Growing Healthier Communities From The Ground Up
Healthcare Network Southwest Florida
Oct 13, 2023
Florida - Southwest
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Studies have shown that enough
access to healthcare services can improve the odds of healthy survival for
seniors, while inadequate access can increase the odds of physical disability,
cognitive impairment and mortality.
For 46 years, Healthcre Network has
worked to improve access to healthcare for all residents of Collier County,
regardless of income, insurance, or background. Improving access to
comprehensive, quality health care is critical for promoting and maintaining
health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and
premature death, and achieving health equity for all Americans.
Founded in Immokalee in 1977,
Healthcare Network began caring for migrant farmworkers and underserved
populations who had difficulties accessing primary healthcare. Over the years,
Southwest Florida has grown substantially, of course and so, too, has the need
for integrated medical care.
Today, our primary care model cares
for more than 50,000 patients annually. As the community grows, Healthcare
Network’s highly trained staff continues to meet the needs of patients through
20 practices located throughout Collier County.
Primary care is especially important
to older residents because it results in holistic care, as nearly one-third of
seniors see at least five types of specialists per year. Primary care physicians
(PCP) provide a streamlined process for accessing specialized medical care,
helping with communication among doctors, medical costs and managing
medication. Our integrated model allows our primary care providers to
coordinate with mental health professionals to address both physical and mental
health needs of our patients seamlessly. In addition, regular checkups increase
the chances of detecting chronic illnesses early, resulting in better health
outcomes.
In 2019, according to the 2022
Collier County Community Health Assessment, 33% of Collier County’s residents
were over the age of 65. From October to May, the population increases 20%,
with most of these seasonal residents over the age of 65, creating the need for
an increased level of services. From 2016 to 2020, the number of older adults
in Collier County increased by 20%. At the same time, data shows that Collier
County needs 95 more adult primary care doctors for its population. That
shortfall is expected to climb to 146 by 2025. The Safety Net Hospital Alliance
of Florida projects a shortage of 5,974 traditional primary care doctors in
Florida by 2035.
Planting healthy seeds in another
community
When Healthcare Network was founded,
Collier County’s population was approaching 80,000 residents. The 2020 U.S.
Census put the population at 375,752, and a 2022 estimate rose to 397,994 –
that’s a 6% gain in just two years.
That growth is driving the need for
more affordable, inclusive healthcare options. To accommodate this growth,
Healthcare Network is building a new health center in the Orangetree area of
Golden Gate Estates, a community that lacks access to medical care for miles.
While much of the real estate west of I-75 is built out, developers are heading
inland with a variety of residential communities and apartment complexes in the
planning, design, and construction phases.
The new $15 million comprehensive
health center in Orangetree is set to begin construction in 2024. Once
complete, it will offer pediatrics, adult and senior care, obstetrics and
gynecology, dental care, and behavioral health counseling, as well as a drive
through pharmacy to serve residents living in this medically underserved area.
As with all Healthcare Network practices, the health center in Orangetree will
provide the community with accessible, affordable, quality care and a promise
to not turn anyone away because of their inability to pay for medical services.
Branching into new innovations of
care
Healthcare Network is also making
great strides in its pursuit to make healthcare accessible to all through a
multitude of new initiatives that support families and individuals at every age
level, including:
· Medical Assisted Treatment for
Substance Abuse Program
· Family Medicine and Pediatric Dental
Residency Programs
· Medical Assistant and Pharmacy
Technician Training Programs
· Prescription Mail Order
· Pediatric Dental IV Sedation for
Complex Dental Needs
· WIC Community Innovation and
Outreach Project
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, and
philanthropic organizations that recognize the importance to every member of a
community having equal access to high-quality healthcare. This collective
effort is making a tremendous impact on the lives of underserved communities in
Southwest Florida, now and for many years to come.
Nurturing and anchoring roots in the
community
Healthcare Network also is continuing to improve care in communities it has served since the beginning. In 2024, the nonprofit will begin renovations to Marion E. Fether, an expansive building that was the organization’s first comprehensive medical center which is located in Immokalee. Other than routine maintenance and upkeep, this building has been virtually untouched since its grand opening in 1993. Renovation plans include reimagining interior administrative spaces to provide additional patient rooms, upgrading technology, and enhancing the patient experience. Beyond these visual changes, renovations reflect Healthcare Network’s commitment to the vital, quality healthcare that patients and the community deserve.
By Jamie Ulmer, CEO of Healthcare Network
