Healthcare Network was founded in 1977 in Immokalee, Florida by a group of community leaders to address the health issues of migrant and seasonal farm workers, the rural poor and other residents of Collier County. Healthcare Network began with two small trailers and has grown to provide primary care services throughout Collier County. Since its inception, Healthcare Network has been committed to providing quality healthcare accessible to all.
By 1993 the population of Immokalee had increased dramatically and so had the need for quality, comprehensive healthcare services. To respond to this growing need, Healthcare Network built a new medical facility, the Marion E. Fether Medical Center, which would provide the community of Immokalee with expanded healthcare services including family care, children’s care, women’s care and dental care. Medical services such as laboratory and radiology, pharmacy, health education, transportation, social services support and translation assistance would become available over time.
In 2004, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Program ® was launched to provide medical and dental care to underserved children in Collier County. Today, the Care Mobile travels to 14 Title 1 elementary schools (those with a high percentage of students from low-income families) as well as select after-school programs and a variety of family-oriented festivals. Soon after, Healthcare Network would acquire the Health and Smiles Mobile, a state-of-the-art dental office complete with two operatories, to address critical health needs and help eliminate transportation barriers.
Most recently, placing affordable, quality healthcare within reach of a rapidly growing and underserved population in Collier County, Healthcare Network built the Nichols Community Health Center in the heart of Golden Gate. The three-story, 51,000-square-foot health center provides improved access to essential primary care to a community of 36,000 residents, where more than half of the population is uninsured and living under the poverty line.
Today, Healthcare Network serves 50,000 patients and provides children’s care, women’s care, family care, senior care and dental care to the community of Collier County.
