This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Lotus Marion, Marion County’s newly dual-certified center for sexual assault and domestic or intimate partner violence services. Formerly known as the Marion County Sexual Assault Center, Lotus Marion officially expanded its mission in 2026 to become the sole provider of both services in Marion County, filling a critical gap in local victim services and ensuring survivors have access to compassionate, locally led care.

The organization’s new name reflects its core values of strength, resilience, and support. As of July 1, 2026, Lotus Marion serves as the county’s dual-certified center, offering a coordinated, community-supported model of care designed to meet survivors where they are.

Serving Survivors: What Lotus Marion Does

The need for these services in Marion County is significant. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, approximately 4,000 residents were victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in the past year alone. State data shows Marion County has consistently recorded among the higher domestic violence offense rates in Florida, exceeding 1,000 incidents per 100,000 residents in recent years.

Lotus Marion exists to meet that need with dignity and urgency. The organization provides a full range of no-cost services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, including:

• 24/7 sexual assault crisis hotline: 352-633-5563
• Crisis intervention and advocacy
• Accompaniment and legal system navigation
• On-site counseling and therapy services
• Information and referrals for victim support services
• Shelter access and advocacy for domestic violence survivors
• Community education, awareness, and prevention programming

In just the first six months of operation, Lotus Marion provided over 1,300 services, with 93% of survivors continuing to return for ongoing support.

How MCHD’s Investment Makes a Difference

The Marion County Hospital District provides Lotus Marion with two office locations at no cost, a partnership that directly strengthens the organization’s ability to serve survivors across the county.

One location is at Beacon Point, MCHD’s integrated care campus, where Lotus Marion staff provide domestic violence outreach and advocacy services. The second is at 1121 SW 1st Ave. in Ocala, where sexual assault services are delivered in a private, discreet setting designed to make survivors feel safe.

By providing office space at no charge, MCHD frees up critical funding that Lotus Marion can direct toward direct services for survivors. In an organization that leaders say needs approximately $600,000 in additional annual funding to fully meet community needs, every dollar that does not go toward overhead is a dollar that can go toward a survivor in crisis.

This is exactly the kind of strategic community investment MCHD is committed to: identifying organizations doing essential work and removing barriers so they can do more of it.

Community Partners and Awareness

Lotus Marion’s work is strengthened by a network of community partners including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and other local agencies committed to a coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault.

The organization also prioritizes community education and prevention, bringing awareness programming and outreach directly to Marion County residents. By addressing sexual violence and domestic violence not just through direct services but through education, Lotus Marion works to prevent harm before it happens and to ensure that survivors know help is available when they need it.

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

MCHD is proud to stand alongside Lotus Marion as the organization grows into its expanded role. Survivors in Marion County deserve a safe place to heal, access to the legal and counseling support they need, and a community that shows up for them. Lotus Marion is building that, and MCHD is honored to be part of it.

To learn more about Lotus Marion and how you can support their work, visit marionsexualassaultcenter.org or call the 24/7 hotline at 352-633-5563.

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This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Marion County’s dedicated Children’s Advocacy Center. Since 1999, Kimberly’s Center has provided child victims of abuse and neglect a safe and comforting environment where they can begin their journey of healing, serving more than 1,300 children in 2025 alone.

Supporting Children Through Crisis: Trauma Intervention & Advocacy

When a child in Marion County enters the foster care system, the transition can be one of the most frightening moments of their young life. The Trauma Intervention & Advocacy program, made possible through the foundational support of the Marion County Hospital District, ensures no child faces that moment alone.

“The Trauma and Intervention & Advocacy program only came into being because of the support of the Marion County Hospital District,” says Kimberly’s Center Executive Director Dawn Westgate. “They helped us found that program, and have continued to support it to make sure that hundreds of children in Marion County have their physical and emotional needs met while they’re waiting for a foster care bed.”

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Kimberly’s Center’s Child Advocates work directly alongside the Department of Children and Families to provide comfort, stability, and essential resources to children during this uncertain time. Last year, the program supported 76 children through the foster care transition process.

