CLEWISTON & OKEECHOBEE — Florida Community Health Centers, Inc. (FCHC) welcomed Tommy Griffin, Field Representative for Congressman Scott Franklin, for a two-day visit to its Clewiston and Okeechobee facilities on Feb. 17 and 18, underscoring the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and the importance of stable federal funding.

Mr. Griffin toured the Clewiston Center on Feb. 17 before visiting the Dr. Fred Brown Children’s Center and Lakeshore Medical Center in Okeechobee the following day. During the two- to three-hour visits, he met with physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and administrative staff, and held discussions with FCHC President and CEO Dr. Wilhelmina Lewis and Board Member Janet Taylor.

Across its 14 centers, FCHC serves more than 50,000 patients annually, many of whom live in medically underserved communities. Patients often face barriers, including low income, limited transportation and provider shortages, challenges that are particularly acute in rural areas.

During the tour, FCHC leaders highlighted the organization’s integrated model of care, including primary medical services, dental care, in-house behavioral health and telehealth. Staff also discussed the Health Benefits Assistance Program, which helps patients navigate insurance coverage and enrollment options.

A key topic of discussion was obstetrics (OB) services in the region. In parts of Hendry and Okeechobee counties, hospitals are not equipped for labor and delivery, requiring expectant mothers to travel nearly an hour or more to give birth. This has contributed to a shortage of OB providers, as clinicians often prefer to practice near hospitals that offer delivery services. Recruiting and retaining providers, including midwives, remains an ongoing challenge as rising living costs make rural practice less sustainable.

Dr. Lewis emphasized that stable and predictable funding is essential to maintaining access to care. “Protecting access to primary care in rural communities is critical,” Dr. Lewis said. “Continued support allows us to recruit and retain qualified clinicians and ensure our patients receive the care they need close to home.”

In addition to existing services, FCHC leaders shared plans to develop a program aimed at better supporting veterans in the communities they serve. The proposed initiative would focus on coordinating care, assisting veterans in navigating benefits and connecting them to comprehensive primary and behavioral health services locally. Leaders noted that veterans in rural areas often face unique barriers, including transportation challenges and limited provider availability.

Mr. Griffin, who also works locally as a citrus farmer, acknowledged parallels between workforce challenges in healthcare and agriculture, particularly in rural communities experiencing economic pressures and population shifts.

FCHC leadership expressed appreciation for the opportunity to demonstrate how federal healthcare policy decisions affect patients and providers at the local level.

“Ensuring continued access to quality, affordable healthcare remains vital to the stability and well-being of our rural communities,” Dr. Lewis said.

For more information about Florida Community Health Centers, visit www.fchcinc.org