Children’s Hospital,
of comprehensive services will include pediatrics, adult and Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples, and Golisano’s
senior care, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, x-ray and Pediatric Behavioral Health Center in Bonita Springs.
lab, behavioral health counseling and a drive-thru pharmacy. Nichols hopes that his support for this project, which aims to
Healthcare Network also received $1.75 million in appropriation bring affordable, quality health care to families in need, will inspire
funds from the state, sponsored by Florida Senate President others.
Kathleen Passidomo and Florida House Representative Lauren Healthcare Network is actively seeking contributions for its
Melo, to build the comprehensive health center. capital campaign with the goal of raising $15 million. Community
“I believe healthcare is vital to keeping any community support is pivotal to achieving this goal and ensuring that every
thriving,” Nichols said. “Everyone should have access to essential resident in Collier County has access to essential primary care
primary care services. Supporting the construction of the new services. Visit HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more about Healthcare
health center means that Orangetree residents, including Network's mission and contribute to the capital campaign.
vulnerable children and seniors, have access to affordable and

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

48 Life in Naples | April 2024