Published: August 7, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2024) – On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Board approved three health care measure that will impact Polk County’s residents:
- To help Tri-County Human Services assist more Polk County residents with behavioral health and addiction problems, the Board approved amendments to existing contracts with the New Beginning Transition Centers for men and women. Both are residential and intensive outpatient treatment programs where participants may enter the program as part of a plea agreement approved by the state attorney and judge. They also may self-refer. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. The amendments increase funding by about $1.4 million, to a total of about $3.8 annually.
- An amendment to a contract with Winter Haven Hospital is increasing county funding from $200,000 to $2 million for inpatient psychiatric services. Patients admitted to the facility have access to counseling, behavioral health and supervision, crisis support and acute detox while hospitalized. Polk County is providing financial support to Winter Haven Hospital for uncompensated inpatient psychiatric services through Sept. 30, 2026. Polk County residents whose income is at or below 200% of the FPL guidelines and who are uninsured (including Polk HealthCare Plan members) are eligible.
- The Board approved a $550,000 contract with Central Florida Health Care (CHFC) to bring a new community health center to Bartow. The money will come from Polk County’s Indigent Health Care Fund and it will assist CHFC with a building lease, renovation costs, equipment, furniture and supplies. CFHC will provide adult primary care and pharmacy services at the new 4,400-square-foot location. CFHC provides services to low-income Polk County residents, including Polk HealthCare Plan members, and Bartow is an underserved area for health care services. Approximately 40% of the population lives in households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.