Rural Healthcare Expansion Funded by $8.7 Million Grant
Community Health Northwest Florida has secured an $8.7 million, five-year grant to expand healthcare access in Century, according to an announcement from the agency. The funding, which includes $3.99 million allocated for the first year, comes from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Expanding Services at Industrial Boulevard
The funding enables Community Health Northwest Florida to broaden medical services at its existing Industrial Boulevard location in Century. According to the organization, the expanded site will focus on delivering adult primary care and pediatric care to residents in the rural Northwest Florida region.
Reopening the Church Street Facility
As part of the five-year initiative, Community Health will reopen a second facility on Church Street in Century at the former Century Pediatrics location. Sourced plans indicate the revived site will house specialized care, including women’s health services, behavioral health and psychiatry, and treatment for opioid use disorder.
Did you know? Community Health Northwest Florida originally opened its Industrial Boulevard location in August 2019. Later, in July 2025, Century Pediatrics moved from its historical Church Street building into the Industrial Boulevard facility.
Impact on Emergency Room Utilization and Patient Care
Bringing localized clinics back online aims to address regional care gaps directly.
“This is truly a transformational opportunity for every rural patient in Northwest Florida,” said Chandra Smiley, CEO of Community Health Northwest Florida and chair of the Northwest Florida Health Council Board of Directors, pointing out how the program addresses essential shortcomings within regional infrastructure. “We will be able to provide care closer to where our patients live, and also help keep them out of emergency rooms. It will improve lives, save lives, and save money in the process.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of the grant awarded to Community Health Northwest Florida?
The organization received an $8.7 million, five-year grant, with $3.99 million designated for the first year of implementation.
Which agencies provided the Rural Health Transformation Program funding?
Project documentation reveals that the financial support came collectively from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) alongside the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
What specific services will be available at the Church Street location?
The reopened Church Street facility will offer women’s health care, behavioral health services, psychiatry, and treatment for opioid use disorder.
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