OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, June 26, to unveil newly donated vehicles that will expand access to care for patients across Marion County.

The vehicles, donated by the City of Ocala, will help the health center eliminate transportation barriers that often prevent patients from attending appointments or accessing specialty care services. Leaders at the event emphasized the critical role these vehicles will play in improving health equity throughout the community.

“These donated vehicles will help break down transportation barriers for our patients—for both their EBWCHC appointments as well as their referral specialty appointments,” the health center shared.

LaVonda Goodsen speaks at a microphone during ribbon cutting event in Ocala.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks into a microphone at a ribbon cutting event, standing in front of a group of attendees.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken speaks into a microphone at a ribbon cutting event with attendees standing nearby.
White passenger vehicle with Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center logo parked outdoors.
With support from the City of Ocala and community leaders, the health center’s new vehicles aim to eliminate transportation barriers to medical and specialty care.

The event was attended by local leaders and community members, including Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.

“Thank you to the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership and all that attended,” the health center said in a statement. “A very special thank you to Chief Balken, Mayor Marciano, and the City of Ocala Government for making this happen and joining us today.”

The donation reflects the city’s ongoing partnership with the nonprofit center, which has served underserved and vulnerable populations since its founding.

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