This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center (EBWCHC), a trusted community partner delivering accessible, compassionate primary care to residents of West Ocala and surrounding areas. Through a shared commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare, this collaboration is helping ensure that some of Marion County’s most underserved residents have a reliable, welcoming medical home they can call their own.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, led by CEO Levonda Goodson, was born from a deeply personal promise. The center is named after Estella Byrd Whitman, the grandmother of co-founder Carolyn Adams, and with that family legacy at its foundation, EBWCHC was built to serve the community the way a family member would. Alongside co-founder Dr. Pamela Lewin, the Adams family vision became reality when the center opened its doors in 2018 in the heart of West Ocala.
With the support of the Marion County Hospital District to add an additional provider and support staff, EBWCHC has been able to grow its capacity to meet the needs of patients who might otherwise go without care and those facing economic hardship, lack of insurance, language barriers, or limited transportation. The partnership reflects MCHD’s foundational mission: investing in community-based organizations that deliver lasting health equity.
Healthcare Built Around the Neighborhood
EBWCHC operates as a true neighborhood medical home, providing a comprehensive range of primary care services under one roof. Patients have access to point-of-care testing and basic labs, chronic care management, physicals and wellness exams, health education, a drug assistance program, telehealth, and family medicine.
Access to preventative care remains one of the most critical factors in improving long-term health outcomes. Through MCHD’s collaboration, Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center has been able to expand preventative screenings and services that were previously out of reach for many in the community. These services support early detection, reduce the risk of advanced illness, and empower individuals to take a more proactive role in managing their health.
Beyond clinical care, EBWCHC plays an essential role in addressing the broader factors that influence health and well-being. Through in-patient and post-hospital care coordination, specialty referrals, and patient-centered support services, individuals are guided through the healthcare system with clarity and confidence. The organization also emphasizes education that meets people where they are to ensure patients have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to make informed decisions about their care.
The center accepts insurance, offers a sliding fee program for those who qualify, and provides same-day walk-in appointments, removing logistical barriers that so often keep vulnerable residents from getting care. For the West Ocala community, which has historically lacked nearby access to quality healthcare, EBWCHC isn’t just a clinic, but a lifeline.
Strengthening Community Health Together
With MCHD’s support, Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center continues to expand its reach, deepen its services, and strengthen its roots in West Ocala. Their work reflects a shared conviction that quality healthcare is something every member of our community deserves access to, regardless of income, insurance status, or zip code.
This collaboration also strengthens the broader network of care within Marion County. MCHD’s partnership has helped serve as a conduit, connecting Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center with additional community partners, resources, and opportunities to expand its reach. Together, these efforts are improving coordination of care, increasing access to essential services, and creating more pathways for individuals to receive the support they need.
MCHD is proud to partner with Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center in building a healthier, more equitable community. Through continued collaboration, shared commitment, and a focus on patient-centered care, this partnership represents the kind of meaningful progress that benefits all of Marion County.
Learn more at https://ebwchc.org/