The impact of this work is best understood through the stories it creates. Westgate recalls a sibling group of teenage girls who came to Kimberly’s Center after being removed from their home. While staff cared for them during the transition, they arranged a trip to a nearby store to get the girls new clothing. “We overheard a conversation they were having about how they’d never had new clothes in their entire life,” Westgate shares.

“For those kids, they are going to remember that kindness and that compassion while they were scared and didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Building Safer Childhoods: The Prevention Project

When Kimberly’s Center was ready to expand its reach into prevention — keeping children from needing intervention services in the first place — the Marion County Hospital District was among the first to step in.

“MCHD was one of the first to support our ability to be in classrooms throughout Marion County, teaching kids basic body safety, online safety, and bullying prevention,” says Westgate. “We’re really only able to do those programs because of the support of the hospital district.”

Through the Prevention Project, Kimberly’s Center brings the Monique Burr Foundation’s evidence-based Child Safety Matters curriculum to children and teens in every public school in Marion County, reaching 32,621 students in the 2024-2025 school year. This comprehensive, age-appropriate program equips children and adults with universal Safety Rules covering body safety, bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers. The Teen Safety Matters curriculum further addresses suicide prevention and boundary safety, empowering the next generation to recognize unsafe situations and speak up when it matters most.

A Partnership That Produces Lasting Impact

“The impact of these grants goes far beyond what we’re able to put on paper,” says Westgate.

“We know that the long-term impacts of childhood trauma are significant, not just for mental health, but also for physical health. The more we are able to intervene with kids while they’re going through active trauma, or prevent it in the first place, the better their outcomes are going to look on so many different scales.”

The Marion County Hospital District is proud to partner with Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection in support of these vital programs.

To learn more about Kimberly’s Center and how you can get involved, visit kimberlyscenter.org.

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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/

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This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic, a trusted community partner advancing access to free dental, optical, and medical care for uninsured and under-insured residents across Marion County. Through MCHD’s Dental pillar, this long-standing collaboration has helped ensure that thousands of residents receive essential care at moments when they need it most.

A Partnership That Restores Health and Confidence

FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic, led by Executive Director Ann Burnett, provides mobile, community-based care focused on meeting people where they are. The clinic offers comprehensive services including dental exams, X-rays, triage, extractions (simple and surgical), restorative care, and root canals bringing a full spectrum of dental treatment directly to those who would otherwise go without.

Funded in part by the Marion County Hospital District, FreeD.O.M. Clinic’s dental program is a cornerstone of this partnership. According to Burnett, the support from MCHD has been “an absolute blessing,” enabling the clinic to touch the lives of Marion County residents “one smile at a time.”

On average, the clinic serves approximately 1,200 to 1,500 unique individuals each year, reflecting the scale and importance of this community-driven work.

Restoring Smiles and Changing Lives

One of the most impactful MCHD-supported initiatives has been the denture program, which has helped patients regain not only their oral health, but also their confidence and opportunity.

Burnett shared the story of a Marion County resident working in the service industry who had struggled professionally due to missing teeth. After receiving dentures through the program, her transformation was life-changing, leading to a job promotion and the ability to purchase her own vehicle. She later returned to thank the team, a powerful reminder that restoring a smile can open the door to a completely new future.

A Network of Volunteers and Community Partners

FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic’s impact is made possible through an extraordinary network of collaboration. The program is supported by volunteer dentists, medical professionals, and students, including faculty and trainees affiliated with the University of Florida College of Dentistry, who supervise and participate in care delivery.

Local dental professionals also contribute significantly, opening their practices and donating time and resources to support clinic operations. Community partners including churches, schools, and local organizations play a vital role in helping mobilize services throughout Marion County.

Strengthening Community Health Together

With more than a decade of service supported by the Marion County Hospital District, FreeD.O.M. Health Clinic continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs. Their work reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to care, restoring dignity, and improving long-term health outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Learn more at https://freedomclinicusa.org/

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This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to recognize Transitions Life Center (TLC), a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Creating Opportunities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Founded with the vision of creating a safe, caring, and enriching environment, Transitions Life Center serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through programs designed to build independence, strengthen social connections, and expand life opportunities. Transitions Life Center provides structured programs that encourage personal growth, life skills development, and meaningful community engagement.

