About: History

Our History

  • 1972 West Orange Farmworkers Health Association founded by local farm workers and consumer activists saw the need to help the underprivileged in the area.
  • 1973 The farm workers trailer clinic opened in Apopka.  The first medical team consisted of a doctor, nurse and an assistant.
  • 1976 Bishop Borders Satellite Health Center opened to serve Winter Garden area farm workers and residents.  Dental care was also provided.  That same year West Orange Farmworkers Health Association became a comprehensive primary care model, expanding to include pharmacy, laboratory and dental services.
  • 1978 Our first permanent health center was constructed in Apopka, where it still is to this present day.  The Apopka trailer clinic was relocated to serve farm workers in Groveland.
  • 1979 Childbirth services initiated at the Apopka Family Health Center with deliveries at Florida Hospital and dental services were added.
  • 1983 Permanent South Lake Family Health Center was constructed.  Patient contributions and farmworker fundraising led by board members provided the funds to furnish the new center.
  • 1986 All sites increased medical staff to create hospital service rotation.
  • 1989 Accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations makes us Florida’s first and only JACHO accredited community health organization.
  • 1990 West Orange Farmworkers Health Association changes its name to Community Health Centers, Inc., to better reflect our mission of service to all the community.
  • 1991 Community Health Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. established to create private support for our community services.
  • 1992 Winter Garden Children’s Health Center opened to provide children services in a supportive and caring environment.  CHC – County Public Health services integrated to include outreach, early enrollment, teen pregnancy classes, drug treatment, and March of Dimes Community Support Network.
  • 1993 Leesburg Women’s Health Center opens for service.  CHC initiates Community Relations Program with priority goals of educating Medicaid and Medicare recipients and area employers.
  • 1994 South Lake Family Health Center’s renovation project was completed with the support of the staff.
  • 1995 Leesburg Family Health Center opened the doors for patients.
  • 1996 Apopka Children’s Health Center opened the doors for patients.
  • 2000 Pine Hills Family Health Center, a public-private partnership, began providing services.
  • 2001 Eatonville Family Health Center opened the doors for patients.
  • 2002 Health Alliance Family Care Center opens – Winter Garden Family and Children’s Health Center relocated into the new 22,000 square-foot facility, and CHC corporate headquarters moved from Apopka to Winter Garden.
  • 2004  In October the Pine Hills Family Health Center relocated into the Princeton Plaza, expanding from a 4,000 sq. ft. facility into a 19,155 sq. ft. space & added Pediatric Dental services.
  • 2007 Lake Ellenor Dental Clinic opened offering Pediatric & Adult Dental services.
  • 2010 CHC received accreditation by the prestigious Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc (AAAHC).
  • 2011 Apopka Dental Center with Pediatric and Adult dental services opens- South Lake opens.
  • 2011 Bithlo Family Health Center opens.
  • 2012 Meadow Woods Pediatric, Medical & Dental Health Center opens.