WINTER GARDEN, Fla. Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Central Florida, is celebrating two important milestones that reflect its continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare: the completion of the expanded and renovated Apopka Family Health Center and the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors.
Community Health Centers recently hosted a Ribbon Cutting VIP Open House to mark the completion of the Apopka Family Health Center Expansion & Renovation Project. More than 80 grant supporters, healthcare partners, elected officials and community leaders attended the event, toured the newly renovated facility and celebrated the center’s continued role in serving the growing Apopka community.
Located at 225 E. Seventh St. in Apopka, the project added 7,000 square feet to the facility, increasing the center’s total footprint to 19,500 square feet. The renovation also included comprehensive interior and exterior improvements aligned with the Community Health Centers brand.
Enhancements include expanded Family Medicine and OB/GYN exam rooms, new optometry space to introduce vision services, dedicated Behavioral Health service areas, enlarged pharmacy and laboratory spaces to improve patient flow, and expanded parking for patients and team members.
“This expansion represents far more than additional space,” said Dr. Debra Andree, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Centers. “It reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community while creating an improved experience for both our patients and team members.”
The Apopka Family Health Center remained fully operational throughout the renovation and expansion process, minimizing disruption to patient care through careful planning and teamwork.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and resilience of our team,” Dr. Andree added. “Their unwavering focus ensured that patients continued receiving quality care every step of the way.”
Community Health Centers also recognized AdventHealth for its generous financial support of both the capital expansion project and additional healthcare programming initiatives connected to the Apopka Family Health Center. The partnership reflects a shared dedication to expanding access to comprehensive, community-based healthcare services.
In addition to the Apopka expansion, Community Health Centers is pleased to welcome Jared Nordlund of Winter Garden and Richard Cieslak of Apopka to its Board of Directors.
Nordlund is a strategic public affairs and civic engagement leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing policy advocacy, coalition building and voter engagement initiatives across Florida and nationally. He currently serves as Florida State Director for UnidosUS and has helped secure millions in funding for community-focused programs while leading large-scale civic engagement efforts impacting hundreds of thousands of Floridians.
Cieslak is a seasoned financial executive and Principal at CLA in Orlando, with extensive C-suite experience in finance and operational leadership. Beyond his corporate career, he is deeply committed to community service, serving as Chairman of the Florida Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs and as a board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.
“These two accomplished leaders bring extensive experience in public affairs, financial leadership, advocacy and community engagement,” said Dr. Melissa Singh, Chairperson of the Community Health Centers Board of Directors. “Their perspectives and expertise will help strengthen our mission as we continue expanding access to quality healthcare services for the communities we serve.”
“We are honored to welcome Jared and Richard to our Board of Directors,” Dr. Andree said. “Their leadership experience and dedication to community service align perfectly with CHC’s mission to provide quality and compassionate healthcare for all. As our organization continues to grow, their insight and guidance will be invaluable.”
The expanded and renovated Apopka Family Health Center positions Community Health Centers to serve more patients, provide additional services and continue delivering accessible, comprehensive healthcare to families across Central Florida.
Current Community Health Centers Board Members include: Dr. Melissa Singh, Chairperson; Nilmarie Zapata, 1st Vice Chair; Kathy Rovito, 2nd Vice Chair; Felicia Davis, Treasurer; Dale Price, Secretary; Darryl Owens, Director; the Honorable Gisela Laurent, Director; Jerry Kassab, Director; and Dr. Debra Andree, Ex-Officio Member.