Taking Healthcare to Patients
Healthcare Network Southwest Florida
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Feb 17, 2025
Florida - Southwest
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Studies show that as many as one in five people may forgo
healthcare due to a lack of reliable transportation, leading to missed
appointments, delayed care or medication usage and poor management of chronic
illnesses.
This can lead to poorer health outcomes, particularly for
low-income and remote populations and older adults.
Barriers to transportation include the lack of a personal
vehicle, limited public transportation, high transportation costs such as taxis
or ride-sharing services, and distance to healthcare facilities.
As a result, Healthcare Network has taken health care on the
road, with three mobile units designed to provide services to populations that
may have difficulty getting to facilities throughout Collier County.
Introducing Two
New Units
Most recently,
Healthcare Network, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, unveiled two
brand-new mobile units designed to expand access to care: the Van Domelen
Health Express and the Outreach Mobile.
The Van Domelen
Health Express is a state-of-the-art, 45-foot mobile medical and dental unit
made possible through a generous donation by local philanthropist Julia Van
Domelen. This innovative unit will travel to healthcare deserts, including
Everglades City and Chokoloskee, as well as neighborhoods, schools, and
community events.
“Although Collier
County is a wealthy community, there are pockets where people face difficulties
accessing care,” said Julia Van Domelen, director of the Bill and Julia Van
Domelen Foundation. “Healthy families are the key to a thriving community, and
we are excited to be supporting Healthcare Network in providing patients
quality care regardless of where they live.”
The Van Domelen
Health Express delivers comprehensive medical and dental services similar to
those offered in Healthcare Network clinics. Featuring a wheelchair lift,
restroom facilities, and three spacious exam rooms, the unit is designed to
meet routine healthcare needs while also serving as a vital resource during
disasters. Operated by Healthcare Network’s Medical and Dental Operations
teams, it ensures patients receive integrated services tailored to their needs.
The three-room design allows multiple services to be provided simultaneously,
increasing efficiency and reducing wait times. Its wheelchair-accessible layout
underscores Healthcare Network’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.
The Outreach
Mobile, also newly introduced, is focused on addressing the needs of high-risk,
homebound patients who face barriers such as mobility challenges,
transportation issues, and other social determinants of health. Coordinated by
Healthcare Network’s Community Outreach Team, the unit provides chronic disease
management, health screenings, and wellness visits.
Longstanding
Impact with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
In addition to
these new units, Healthcare Network operates the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a
partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities©, which has provided mobile
pediatric services since 2004. This unit visits schools, community centers, and
neighborhoods, offering dental screenings, sealants, fluoride treatments,
school physicals, and Head Start screenings.
“With transportation being a huge barrier to care for many of our patients, our mobile units allow us to more effectively address the needs of our most at-risk patients,” said Healthcare Network President and CEO Jamie Ulmer. “Support from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation is critical to our mission, the health of our patients, and the overall community. We are extremely grateful for this generous gift and know this new mobile unit will make a big difference in eliminating significant health disparities.”
About the Author
Gabrielle O’Boyle, APR, serves as the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Healthcare Network, where she spearheads initiatives to advance the organization’s mission of delivering accessible, patient-centered care to the Collier County community. To learn more about Healthcare Network’s impact visit HealthcareSWFL.org.
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Local Services By This Author
Healthcare Network
Behavioral HealthAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142
Healthcare Network
Chronic Illness ManagementAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142
Healthcare Network
Parkinsons and MS TherapyHealthcare Network is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to everyone in Collier County, regardless of job, income, or insurance status. Our comprehensive services include children's care, pediatric convenient care, family care, women's care, senior care, dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty services.As Southwest Floridas premier patient-centered medical and dental home, our providers work collaboratively as a care team to deliver the highest level of coordinated care for patients of all ages. Since 1977, our private, not-for-profit model has been effective in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. We rely on philanthropic support to ensure we continue to achieve our vision of a community where every person has access to affordable and appropriate healthcare.Healthcare Network is committed to delivering culturally competent care, addressing health disparities, and supporting the overall wellness of our patients. Join us on our mission to make healthcare more accessible and to create a healthier community for all.All Locations:1265 Creekside Pkwy. #206, Naples 34108 1090 6th Ave N. Naples 34102 1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 5450 YMCA Rd. #102, Naples 34109 6350 Davis Blvd. #1001, Naples 34104 1749 Heritage Trl. #801 Naples 34104 2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee 34142 508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 12655 Collier Blvd. Naples 34116