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A New Chapter for Immokalee’s Community Health Hub

Healthcare Network Completes First Phase of Renovations at Marion E. Fether Medical Center

by Gabrielle O’Boyle, MS, APR, Healthcare Network

or more than three decades, the Marion E. Fether Medical With Phase I complete, Phase
Center has been a constant in Immokalee, serving generations II is now underway, bringing
F of families as the community’s only comprehensive medical enhancements to family and
provider. Today, that trusted health hub is entering a new chapter, specialty care areas. Future phases
marked by a thoughtful transformation designed to better serve the will include upgrades to the x-ray, laboratory, and dental departments,
people who rely on it every day. further strengthening the range of services available locally. The full
Healthcare Network has completed Phase I of renovations at the renovation project is expected to be completed in winter 2026, and the
Marion E. Fether (MEF) Medical Center, the first milestone in a medical center has remained open throughout construction to ensure
multi-phased modernization project focused on elevating the patient uninterrupted care.
experience while expanding access to essential care. The renovation represents a $5 million investment in Immokalee’s
Opened in 1993 as Healthcare Network’s first comprehensive health and wellbeing. To date, $4.1 million has been raised, with
medical center, MEF has long been a cornerstone of health in community support continuing to play a vital role in bringing the vision
Immokalee. Each year, more than 10,000 patients, including to completion.
farmworkers, children, seniors, and working families, turn to the center “With continued community support, we can complete this
for affordable, culturally responsive care in a community where access transformation and preserve a vital resource the people of Immokalee
to healthcare is often limited. rely on every day,” Ulmer added.
Patients now enter MEF through its newly transformed front As the Marion E. Fether Medical Center moves forward, the
doors, a bright and inviting entrance that reopened on November 24. renovations stand as more than a physical update, they reflect an
Natural light pours into the redesigned lobby through large, impact- enduring commitment to a community that has depended on this center
resistant windows, setting a welcoming tone from the moment patients for care, connection, and trust for more than 30 years.
arrive. Inside, a refreshed in-house pharmacy, updated finishes, and For more information about Healthcare Network services or to support the
a streamlined check-in area make visits easier to navigate, while renovation project, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or contact Antonello Castaldi
family-friendly spaces, including dedicated areas for children, reflect a at acastaldi@healthcareswfl.org.
deliberate focus on comfort, dignity, and ease. About the Author
Behind the scenes, Phase I also addressed the building itself, Gabrielle O’Boyle is the senior director of marketing and communications
ensuring the 42,000-square-foot facility is ready to serve the at Healthcare Network, where she leads storytelling and brand strategy
community for decades to come. The original roof was replaced, the focused on community impact, access to care, and health equity across
exterior expanded, and interiors refreshed with new flooring and Southwest Florida.
finishes, improvements that quietly support a safer, more efficient, and
patient-centered environment without disrupting care.
“Marion E. Fether has cared for generations of Immokalee families,
and its role in the community is profound,” said Jamie Ulmer, president
and CEO of Healthcare Network. “This renovation reflects our
belief that every patient deserves the same high-quality, welcoming
experience, no matter their ZIP code.”

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