Through their programs, participants are supported in developing everyday skills, forming friendships, and gaining confidence as they navigate life in the community.

Connecting Individuals to Essential Health Resources

A key component of TLC’s impact is its Community Navigator program, a position funded by MCHD, which helps individuals and families access important services and resources.

The TLC Community Navigator builds a bridge to connect families and caregivers of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to social, educational, health services, and specialized programs to enrich their quality of life.

This service is available to anyone caring for an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Marion County.
These referrals may include:

• Medical and dental care
• Healthy food options
• Healthy lifestyle resources
• Community support services

The Community Navigator is also DEEP certified and provides DEEP (Diabetes Empowerment Education Program) training to caregivers and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This training equips participants and their support networks with valuable knowledge about healthy living, disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions.

Supporting Safe and Active Lifestyles

The Marion County Hospital District has been proud to support projects that help create safe and inclusive spaces for TLC members to stay active and engaged.

In previous years, MCHD provided funding for an outdoor basketball court and a swing, both installed with safety in mind. These additions allow individuals participating in TLC programs to safely enjoy physical activity, recreation, and social connection, important components of overall health and well-being.

The Marion County Hospital District is proud to partner with Transitions Life Center to expand access to essential resources, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen support systems for individuals and families across our community. To learn more about the meaningful work TLC is doing, visit https://www.tlcocala.org/.

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This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to spotlight Vet Resource Center (VRC), a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting veterans.

A Mission That Saves Lives

Under the leadership of President and Director Stephen Petty, Captain, U.S. Army, Retired, the VRC has launched a groundbreaking initiative to protect veterans from the long-term health effects of toxic exposures during service, such as burn pits and Agent Orange. With support from MCHD, VRC is bringing cutting-edge medical technology directly to veterans who need it most.

The Challenge: A Race Against Time

For many veterans who served in Southwest Asia from the Gulf War to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight didn’t end when they returned home. Toxic exposures can trigger aggressive cancers that appear decades earlier than standard medical protocols anticipate.

Because routine screenings often start at age 40–50, younger veterans fall into a dangerous gap: they may feel healthy but harbor silent, fast-moving illnesses. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced.

VRC’s mission is to detect these illnesses early, giving veterans a fighting chance through advanced early-warning testing.

How Our Partnership Makes a Difference

MCHD is proud to support VRC in overcoming the biggest barrier to early detection, cost.

Together, we are:

Funding Advanced Testing

Early-warning cancer detection kits, which typically cost nearly $1,000, are now provided free of charge to eligible veterans.

Expanding Outreach

By leveraging corporate partnerships, VRC can reach working-age veterans through onsite testing at local employers.

Ensuring Rapid Response

Veterans who test positive are connected immediately with high-level diagnostic care, eliminating months-long delays.

By the Numbers: Saving Lives in Marion County

Marion County is home to an estimated 50,000 veterans. Our combined outreach efforts include TV spots, newspaper ads, and dedicated volunteers, including a Command Sergeant Major coordinating local efforts.

Since launching the program:

• First Test Administered: Jan. 6
• Tests Completed: Nearly 250, with more scheduled
• Community Outreach: Over 2,500 individuals and 75 organizations engaged

A Life Saved

One early success story highlights the program’s impact: A veteran tested positive for early-stage pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Thanks to the test, the condition was caught at Stage 1, allowing for immediate treatment and a dramatically improved prognosis.

Looking Ahead

The Vet Resource Center continues to educate the community on the importance of early detection. Stephen Petty reminds veterans and civilians alike to listen to their bodies: Be aware of unexplained weight loss, persistent sores, or chronic coughs should never be ignored.

MCHD is honored to stand alongside VRC as they turn the tide against veteran cancer.
Are you a veteran in Marion County? Learn more about early detection kits or support the Vet Resource Center by visiting VRC’s website at vetresourcecenter.com.

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