AdventHealth Ocala Foundation

Harnessing Health Equine Worker Health Initiative

Reducing barriers to health care for equine workers in Marion County is a top priority for the hospital. This commitment has led to the establishment of the AdventHealth Ocala Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative.

This program will include features such as a bilingual health care navigator to assess needs, build services, and bridge gaps in care. This team member will travel to various locations to provide outreach and enrollment assistance, helping workers navigate the health care system in coordination with other agencies.

In 2025, AdventHealth Ocala will provide health care services to local equine workers. This initiative is part of AdventHealth Ocala’s first Graduate Medical Education program, where primary care residency training will include working with the health care navigator. Your support will help purchase a mobile clinic van and medical equipment, both valued at $350,000.

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The hospital-funded health care navigator will operate a mobile clinic van to travel between local farms and provide on-site health care services to equine workers, such as primary care (wellness visits and physicals), common acute and chronic health issues, point-of-care tests (blood glucose, pregnancy, rapid strep, etc.) and immunizations, as well as wellness education. Our goal is to add equipment in the van such as:

  • Exam tables
  • Standing exam light
  • Privacy screen
  • Portable blood pressure machine
  • Portable pulse oximeter
  • Defibrillator AED

By adding this accessible care in our community, we see this opportunity expanding and there will be a need to support the medical residents who will travel with the mobile clinic by providing educational resources and medical equipment necessary for their involvement.

We invite you to help provide more accessible and better-equipped services for equine workers and their families by making a gift.

Reducing barriers to health care for equine workers in Marion County is a top priority for the hospital and has led to the establishment of the AdventHealth Ocala Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative.
Whit Palmer Memorial Fund

Since 1985, Whit Palmer has been a part of the growing legacy of what is now AdventHealth Ocala. Serving as the first Chair of the Foundation, Whit passionately believed that everyone deserves access to quality health care and a gentle care experience. His impact has been widespread and touched the lives of many.

It is our great honor to continue Whit’s vision through the Whit Palmer Memorial Fund. This fund supports hospital programs and initiatives that assist our patients in their greatest time of need, and improves the lives and well-being of our community members.

Opportunities within the Whit Palmer Memorial Fund honor Whit’s legacy and align with our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Your gift will enhance patient care by providing scholarships for children needing therapy, car seats and pack and plays for new parents, bereavement supplies, medical supplies, transportation, support for cancer and bariatric groups, and wellness education.

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Child Life and Pediatrics

In partnership with AdventHealth for Children, our AdventHealth Ocala pediatrics department provides a warm, healing environment equipped with advanced technology and playful decor, making our youngest patients’ hospital stay as enjoyable as it is effective.

Play is an essential part of your child’s health and well-being and Child Life specialists are a meaningful part of our pediatric care.
Our highly skilled Child Life team helps promote a positive stay for both you and your child through exceptional psychosocial care, developmentally appropriate education, therapeutic play, and emotional support.

Your donation to our Child Life fund will provide tangible items that support our Child Life care team and patients, and encourage play and reduce stress and fears, like: books and toys, gaming systems and electronics, arts and crafts, and more.

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Area of Greatest Need

Our AdventHealth Ocala Foundation’s goal is simple: support programs and needs that serve Ocala patients, guests, and team members.

By partnering with us to support our areas of greatest need, you have the opportunity to move health forward by funding patient care priorities. Your donations stay within our hospital and 100% goes to the area you designate.

Thanks to generous contributions from community members, our Foundation funds programs that shape the future of innovative, whole-person care. Some of these incredible initiatives include patient wheelchairs, car seats and pack-and-plays, a patient TV for the dialysis unit, and much more.

We hope you'll join us to experience how generosity heals.

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Volunteer Leadership - Board of Directors

Terry Crawford, Board Chair – President, Conimar Group LLC

Rusty Branson, Past Board Chair – Chair, Delivering Our Future Steering Committee – SVP/Community President, SouthState Bank

Dr. Kent Cantrell, Co-Chair, Harnessing Health – President, Ocala Equine Hospital, P.A.

David DeSantis, Co-Chair, Harnessing Health – Cebert Wealth / Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Elizabeth Fairbanks, Delivering Our Future Steering Committee – Community Member

Gordon Fairbanks, Finance Committee – Former Owner, Fairbanks Construction

Patrick M. Hill, Lead, Planned Giving – Chief Strategy Officer, RegenXSciences

George Isaacs – General Manager, Bridlewood Farm

Robyn Locker, Co-Leader, Donor Stewardship – Community Member

Mayor Ben Marciano – Mayor of Ocala

Janak Marolia, Finance Committee – Director of Acquisitions, Regal Point Capital Management, LLC

Sonya Nasser, Community Outreach – Attorney, Ocala Mediation, LLC

Brian Roberts, Co-Leader, Donor Stewardship – Manager, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

John Roberts, Lead, Young Ambassadors – Commercial Real Estate Agent, Roberts Real Estate

Azim Saju, Esquire, Finance Committee – Managing Member and General Counsel, HDG Hotels

Charlie Stone – Community Member – Lead, Florida Legislators

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