CONSTRUCTION TO START
(BLOUNTSTOWN, FL Nov. 3, 2023) – After more than five years of navigating recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) kicked off construction of a new 50,000 square foot facility today.
“Many individuals and many, many hours of meetings, planning and coordination have made this day possible. Today is a day that our entire community has hoped for,” said Mark Plummer, Chairman of the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. (CLHA) Board of Directors.
“I am grateful for our strong partnership with Calhoun Liberty Hospital that helped lead to this momentous step for the Calhoun-Liberty community — not just in their long-term recovery from Hurricane Michael but in expanding access to emergency services for residents,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This new facility could be the difference between a family making a quick trip to the hospital and a long, stressful journey, and we are proud to support its development through our Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program.”
The storm caused extensive damage to the hospital and left CLH operating at just 40 percent of its pre-hurricane capacity. However, since then, federal and state agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Florida Legislature, Florida Department of Commerce, Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health have committed more than $31 million in reimbursable grant funding to build the new facility.
Construction is scheduled to begin in November, and the hospital should be open sometime in 2025. “Our region was dealt a tremendous blow five years ago with Hurricane Michael,” said Senator Jay Trumbull, R- District 2. “However, today we celebrate a silver lining that will positively impact our region for decades to come. I am proud of the partnership and support the Florida Legislature has provided for this project and look forward to the day when we will celebrate the opening of a new Calhoun Liberty Hospital.” Recently CLH announced that a notice of intent to award was issued to Hoar Construction of Birmingham, AL for construction of the hospital. The notice of intent allows CLH to enter contractual negotiations with Hoar.
The new CLH will be on an eight-acre parcel just minutes from the current location, off State Road 71 just south of Highway 20 in Blountstown.
“We are honored to be a part of building this hospital and understand the tremendous impact it will have on the community,” said Matt Valentine, project executive with Hoar Construction. “Turning over a high-quality healthcare facility to the Blountstown area is one of our top priorities.”
The project was delayed in part to the rising cost of building materials in relation to available funding. Administrators were forced to revise initial plans and take a phased approach. The first phase of design and construction will accommodate the community’s current healthcare needs while laying the foundation for future growth in subsequent phases.
The first phase will result in a state-of-the-art emergency room, eight private inpatient rooms, three flexible clinical decision rooms and rehabilitative services, including physical and occupational therapy, along with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Plans to secure funding for phase two, which would be for additional inpatient rooms and outpatient services are under way.
“Many prayers have been said around this community in hopes of today,” said CLH CEO Chris Jepsen. “We are so proud of the perseverance of our amazing team and know that it took every prayer to get us here. I am especially proud of the dedication of Calhoun-Liberty staff who have continued to provide amazing care for our entire community, in the face of many challenges. On behalf of our entire team, we invite all to come back in 2025 for the official opening of our new state-of-the-art facility. What a wonderful day that will be!”
About Calhoun Liberty Hospital Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) is a private, nonprofit, 10-bed critical access hospital committed to delivering professional, courteous and compassionate care. CLH offers emergency services, primary care, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, and a range of outpatient services. The Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. (CLHA) contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations and has a formal partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) to enhance service capabilities and resources available to CLH. For more information, visit CalhounLibertyHospital.com.
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