A west Ocala medical facility was recently awarded a $650,000 grant to support its work in the community.
The Health Resources & Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded the grant to the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Center.
The center, 819 NW Seventh St., is located in an area that has been federally designated as a "medical desert," according to an Aug. 19 news release. The center offers preventive care, chronic disease management and acute illness treatment.
“This funding and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status will exponentially expand EBWCHC’s reach, allowing us to assist more residents of Marion County and open more doors to quality healthcare for those who need it most,”
Levonda Goodson, the center's CEO, said in the news release.
Board Chair Cynthia Wilson-Graham said: "I am proud to recognize CEO Levonda Goodson, our staff, and board of directors for their dedication in achieving FQHC status. This milestone expands access to affordable, high-quality care for underserved families in Marion County.”
The release notes: "The awards represent the first major expansion of the Health Center Program since the first Trump Administration in 2019. This funding was provided to 158 new and existing health centers nationwide, totaling $102 million. The $102 million investment will bring high-quality care to nearly 1 million more Americans. Eight other Florida Community Health Centers were also awardees."
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: $650K grant boosts care in Ocala's federally named medical desert
