OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — New, staggering numbers show some people in central Florida are in desperate need of health care, and help is on the way.
Channel 9's Nancy Alvarez learned more than 300 people receive care at just one Health Department clinic in Poinciana in Osceola County every month, and that number is expected rise because of the Affordable Health Care Act.
But the Health Department will soon break ground on a new building on North Dover Plum Avenue in Poinciana.
The waiting area in the temporary facility is often filled every day. Even though her mother is uninsured, baby Leah Juliet will still get the care she needs at this health clinic.
The same goes for 12-year-old Adriana Rodriguez, who is getting a dental checkup thanks to insurance her parents got through the Health Department.
Now, even more people will be helped thanks to an $8.3 million grant. The Health Department is using the money to build three new health centers in the county, including the one in Poinciana.
The new two-story building will allow the Health Department to serve more people faster.
"That is the goal, not to turn people away here," said site administrator Sallye Holmes.
Osceola County has a huge deficit in the number of doctors compared to its population.
According to the Health Department, there are 2,229 residents for every one primary care physician. And right now, there are 3,456 residents for every one dentist.
Holmes said with more people getting insured through the Affordable Health Care Act, the demand for health care will be even greater.
"I do believe it's going to drive more patients our way, and we are looking forward to that," she said.
New health clinics in St. Cloud and Kissimmee will soon open as well.
LINK: Osceola Health Department
WFTV
