Ocala-Based Heart of Florida Health Center Receives National Award from Health Industry Leaders

Healthcare Leadership Council Honors Marion County Healthcare Provider for Holistic Approach to Care and Accessibility for All Residents

OCALA, FL – The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) honored the Heart of Florida Health Center with its Redefining American Healthcare Award at a ceremony in Ocala on Tuesday, January 25.

The Heart of Florida Health Center is a comprehensive health services provider with facilities in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, and Reddick. HLC is honoring the organization for its innovative work in integrating medical, dental and mental health services while providing accessibility to area residents who may lack health insurance and have limited financial means. Heart of Florida utilizes a behavioral health counselor as part of each patient’s primary care team and offers mental health services both in-person and virtually.

Heart of Florida Chief Executive Officer Jamie Ulmer said “Heart of Florida Health Center receiving this award in recognition for what our mission represents, the services we provide, and the impact we have on the community and its residents, is a true honor and privilege.”

“Our Clinical and Quality Teams strive every day to ensure that our focus is on providing caring and quality health services. We are pleased that many services we offer are integrated and comprehensive using the patient centered medical home model. This recognition for their dedication to our patients is held with high regard” commented Dr. Tabatha Downey, Heart of Florida Health Center Chief Medical Officer.

Healthcare Leadership Council regional advocacy director Brian Feldman applauded Heart of Florida for developing an approach to healthcare that merges high-quality, accessibility for the vulnerable, and a holistic approach to care. “Research has shown that, for the disadvantaged in our communities, behavioral health services can be just as important as physical. Heart of Florida’s services in important areas like stress management and healthy living will result in greater population health and community wellness.”

Congressman Daniel Webster, who attended the award ceremony, commended Heart of Florida’s efforts to improve community health. “The Heart of Florida Health Center is a source of pride and, more importantly, a critical resource providing health and wellness for the citizens of Marion County.  Heart of Florida’s success in delivering quality healthcare to our local communities, particularly to those facing financial and insurance challenges, deserves this recognition. It can be a model for improved care throughout the nation.”

The Healthcare Leadership Council created the Redefining American Healthcare Award to recognize best practices and programs in communities and organizations across the nation that optimize care for vulnerable patients. Award recipients are organizations developing and activating cost-effective, measurable community programs promoting a patient-centered approach to care that considers outside social factors to achieve the best outcomes.

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2022
Contact: Kelly Fernandez  202-449-3452