Community Health Care and Resources

Polk County’s Community Health Care section is responsible for the delivery of quality health care to the medically underserved residents of the county. The programs offered through Community Health Care are collectively referred to as the county’s healthcare safety net program, most of which are funded through the half-cent sales surtax for indigent healthcare (F.S. 212.0055 (7)).

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners created the Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee. This committee is responsible for monitoring the spending of surtax funds and providing a setting for residents to participate in healthcare planning. Visit the Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee page for upcoming meetings and agendas.

Free or Low-Cost Medical Care

If you are a Polk County resident who has little or no-income and are without health coverage and insurance, or are waiting to qualify for Medicaid, then the Polk HealthCare Plan may be for you. For community healthcare resources not covered by the Polk HealthCare Plan, please call customer service at (863) 533-1111.

Cremation Program

The cremation program ensures that every eligible resident of Polk County without adequate resources will receive cremation.

Free Health Services

The Polk HealthCare Plan and the Department of Health in Polk have partnered to deliver free health services and screenings, eligibility screenings and plan enrollment to the communities throughout the county via a mobile unit. For upcoming events, please go to the events section of our website or visit our In the Community page.

Diabetes Nutrition Education

Diabetes nutrition education classes are available to all Polk residents through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Upcoming events can be found at our Polk County events calendar or at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/nutrition-and-healthy-living/.

Other Community Resources

United Way 211 is a toll-free call to 211 that connects you to a community resource specialist who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services. You’ll find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, and utilities assistance.

Agency Funding Request

Community Health Care Funding

Agencies may request funding for new projects/programs or request modification to existing contracts. The procedures are not applicable to funding designated for mandated programs or the Polk HealthCare Plan. For additional guidance on how to submit a new funding request, or modification request, please review the SOP for Funding Requests information. All new funding requests will need a letter of inquiry. Please review the Letter of Inquiry Form for information on what to include.

Opioid Abatement Funding

It is the intent of the State and its Local Governments to use the proceeds from any Settlements with Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Participants to increase the amount of funding presently spent on opioid and substance abuse education, treatment, prevention and other related programs and services. For guidance on how to submit a new funding request, please review the SOP for Opioid Abatement Funding Requests. All new funding requests will need a letter of inquiry. Please review the Letter of Inquiry Form and the Florida Opioid Allocation and Statewide Response Agreement for information on what to include.

If you recently submitted a letter of inquiry (LOI) to opioidabatementfunding@polk-county.net, please contact Holly Vida at (863) 519-1005.