OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Despite its name, one of the biggest misconceptions about the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is that it operates a hospital or provides direct medical services. In reality, MCHD functions as a dependent special district, much like a health foundation, strategically investing in initiatives that improve the overall health of Marion County residents.

“We do not collect taxes or millage to fund any of our initiatives,” says Curt Bromund, Chief Executive Officer of MCHD. “Our focus is on making strategic investments that improve the health and well-being of Marion County residents.”

MCHD’s primary focus areas include behavioral health and substance use disorders, diabetes and obesity prevention, chronic disease prevention, and unintentional injury prevention. These initiatives aim to expand access to mental health and addiction recovery services, promote healthy lifestyles, detect and prevent chronic illnesses, and reduce preventable accidents such as drownings and overdoses.

Another common misconception is that MCHD merely provides funding to organizations. “We focus on developing community-wide health initiatives that help a large percent of our citizens, which requires collaborations with high-performing, high-capacity organizations,” Bromund explains. A few of our large-scale collaborations include:

Beacon Point: A behavioral health and substance abuse campus for our income constrained citizens, developed and overseen by MCHD, partners with SMA Healthcare, LifeStream, Heart of Florida, Dept. of Health, the county’s Community Services, LSF, and other local nonprofits

College of Central Florida: MCHD invested millions of dollars towards CF’s medical tech, nursing and dental facilities to increase the number nurses, medical techs, dental assistants/hygienists for our local health providers.

Mary Sue Rich Community Center: A collaboration between MCHD and the city of Ocala to construct a community center on the West side of Ocala that promotes increased physical activity through basketball, pickleball, walking on an indoor track and exercise equipment.

Instead, MCHD evaluates the efficacy and efficiency of programs, fosters collaboration, and identifies new funding sources to enhance health services in Marion County. One of our primary goals is to leverage our funding to bring significantly more funding and resources to our community for behavioral health, primary care and dental services.

The Role of MCHD in the Community

MCHD plays a critical role in enhancing community health by investing in long-term solutions rather than simply treating symptoms. Since leasing its former Munroe Regional Medical Center to AdventHealth in 2016, MCHD has pivoted from hospital operations to a broader public health mission.

MCHD acts as a healthcare funder, strategic partner, and advocate for systemic change, says Bromund. “MCHD is not just about funding programs. It is about leading a transformation in how healthcare and social services work together to create a healthier, stronger community.”

|NEWS NOW: Download our app and have the news that matters to you at your fingertips

MCHD serves as a convener, bringing together Federally Qualified Health Centers, nonprofits, and government agencies to tackle health challenges at their root. Additionally, it provides technical assistance to organizations, helping them strengthen their capacity, implement best practices, and create sustainable health programs.

Collaboration with Local Hospitals

While MCHD does not operate a hospital, it works closely with local hospitals to identify gaps in healthcare access and support community-based initiatives. “Our role is to identify gaps in healthcare access and support healthy lifestyle initiatives that improve health outside the hospital setting,” Bromund states.

MCHD’s partnerships include funding mental health services for first responders, supporting chronic disease management programs, and investing in behavioral health and primary care services for underinsured and uninsured residents. By fostering collaboration, MCHD contributes to creating a more integrated and efficient healthcare system for Marion County.

The Future of MCHD and Its Impact on Marion County

Looking ahead, MCHD has several major health improvement projects underway that will significantly impact the community. These initiatives include:

  • The Central Receiving Facility at SMA Healthcare: This facility will provide a single entry point for individuals in crisis, ensuring faster access to treatment while alleviating pressure on emergency rooms and jails. It will also enhance coordination among mental health, substance use disorder, and crisis stabilization services.
  • A New Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Facility for Mothers and Their Children: Supporting SMA Healthcare’s initiative, this facility will address a critical gap in substance use treatment for vulnerable populations.
  • Expanding Behavioral Health and Substance Use Treatment Services: MCHD is building capacity to keep up with Marion County’s growing population while implementing innovative treatments.
  • Scaling Community Health Programs: MCHD aims to expand the impact of the Active Marion Project, Community Home Project, Fitness and Nutrition in Schools, and affordable primary care and dental clinics, reaching more rural areas with limited healthcare access.

“The future of MCHD lies in expanding our role as a catalyst for systemic change,” Bromund says. “Our vision is to strengthen community partnerships, increase collaboration, and bring more sustainable funding to Marion County to improve access to healthcare and health education.”

“Rather than organizations working in silos to solve problems, we will continue to bring effective organizations together to work on shared goals and prevent duplication of services,” Bromund emphasizes. “We believe in helping organizations work smarter, not just harder—instead of reinventing programs, we encourage collaboration and alignment with best practices and evidence-based research. By doing so, MCHD can help drive real, lasting change in population health, social services, and overall community well-being in Ocala and Marion County.”

More news that matters to you…