Healthcare Network has received a landmark $5 million gift from the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation to support the development of the new Orangetree community health center. With the gift and other philanthropic contributions, Healthcare Network has secured 100% of the funding for construction of the new facility to begin at the end of February. 

In recognition of this contribution, the new facility will be named the Van Domelen Community Health Center. Designed to meet the critical healthcare needs of over 41,000 underserved residents in the greater Orangetree area of northeastern Collier County, this project will close a long-standing gap in local healthcare access.

Ensuring a Healthier Future

The total cost of the Van Domelen Community Health Center is estimated at $15 million, with doors expected to open by the end of the year. Once operational, the center will serve as a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in the region, significantly improving health outcomes and fostering a stronger community.

“This is a defining moment for us,” said Jamie Ulmer, president and CEO of Healthcare Network. “We are incredibly grateful to the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation for their vision and generosity. This gift will not only change lives but also serve as a spark for future philanthropic support, ensuring sustainable, community-driven healthcare for generations to come.”

The announcement follows the December 2024 unveiling of the Van Domelen Health Express, a 45-foot mobile medical and dental unit that brings essential medical and dental services to residents across Collier County, including the underserved areas of Everglades City and Chokoloskee, as well as neighborhoods, schools and community events. 

Meeting a Critical Healthcare Need 

Despite rapid population growth, the Orangetree region remains critically underserved, a healthcare desert where families are forced to travel long distances for basic medical care. Now, this project will provide vital services to a community in need.

“From Collier Boulevard and Immokalee Road to Ave Maria, residents face a healthcare void with no accessible providers,” Ulmer said. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Bil and Julia Van Domelen and their foundation, we can finally fill that void. This center is more than a building — it’s a step toward ensuing quality healthcare for all.”

The Community’s Growing Need

Collier County’s exponential growth has left thousands of families without access to local healthcare, especially in remote areas like Orangetree and Golden Gate Estates. Without nearby providers, residents endure long travel times and delayed medical attention.

The new Van Domelen Community Health Center will eliminate these barriers and provide essential, comprehensive services for the community, including:

• Full-spectrum medical services – Comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, addressing routine and chronic conditions.
• Women’s health services – Specialized care including obstetrics, gynecology, prenatal care, and family planning.
• Comprehensive dental dare – Preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services for children and adults.
• Integrated behavioral health – On-site mental health services, including counseling and behavioral health support, integrated with primary care.
• On-site, drive-thru pharmacy – Convenient access to prescription medications, with a drive-thru option for quick service.
• Basic diagnostic services – On-site laboratory and X-ray capabilities for timely diagnostics and treatment support.

For more information about supporting Healthcare Network or contributing to this project, please contact Antonello Castaldi, associate director of philanthropy, at acastaldi@healthcareswfl.org.