News Summary
Orlando, Florida has officially started construction on a new bilingual health clinic following a $10 million investment by SIM Health. Located at 1509 East Colonial Drive, the clinic aims to provide essential healthcare services to the local bilingual community. This is SIM Health’s first establishment in the U.S. mainland, expanding its reach beyond Puerto Rico. The clinic will offer services such as primary care, mental health, dental care, and preventive services, addressing the growing healthcare needs of the area.
Orlando Breaks Ground on New Health Clinic
Orlando, Florida has officially started construction on a new bilingual health clinic as SIM Health embarks on a $10 million investment to enhance healthcare access for the local community. The clinic, located at 1509 East Colonial Drive, aims to provide essential primary and preventive care services tailored to the needs of the bilingual population.
This initiative marks SIM Health’s first expansion into the mainland United States, following its previous focus in Puerto Rico. The development is a vital part of the organization’s effort to strengthen its network of care throughout Florida and to address the increasing demand for healthcare services as the state’s population continues to grow.
Clinic Details and Services Offered
The Orlando clinic is undergoing a major renovation of the first 7,000 square feet of the 40,706-square-foot office building, which was purchased for $7.13 million in 2022. The renovation process is being carried out in phases to allow current tenants to remain operational during construction. Once complete, the clinic will function as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), ensuring that affordable healthcare services are accessible to all.
The range of services available at the clinic will encompass primary care, pharmacy, dental health, mental health, and preventive care. This comprehensive offering aims to meet the various healthcare needs of individuals within the bilingual community, promoting overall wellness and health education.
Community Commitment and Future Plans
SIM Health, formerly known as Salud Integral de la Montaña Inc., is committed to serving the Central Florida community. As the population grows, the organization recognizes the need for improved healthcare access and better services for residents. Anabelle Torres, SIM Health’s director of operations, has indicated that Kissimmee may be the next location targeted for future expansion.
Support from Local Officials
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted local officials, including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz, who showed their support for the project. Their presence underscores the importance of community collaboration in addressing healthcare issues faced by residents in the area.
Project Timeline
SIM Health has expressed confidence that the clinic will open its doors to patients by next year, allowing the organization to commence its mission of improving healthcare access in the region shortly. The renovated clinic represents not only a physical expansion for SIM Health but also a commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for diverse populations.
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Additional Resources
- WFTV: SIM Health Puerto Rican Nonprofit Begins Construction on $10 Million Orlando Clinic
- News is My Business: SIM Health Breaks Ground on $10M Health Center in Orlando
- MSN: SIM Health Breaks Ground on First Central Florida Facility
- Google Search: Health Care in Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
