Grant to support the Sister Veronica Fund to help remove financial barriers to care for underserved patients
May 8, 2025 — Healthcare Network is proud to announce a generous $10,000 grant from The Labcorp Charitable Foundation in support of the Sister Veronica Fund, an initiative dedicated to breaking down financial barriers to care for underserved patients across Collier County.
The Sister Veronica Fund was established by Healthcare Network and the family of Sister Veronica Marie Cohen to honor her legacy of compassion and commitment to the Immokalee community. Sister Veronica, a Catholic nun, served the area through the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project until her passing in 1989. Today, the fund continues her mission by providing critical assistance to patients who are uninsured or underinsured and unable to afford even the nominal fees on Healthcare Network’s income-based sliding scale.
Support from the fund enables patients to access not only primary care but also costly medications, specialty care services outside of Healthcare Network, including mammograms for women, and transportation to and from appointments. By addressing these gaps in care, the Sister Veronica Fund ensures that no patient has to delay or forgo the care they need due to financial hardship.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Labcorp Charitable Foundation for its support of the Sister Veronica Fund,” said Jamie Ulmer, President and CEO of Healthcare Network. “This grant helps uphold the mission Sister Veronica believed in so deeply that healthcare is a human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay.”
The Labcorp Charitable Foundation’s investment reflects its broader mission to promote health equity by supporting organizations that improve access to quality care in communities across the nation.
To learn more about the Sister Veronica Fund or to make a donation to support its mission, please visit www.healthcareswfl.org.
About Healthcare Network
Since 1977, Healthcare Network has distinguished itself as a premier patient-centered medical and dental home. Offering the highest level of coordinated care to all ages, Healthcare Network plays an integral role in keeping the entire community healthy, providing quality and comprehensive care and financial assistance when needed. With practices located throughout Collier County, primary health care services include family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dental care and pharmacy as well as behavioral health counseling for both adults and children. Additionally, the organization’s community health workers bring health and social services directly to underserved families. Healthcare Network is recognized by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by HRSA. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
