MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & Newsletters

Our Chamber Members have a lot of exciting news to share!  Check out the latest Press Releases & announcements below:

• March 10, 2026:  AdventHealth opens new urgent and primary care location to meet growing demand in Northeast Polk County

• March 10, 2026:  3DE schools are where Junior Achievement of Polk County, esteemed local business leaders, and dedicated Polk County educators collaborate to impact  young people’s lives and facilitate economic opportunities for ALL students.

• February 17, 2026: WATSON CLINIC UROLOGIST FIRST IN LAKELAND TO OFFER BREAKTHROUGH KIDNEY STONE REMOVAL TREATMENT

• February 12, 2026:  Board-certified Nephrology specialists Michael J. Achinger, MD, MPH  and Steven G. Achinger, MD, FASN  have expanded their availability to include select Saturday appointments from their offices at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland.

• February 5, 2026:  Polk State College appoints Dr. Anne B. Kerr as interim President

• January 14, 2026:  From Pilot to Program: Florida Blue Expands Cancer Support for Medicare Advantage Members - Trial Showed 40% Reduction in Hospital and ER Visits and 95% Patient Satisfaction  
  

• January 7, 2026: HCA Florida Healthcare to open new freestanding emergency department in Polk County

• January 6, 2026: Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti recertified as Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

• November 5, 2025:  Watson Clinic Foundation - City of Lakeland Issues Proclamation Recognizing Arts and Health Week 

Have a newsletter you would like us to share? Please email a pdf of your newsletter to:  info@northeastpolkchamber.com

Florida Blue Foundation Food Security Grant Program Applications now open through April 22nd:

In addition to announcing maternal health funding, the Florida Blue Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 funding cycle of its food security grant program. The Foundation will award approximately $3.2 million in grants and is seeking proposals that address the following topic areas:

Focus 1: Transforming Health through Food

Healthy eating is a crucial component of overall well-being, and access to nutritious food can play a significant role in preventing and managing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity which are prevalent in Florida. This funding focus supports programs that apply Food is Medicine principles to deliver effective interventions that improve health outcomes and quality of life. Funding will support initiatives that provide nutrition prescriptions, education, counseling, and medical nutrition therapy to individuals and communities. Programs that provide fresh produce and healthy food to support lifestyle changes and improve overall community well-being are a priority. Partnerships between health care providers, grocery stores, food banks, and community organizations that address food insecurity as a social determinant of health are encouraged.

Focus 2: Growing Access, Growing Capacity

Vulnerable populations in Florida, including children, families, and seniors, often face significant barriers to accessing healthy food, particularly in food desert communities. This funding focus supports organizations that provide essential services to address food access gaps and promote community resilience. Funding will support food distribution programs, including food banks, delivery services, pantries, and mobile markets, as well as urban agriculture and collaborative solutions that increase access to nutritious food. Effective organizations with strong foundations are best positioned to drive lasting change; therefore, support for operational needs is a critical component of this funding focus, enabling them to sustain and grow their efforts over time.

The application window closes on April 22 and details are available via this food security grant application link.

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