From Left: Darcy J. Davis, President and CEO, Health Care District of Palm Beach County; Joshua Adametz, DMD, AVP and Executive Director of Community Health Centers, Health Care District of Palm Beach County; Maura Plante, Founder and CEO, Florida Health and Nutrition Coalition (in dark jacket); Dr. Samantha Brown-Parks, Regional Director, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), Region 4; Colleen McCarty, Regional Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); Ben Browning, Vice President and COO, Florida Association of Community Health Centers; Leah Beavers, MPH, Public Health Analyst, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Region 4; and Belma Andric, MD, MPH, EVP and Chief Medical Officer, Health Care District of Palm Beach County
APRIL 24, 2026 – The Health Care District of Palm Beach County (District) welcomed Dr. Samantha Brown-Parks, Region IV Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to the Atlantis Community Health Center to see our nationally recognized, integrated whole-person care model in action. Designated by HRSA as a Gold Quality Leader ranking within the top 10% of health centers nationwide for seven consecutive years, the District’s Community Health Centers ensure medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for all ages through one medical home.
District President and CEO Darcy Davis also welcomed leaders from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Florida Association of Community Health Centers, and the Florida Health and Nutrition Coalition.
“We know better physical and mental health requires more than just clinical care — it takes strong community partnerships,” said President and CEO, Darcy Davis. “Through data-driven initiatives including Sponsored Programs, we invest in projects that strengthen the impact of our high-quality care. Food security, nutrition, and healthy habits are critical to improving overall health and wellness for all in Palm Beach County.”
“The integration of clinical services with social supports, especially efforts to address food insecurity and mental health, demonstrates a deep understanding of what it takes to build healthier communities,” said Regional Director, Dr. Brown-Parks. “This is the type of innovation that can help inform national strategy.”
Since 2022, the District has invested $2.5 million for Sponsored Programs to support community partners ensuring access to nutrition education, chronic disease prevention, diabetes management, food distribution, cooking classes, and healthy foods. In 2025 alone, the District’s Community Health Centers made more than 2,700 nutrition referrals, identified over 2,300 patients experiencing food insecurity, and connected those patients directly to the resources they needed.
“The Health Care District’s approach to care exemplifies how data, collaboration and community investment can come together to drive even better health outcomes,” said Maura Plante, co-founder and CEO of the Florida Health & Nutrition Coalition and an advocate for Food is Medicine. “We are proud to work with the District to address nutrition and food security alongside their excellent clinical and integrated care. Palm Beach County is a powerful example of what’s possible when systems are intentionally designed around patients’ real needs.”
