Liz Freeman

Naples

Health Reporter at Naples Daily News

Health Reporter at USA Today

Health reporter for Naples Daily News (Naples, Florida) and The USA Today Network

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Articles

Tab for new Lee Health hospital at $820M; bed count going way up

1 day ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Lee Health is expanding its new Fort Myers hospital plans at a cost of $151 million, bringing the total estimated cost to $820 million. The expansion will add a new patient tower with 92 beds, a child-care center for employees, and increase the total bed count to 260. The hospital system recently transitioned to a private nonprofit model to compete with for-profit providers like HCA Florida Healthcare.
DeSantis vetoes malpractice bill in Fort Myers, says measure would harm patients, doctors

1 week ago | palmbeachpost.com | Liz Freeman

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 6017, a bill that would have lifted restrictions on medical malpractice lawsuits. DeSantis argued the bill would increase healthcare costs and reduce access to care. The bill had passed with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 6017, a bill that would have lifted restrictions on medical malpractice lawsuits. DeSantis argued the bill would increase healthcare costs and reduce access to care.
Naples center for sick kids is staying; lease dispute over

1 week ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

A lease dispute between Lee Health and Nicklaus Children's Hospital over the Golisano outpatient center in Naples, Florida, has been resolved. The outpatient center, which serves 65,000 children annually, will remain open. Both hospitals expressed a commitment to providing pediatric care in Collier County. Southwest Florida families who rely on the Golisano outpatient center in North Naples for their ill children can breathe easier.
Collier leaders hold 17th discussion on mental health center

1 week ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Concerns arose regarding the number of new beds versus existing beds being moved to the new facility. Financial projections anticipate operating deficits, raising questions about long-term funding. Questions remain among Collier County leaders over plans to build a $56 million taxpayer-funded mental health center with David Lawrence Center at the helm. That meant putting off a vote May 27 on some key agreements until June 10.
Naples' early learning centers face wait lists, turnover, high cost

3 weeks ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Collier County parents struggle with high tuition, teacher shortages, and limited early learning center availability. Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) has allocated $8 million to address these issues. A Florida Chamber of Commerce study revealed that 44% of Collier kindergarteners are ready for school, highlighting the need for improved early learning programs.
Lines at Collier County food pantries stretch longer in summer. Why? No free meals in school

4 weeks ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Florida families face summer food insecurity challenges as schools close, impacting access to free and reduced-price meals. Florida opted out of the USDA's SUN Bucks program, which provides grocery assistance to low-income families during summer. Food banks and pantries experience increased demand during summer, compounded by USDA funding cuts and rising food prices. Summer camps and community programs play a vital role in providing meals and support to children in need. It's hot.
Demolition at planned NCH heart center site in Naples moving along. When will it be done?

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Ground level demolition of the Telford Education Center on the campus of NCH Baker Hospital is expected to be wrapped up by May 9. From there what remains to be taken out is the building’s foundation, a more cumbersome task that could cause some vibration and noise, Jack Ullrich, NCH's executive director of corporate real estate and construction, said in an email. The vibration and noise could lead to work stoppages, he said. “Expect the entire lot to be cleared by the first week of June,” he said.
Planned Parenthood offering free, discounted birth control in Southwest Florida

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

This initiative comes after a failed amendment that would have extended the legal timeframe for abortions in Florida. The program significantly reduces patient costs and is available to those without insurance or Medicaid who demonstrate financial need. Need help with birth control costs? Planned Parenthood centers in Naples and Fort Myers have you covered.
Volunteer medical staff delivered $25 million in care in 2024

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples is busy with a whirlwind of expansions. Some of the millions in upgrades at the nonprofit clinic have been internal; some external with a $7.2 million pathology complex under construction and slated for a September move-in date. All have been possible with donor dollars, where a capital campaign to raise $12.8 million was completed in 2021. The nonprofit clinic is located at 88 12th St. N. near Central Avenue and Goodlette-Frank Road.
Neighborhood Health Clinic provides $25 million in care annually

1 month ago | naplesnews.com | Liz Freeman

Liz FreemanThe lobby of Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples, which provides medical care to needy residents. By Liz Freeman/Naples Daily NewsNeighborhood Health Clinic offers medical care in more than 25 specialties for uninsured yet working adults in Collier County. The clinic opened in 1999. By Liz Freeman/Naples Daily NewsA hallway in Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples. The clinic serves working adults in Collier County who lack health insurance.