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SUN PROTECTION STARTS WITH DAILY HABITS

Dermatology Clinician

Christy Merrick’s guide to preventing skin cancer

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Message from Ann Claussen, CEO

CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH CARE NEWS MAGAZINE

Central Florida Health Care will celebrate a significant milestone this year – 54 years of providing quality healthcare in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. Founded in 1972, in response to critical gaps in healthcare services for rural farm workers, we opened our first community health center with one doctor and one nurse to meet the healthcare needs of the agricultural workers.

As a federally qualified health center (FQHC), we focus on providing exceptional healthcare in our 18 community health centers. Joint Commission accredited and Patient Centered Medical Home certified ensures that we continue to be the best at what we do – every day.

We are truly invested in the community! How do we do this? By having the best clinical teams who are dedicated to their patient’s health – every day. Our navigators work with our patients to qualify them for healthcare benefits and are a great resource for many other services available in our community.

In 2025/26, we provided care to 85,433 patients, 289,295 visits, and our pharmacy team filled 421,666 prescriptions. We anticipate those numbers increasing year after year. Providing healthcare with a heart is what we do best! If you’re in need of a healthcare provider, we’re ready to serve you with the best, compassionate care.

Sincerely.

Ann Claussen

One in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Early detection saves lives.

Central Florida Health Care now offers mammograms for patients at its Davenport and Lake Wales locations.

Talk to your OB/GYN Clinician about scheduling a mammogram today.

Healthcare is the Heart of what we do.

Davenport 130 Ridge Center Dr #1 | 33837

Lake Wales 305 W Central Ave | 33853

Founded in 1972, Central Florida Health Care started responding to critical healthcare gaps identified by the agricultural community. A local citrus processing firm recognized the importance of adequate healthcare, social services, and childcare for farmworkers in Frostproof, Florida. The first clinic opened with a doctor and a nurse and began serving farm workers in the Frostproof community.

Central Florida Health Care now has 18 sites in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties, including one unique Community Partnership School located at Crystal Lake Elementary School in Lakeland. CFHC also has three mobile healthcare units to serve the most rural areas of the tri-county region.

Services include adult and pediatric medical and dental care, behavioral health, endocrinology, infectious disease, lab & x-ray, OB/GYN, optometry, nutritional counseling, pharmacy, podiatry, and rheumatology.

David Washington, MD Devashis Mitra, MD, DM(PhD)

Kavita Khorran, PA-C

Sun Protection Starts with Daily Habits

Summer is here, and with the rising temperatures comes an important reminder: stay hydrated and protect your skin.

Sunscreen is not just for beach days or vacations. It’s something everyone should wear year-round, no matter their age. In Florida, where sun exposure is part of daily life, adding sunscreen to your everyday skincare routine is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin.

Christy Merrick, DNP, APRN, a dermatology clinician at Central Florida Health Care who sees patients at the Wauchula Health Center, recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every single day. She also suggests reapplying it every two hours, or even sooner if you are swimming or sweating. And when you put it on, don’t forget easy-to-miss areas like your ears, neck, hands, and lips.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but prevention starts with daily habits. If you plan to be outside for a long time, protective clothing can be your first line of defense. Many UPF fabrics are specially designed to help block harmful UVA and UVB rays, giving you another layer of protection beyond sunscreen.

It also helps to limit your time in direct sun during peak hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re spending the day outdoors, whether at the beach, at work, or running errands, try to seek shade whenever you can. A tree, umbrella, or pop-up tent can make a big difference.

At Central Florida Health Care, keeping our community healthy and safe is at the heart of what we do. As temperatures climb this summer, remember to take sun protection seriously and pay attention to changes in your skin. If you notice an unusual freckle, mole, or spot, schedule a skin check. Early detection and prevention can make all the difference in the fight against skin cancer.

Dermatology Clinician, Christy Merrick, DNP, APRN

More Than Just a Pharmacy - We’re Your Partner in Care

SPECIALTY PHARMACY provides medication and patient management for chronic, complex medical conditions that are usually associated with high costs and require close engagement between the patient and all members of the patient’s healthcare team.

Our pharmacy plays an integral role from dispensing and medication therapy management to medication adherence and serving as patient advocates. We help our patients navigate the process by collaborating directly with their insurance and specialty provider.

Our accreditation demonstrates our commitment to patient care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.

entertainment, and meaningful impact. Now in its third year, the event brings together community members, leaders, and supporters who believe in expanding access to compassionate, high-quality care for all.

Proceeds from the gala benefit our $30 million Capital Campaign, helping us build two new health centers in Lakeland and Winter Haven - locations chosen to meet the growing healthcare needs of our community. These centers will provide comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty services to

the event, dinner, reserved seating, and entertainment. Spots are limited, and the event is expected to sell out.

We invite you to join us for a night of purpose and celebration, because when we come together, we bring “Healthcare with a Heart” to more people than ever before.

To make a donation, contact devcom@cfhconline.org.

Get Tested Stay Healthy

Central Florida Health Care provides compassionate care for patients who need testing or have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases. It offers confidential testing and treatment for HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia.

Early detection is the key to healthy living and there are prescriptions available in our pharmacy. PrEP is a prescription available to prevent individuals from getting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. Hepatitis C testing is available at all locations.

Empowering

Empowering prenatal care that combines expert healthcare with group support.

Why Centering?

You will experience ten interactive and fun group appointments with pregnant people just like you.

Clinically

Clinically proven better health outcomes such as reduced risk of preterm birth

More hours of prenatal education so you feel ready and confident to birth and care for your baby

Empowering

NETRLAC OLFADIR TLHHAE

AERC

ALTREOGDYOM

Let Our Heart Ease Your Pain

Our experienced rheumatology team diagnoses and treats conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis and much more with precision and compassion.

Your care matters, don’t let everyday pain stop your daily life.

Call today to schedule an appointment. 866.234.8534