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Healthcare Network Expands Care

for Our Growing Community,

Despite Economic and Health Care Uncertainties

by Jamie Ulmer, President and CEO, Healthcare Network

ollier County is growing rapidly, welcoming new families and Golden Gate Estates, where no primary care providers currently exist.
businesses each day. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a Named in honor of longtime supporter Julia Van Domelen, this center
C recent arrival, chances are you’ve noticed the boom. And, as will serve nearly 30,000 patients in its first year, bringing medical
our area grows, so does the need for accessible, quality health care for services directly to residents who have long gone without access.
all who call our community home. Also in progress is the $5 million renovation of the Marion E. Fether
At Healthcare Network, we’ve long understood that a healthy Medical Center in Immokalee. These upgrades will enhance patient
community is a strong community. That’s why we remain committed to access and bring updated medical technology to an area that remains
bridging health care gaps and expanding services to meet the evolving one of the most underserved not only in Collier County, but in the state.
needs of our neighbors. With new programs and strategic investments, In December 2024, we introduced the Van Domelen Health
we continue to focus on improving the quality of life for everyone in Express, a 45 foot mobile medical and dental unit designed to deliver
Collier County – and we’re just getting started. essential health care services directly to people in Collier County.
New Programs Expand Access Its focus is on reaching health care deserts, like Everglades City and
As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Chokoloskee, while also serving schools, neighborhoods and community
Healthcare Network is always evolving to better serve our community. events. The unit features three spacious exam rooms, wheelchair
Most recently, we have introduced new programs to address critical accessibility, and restrooms, ensuring patients receive integrated and
healthcare needs of patients we serve, including Primary Care personalized care at every stop.
Addiction Treatment (PCAT) for adults combatting substance use Earlier this year, we relocated our Family Care North and Infusion
disorders. Grounded in compassion and free of judgment, PCAT Care practices to our Veterans Park Health Center. This move brings
encourages healing in a safe supportive environment. a full range of services together under one roof, making care more
Other new programs include optometry services, infusion therapy convenient for the patients and families in North Naples. The center
– which treats disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s now features women’s care, pediatrics, family medicine, x-ray and lab,
disease and more – and convenient care options, which ensure greater integrated behavioral health counseling and infusion care. An on-site
access to comprehensive care for underserved communities. pharmacy will open soon, further enhancing patient care.
We have also put a spotlight on enhancing treatment options for Investing in the Future of Community Health
children and teens, thanks in large part to the generous support of the Not only are we advancing existing services, but Healthcare Network
Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the continues to work toward a better future. We collaborated with Lee
Naples Winter Wine Festival. Health and Naples Comprehensive Hospital (NCH) to create a family
With their help, we introduced intravenous sedation for pediatric medicine residency program and recently launched a pediatric dental
dental patients, making it possible for children with disabilities or residency program to train the next generation of community-focused
severe anxiety to receive essential dental care in a calm, stress-free providers.
environment. NCEF also made possible the launch of our school- We have made tremendous advancements over the years, and
based clinic at Manatee Middle School, where Healthcare Network the best is yet to come. We believe health care should be accessible,
now provides primary care services directly on campus. By removing affordable and comprehensive for everyone. This is why we remain
common barriers like transportation and scheduling, the clinic helps deeply committed to finding new innovative ways to reach at-risk
keep students healthy, reduces absenteeism, and supports academic populations across our community. As the only FQHC in Collier
success. County, we will continue to proudly provide care where health happens,
It’s our hope that this clinic will impact students and their families in our homes and neighborhoods.
for years to come by addressing health concerns early and providing About the Author
preventative care where kids learn. Jamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network. He serves on
Connecting the Care Dots the executive and chair committees for the Florida Association of
Since 2023, Healthcare Network has secured $9.25 million in Community Health Centers and is a member of multiple committees for the
state funding to construct a new comprehensive health center –Van National Association of Community Health Centers.
Domelen Community Health Center – in the Orangetree area of For information, visit healthcareswfl.org

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

4848 www.LifeInNaples.net