The Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is dedicated to inspiring health and well-being in our community through strategic, health-forward investments. Rather than waiting for health crises to arise, the District’s approach is rooted in a powerful belief that prevention is power. By prioritizing early intervention and proactive care, we are working to build a healthier, more resilient Marion County for all residents.
This commitment is a core pillar of our strategy, guiding our support for programs that address health concerns before they become chronic, life-altering conditions. This month, we want to highlight some key initiatives that exemplify our focus on early intervention.
The Active Marion Project (AMP)
The Active Marion Project (AMP) is a project of MCHD that encourages residents to embrace a more active lifestyle. Through fun workshops, classes, and resources to help people manage stress and thrive at work, AMP motivates our community to get moving and adopt healthier habits. The goal is to prevent the onset of chronic, long-term illnesses and the progression of existing diseases through engaging and accessible resources.
Community Home Project and DEEP
The Community Home Project is another cornerstone of our prevention-focused strategy. This initiative assists families with employment, educational tutoring and continuing education, health care navigation and dental clinics, fitness and nutrition classes, and much more. A key component of this project is its focus on education through the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP).
DEEP offers free eight-week classes throughout Marion County to help residents better manage or prevent diabetes. These classes provide the support and tools to better manage or prevent diabetes. By empowering residents with the knowledge and skills to manage their health proactively, we help individuals and families make sustainable lifestyle changes that prevent and manage chronic conditions.
Early Cancer Screenings With Vet Resources
One of our most impactful early intervention initiatives is our partnership with Vet Resource Center, Inc. The District provided a significant grant to support a crucial program offering free early cancer detection tests to Marion County veterans who were exposed to toxins during their service. The program uses the Galleri blood test, which can detect over 50 types of cancer at early stages, giving veterans a powerful tool for proactive health management. By investing in this program, we are directly addressing a critical health risk for our veterans and providing them with an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, which is often the key to a better outcome.
The Healthy Ocala Initiative
MCHD also supports the Healthy Ocala Initiative, which provides a central hub for behavioral health and substance use recovery services. Supported by Ocala Mayor Ben Mariciano and MCHD, the initiative is designed so that every citizen can find the care they need by offering a trusted directory of local providers, services and tools. The directory offers listings for various support areas, including:
- Behavioral / Mental Health
- Substance Use
- Recovery Support
- Family and Youth
- Community Support
- Healthy Baby
- Housing and Utilities
- Food & Clothing
- Employment
- Education & Mentoring
This program reflects our commitment to a holistic view of health, understanding that early intervention in behavioral health is as critical as physical health to empowering a thriving community.
Your Health and Wellness Is Our Mission
MCHD is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Marion County citizens through projects and initiatives that inspire health. We connect people with resources that will help them pursue healthier lifestyles, and we support programs that are making a difference. These efforts are a direct result of the District’s health-forward investment strategy, which aims to improve the health of our entire community and reduce the long-term burden of chronic disease. Our partnerships with local organizations and our support for innovative health initiatives demonstrate our unwavering commitment to inspiring health and wellness for every citizen of Marion County.
For more information visit mchdt.org.
