OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Estella Byrd Whitman Health Center (EBWCHC) is a symbol of hope in West Ocala, created from a heartfelt promise and the hard work of its founders.
Heather James, the director of communications and community relations, shares the story of Carolyn Adams, a founder who made a touching promise to her grandmother on her deathbed. She vowed to come back to her community and deliver essential medical services in a place that had very little access to care. This commitment led to the creation of the health center, which now provides important services to an area recognized by the federal government as a medical desert.
A Promise Fulfilled
The creation of the EBWCHC started with Carolyn and her husband, Arthur Adams. Unfortunately, Arthur died before the center could open. Despite this, Carolyn pressed on with the help of co-founder Dr. Pamela Lewin. They worked through red tape and gained community backing to realize their dream. The organization was established in 2009, but the center opened to the public in 2018.
A New Chapter Begins
In January 2024, Levonda Goodson became the new CEO of the center. She highlighted the goal of turning the center into a medical home for those in need. With few primary care options within five miles, the center aims to meet the pressing healthcare demands in West Ocala. The focus is on providing complete care, shifting from treating single episodes to managing chronic conditions.
“The drug assistance program is amazing because it’s a no-cost program, provided the patient meets certain income requirements. Medications are difficult for people when they have to choose between paying utility bills, buying school supplies for kids, buying food, or getting their medication,” states Goodson. “It really isn’t our program, but we participate by reaching out to manufacturers on behalf of the patient, doing all the legwork, and then getting their medications.”
Usually, the patient can receive a year’s supply of medications, but not all at once. Instead, they get it in 90-day batches. Goodson explains that the medications are given to the patient, helping them stick to their treatment plan.”Medication adherence is very important, and often, people can’t afford it. So, implementing the drug assistance program at our facility has been a win-win,” she adds.
Education and Empowerment
A main part of the center’s method is education. By giving patients information about their health issues, the center creates a teamwork approach to care. The center holds town hall meetings often to collect input from the community, making sure that programs like diabetes education and medication support address local needs.
Volunteer Power
The center’s strength lies in its dedicated team, including volunteer providers like Ann Mason and Katelyn Tello. This diverse group brings years of experience to the table, ensuring patients receive high-quality care. The center’s medical director, Tabatha Rios, MD, generously volunteers her time, adding to the center’s ability to serve a wide range of patients.
As the center grows, James and Goodson say that it remains committed to its founding mission: providing a compassionate and accessible medical home for the people of West Ocala.