New Facility Aims to Serve a Fast-Growing Community

Healthcare Network achieved its highest achievement when it inaugurated Van Domelen Community Health Center at its location in Orangetree, which serves as a rapidly expanding area in northeastern Collier County, Florida. The project aims to solve the regional healthcare deficit which has prevented thousands of local residents from obtaining essential medical treatment at nearby facilities.

The two-story medical complex spans around 20,000 square feet and is expected to improve healthcare access for more than 41,000 residents living in Orangetree, Golden Gate Estates and nearby communities. Healthcare leaders have described the area as a "healthcare desert" because residents must travel extensive distances to obtain basic medical services.

Major Investment Supports Healthcare Expansion

The Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation donated $5 million to establish the facility as its first major donation. The center received the name Van Domelen Community Health Center to honor the donation made by the foundation. The Healthcare Network organization reported that the donation provided essential funds needed to advance project development.

The health center construction project forms part of a comprehensive initiative which aims to enhance medical facilities throughout all Collier County areas that lack proper healthcare access. The leaders of Healthcare Network reported that the growing population in the region results in higher requirements for primary and preventive healthcare services.

Jamie Ulmer, who serves as the Healthcare Network president and CEO, stated that the organization has established facilities as an essential requirement for the local community. Ulmer reported that residents between Collier Boulevard and Immokalee Road and Ave Maria have experienced restricted medical access to doctors and clinics throughout their entire lives.

Wide Range of Medical Services Planned

The Van Domelen Community Health Center will provide several healthcare services for children and adults. The center will offer primary medical care and dental services and obstetrics and gynecology and behavioral health treatment and pharmacy access and laboratory testing and X-ray services. The center will also include a drive-thru pharmacy to improve convenience for patients.

 

The facility design from Healthcare Network establishes two main objectives which include increasing preventive care and minimizing travel obstacles that families face in their community. The organization believes easier access to healthcare can help improve long-term health outcomes in the community.

Part of a Larger Community Healthcare Initiative

The new center follows the launch of the Van Domelen Health Express which operates as a 45-foot mobile medical and dental facility that provides services to remote areas within Collier County. The mobile unit travels to schools and neighborhoods and rural communities to deliver medical and dental services directly to local residents.

The healthcare network officials explained that their organization demonstrates its dedication to improving healthcare access throughout Southwest Florida by establishing a permanent health center and a mobile healthcare unit.