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Central Florida Health Care’s second location in Mulberry at 1010 N. Church Ave. opened to patients on May 7. It is the organization’s 18th location.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, Dr. Cara Nelson-James, chief medical officer, said, “Today is more than the official opening of a building. Today represents access, represents investment, vision, and commitment to the health and well-being of our communities.”
“The south Lakeland and Mulberry corridor continues to experience tremendous residential and commercial growth, making expanded access to healthcare services more important than ever before,” she told the packed house.
“For many patients managing chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, foot conditions, chronic wounds, autoimmune diseases, and arthritis, proximity to specialty care can significantly improve continuity of care and reduce delays in treatment, therefore, improving long-term health outcomes — And that’s why we’re here.”
Services offered
The new Mulberry location will offer adult primary care and other services. “As we continue to focus on our patients’ needs, we have added several specialty services that include endocrinology, podiatry, optometry, rheumatology, behavioral health, and dermatology,” said Ann Claussen, CEO of Central Florida Health Care.
The site has an on-site dedicated rheumatology infusion center, with comfortable seating and lighting panels that mirror a blue sky. It houses the largest pharmacy in the Central Florida Health Care system with both walk-in and drive-up service.
Within the next year, they hope to add a dermatologist, said Ashli Charter Tallen, health center administrator at the new site.
The existing Mulberry location, at 106 NW Ninth Ave., will continue to offer pediatric medical and dental services and OB-GYN women’s services.
Continuing to grow
“Last year, Central Florida Healthcare provided care to almost 86,000 patients, 289,000 visits, and filled 421,000 prescriptions in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee County. That’s a lot,” Claussen said.
Throughout all of its health centers and administrative offices, the organization employs around 720 people.
“In 2025 at our existing Mulberry Health Center, we provided medical and dental care to 5,279 patients and 13,788 visits,” Claussen said.
“We’re very excited to know that this number is going to grow as we continue to serve in Mulberry.”
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