Amid last year’s pandemic, with help from government grants and the support of local businesses including FineMark National Bank & Trust, Healthcare Network Southwest Florida opened its newest clinic in Collier County: the Nichols Community Health Center. The 51,000 square-foot facility provides residents in Golden Gate and neighboring communities with access to affordable and compassionate healthcare, regardless of job, income, or insurance status.
“We deliver primary healthcare,” said Emily Ptaszek, Healthcare Network President & CEO. “What really sets us apart, though, is our ability to deliver integrated, compassionate care for the whole person.”
To that end, the Nichols Center offers an impressive variety of medical services in one convenient location for patients of all ages. Now one of the busiest centers in the Healthcare Network, its services include dental care, women’s health, pediatric, mental health, and pharmacy services.
Over the years, Adria D. Starkey, FineMark Executive Vice President & President, Collier County, has worked closely with Healthcare Network and championed its services within the community. When the organization reached out to see if FineMark would be interested in helping fund the Nichols Center project, she didn’t hesitate. The opportunity for FineMark to help fill an obvious void in the community spoke directly to the bank’s dedication to public service.
“At FineMark, we believe it’s important to make a positive impact in our communities,” Adria said. “Our core values include benevolence, integrity, and mutual respect. In particular, we feel it’s important to treat people with dignity. I talk about this often with regards to Healthcare Network because when patients are treated with dignity and respect, it raises individuals’ self-esteem and lifts the entire community.”
From the start, community has played a part in promoting health and wellness in Collier County. In 1977, when community leaders founded Collier Health Services to help Immokalee farmers, the organization’s mission was to make quality medical care accessible and affordable to all. Since then, that mission has remained the same.
“We couldn’t have done this without community support,” said Julie Pedretti, Healthcare Network Vice President of External Affairs. “Without the businesses and individuals who stepped forward and made significant commitments to building the Nichols Center, it wouldn’t have opened.”
With 17 clinics located throughout Collier County today, Healthcare Network cares for 50,000 people annually, providing comprehensive medical care where the need is greatest. While most of the network’s services are funded through federal and state grants, the community plays an important role in helping Healthcare Network thrive.
“People making gifts through local donations and philanthropy make a difference in our ability to provide care to the underserved and vulnerable populations in Collier County,” emphasized Julie.
FineMark’s Adria Starkey agrees that the business community can make a big impact. “Businesses move people and can help build camaraderie by working together. When people and resources are united, great things can happen for people in need.”
