"It all started as a simple health clinic operating out of a single-wide trailer in Apopka back in December 1972. Community Health Centers has come a long way since then."
Opened our doors as a simple non-profit health clinic operating out of a single-wide trailer in Apopka back in December 1972.
Dental care and maternity services were added in 1979, with additional facility improvements, including expanded dental, x-ray, and pharmacy services.
WOFHA received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization in 1989 and a name change to Community Health Centers, Inc., soon followed.
The Humble Beginnings of Community Health Centers
Originally called the West Orange Farmworker Health Association (WOFHA), we incorporated in 1972 as a non-profit health organization “to be operated by and for its consumers.” Although experiencing many obstacles and opposition, the WOFHA secured a federal grant and opened a clinic in a trailer donated by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando.
The Apopka Farmworker Clinic began operation under the leadership of Sister Cathy Gorman, Sister Ann Kendrick, Sister Teresa McElwee, and Sister Gail Grimes, all members of Notre Dame de Namur order of Catholic Nuns, in 1973. Their mission was to provide the underserved in the community access to the healthcare they couldn’t afford.
The original staff only included a Nurse’s Aide, a Medical Director, and an Administrative Director.
Expanding Our Reach Throughout Central Florida
After outgrowing the trailer, a permanent health center was constructed in 1978 at the corner of Forest Avenue and Seventh Street in Apopka on land donated by members of the Presbyterian Church in Maitland. The trailer was put to good use and moved to Groveland to serve south Lake County. Dental care and maternity services were added in 1979. Improvements to the facility, including a modern dental suite and expanded x-ray and pharmacy areas, were added in the early 1980s.
In 1986, WOFHA opened its third location in Winter Garden and the organization began to grow with an increase in medical providers and offering extended hours. WOFHA received accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization in 1989 and a name change to Community Health Centers, Inc., soon followed.
During the mid-1990s, CHC saw the opening of the Leesburg Women’s Health Center, Leesburg Family Health Center, and the Apopka Children’s Health Center. In the early 2000s, the Pine Hills Family Health Center began providing services, the Eatonville Family Health Center opened, Winter Garden Family, Children’s and Dental Health Center relocated to where they are today and the Corporate office moved from Apopka to Winter Garden. During the mid-2000s, the organization began to grow even more and expanded the Pine Hills Family Health Center to a larger facility, added Pediatric Dental services to the site, and opened the Lake Ellenor Dental Clinic.
Community Health Centers is proud to have received accreditation from the prestigious Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Center, Inc (AAAHC). In an effort to create brand awareness and recognition, we changed our center names to include our corporate name, Community Health Centers.
Our history proves our commitment to expand our services and service area. We continue to look for areas in need to serve the uninsured, underinsured and insured alike.
History by the Year
West Orange Farmworkers Health Association founded
West Orange Farmworkers Health Association founded by local farmworkers, consumer activists, and the Sisters of Notre Dame saw the need to help the underprivileged in the area.
Clinic Opened in Apopka
The farmworkers trailer clinic opened in Apopka. The first medical team consisted of a doctor, nurse, and assistant.
Clinic Opened in Winter Garden
Bishop Borders Satellite Health Center opened to serve Winter Garden area farmworkers 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.
First Permanent Center
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 farmworkers in Groveland.
Childbirth Services
Childbirth services initiated at the Apopka Family Health Center with deliveries at Advent Health and dental services were added.
Groveland Family Health Center
Permanent Groveland Family Health Center was constructed. Patient contributions and farmworker fundraising led by board members provided the funds to furnish the new center.
Hospital Service Rotation
All sites increased medical staff to create hospital service rotation.
Accreditation by the JACHO
Accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations makes us Florida’s first and only JACHO accredited community health organization.
Community Health Centers, Inc.
West Orange Farmworkers Health Association changes its name to Community Health Centers, Inc., to better reflect our mission of service to all the community.
Winter Garden Health Center Opened
Winter Garden Children’s Health Center opened to provide children services in a supportive and caring environment. Community Health Centers and County Public Health Services integrated to include outreach, early enrollment, teen pregnancy classes, drug treatment, and March of Dimes Community Support Network.
Leesburg Women's Health Center Opens
Leesburg Women’s Health Center opens for service. Community Health Centers initiates Community Relations Program with priority goals of educating Medicaid and Medicare recipients and area employers.
Leesburg Family Health Center Opened
Apopka Children’s Health Center Opened
Pine Hills Partnership
Pine Hills Family Health Center, a public-private partnership, began providing services.
Eatonville Family Health Center Opened
Health Alliance Family Care Center opens
Health Alliance Family Care Center opens – Winter Garden Family and Children’s Health Center relocated into the new 22,000 square-foot facilities, and CHC corporate headquarters moved from Apopka to Winter Garden.
Pine Hills Family Health Center Relocated
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.
Lake Ellenor Dental Clinic opened offering Pediatric & Adult Dental services.
New Centers Open in Apopka, Groveland, and Bithlo
Our Apopka Dental Center offering Pediatric and Adult dental services opens. Later in the year, we opened new health centers in Groveland offering Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Dental, and a Pharmacy; and in Bithlo offering Family Medicine for children and adults.
Meadow Woods Children’s Medical & Dental Care Opened
Winter Garden Health Center Relocated
Winter Garden Child, Adult Medical & Dental Care has been relocated to a more accessible and larger center offering evening and Saturday hours. Added services include Optometry and children’s dental.
Tavares Child • Adult Medical & Dental Care Opened
Forest City Child • Adult Medical & Dental Care Opened
Pine Hills Health Center Relocated
Community Health Centers – Pine Hills relocated to its own building at 840 Mercy Drive, less than two miles East of their previous location.
Community Health Centers – Four Corners Opened
Community Health Centers – Four Corners opened in Cagan Crossings at 509 Cagan View Road, Clermont in south Lake County.
Community Health Centers – Bithlo Expansion
Community Health Centers – Bithlo expands to offer even more services to East Orlando patients. These services include Family Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, and Specialty care.