The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) has broken its record for the most clients seen during extended hours.
During August, DOH-Alachua saw an influx of 335 clients during weekend hours and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, topping the previous record of 319 in August 2022. Since staying open later and on weekends, the department has seen nearly 8,000 residents walk through its doors seeking assistance.
DOH-Alachua extended hours came toward the end of the coronavirus pandemic in November 2021 when people needed access to much-needed healthcare services, particularly those in east Gainesville.
The Alachua County Commission made a $500,000 annual commitment to fund the extended-hour operations. Extended hours are from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
“This record-breaking August is a direct result of the investment from the Alachua County Commission,” said Paul Myers, administrator of DOH-Alachua. “While we are a state agency, we are tied at the hip with the County Commission when it comes to serving our residents.”
Residents visit the health department for a variety of needs, including primary care needs,
for communicable diseases, infections and STDs. DOH-Alachua is one of the few throughout the state of Florida that still offers primary care for residents.
Myers said August typically sees more clients than other months throughout the year, as parents bring their children in for vaccinations or to be seen for respiratory issues they contracted at the beginning of the school year.
With the extended hours, DOH-Alachua also offers clients the opportunity to stop by its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic on Wednesday evenings. People can apply for WIC in person or online to receive food benefits, such as milk, fruit, vegetable juices, cereals and baby formula.
Nearly 40% of those who visit the local WIC clinic say they wouldn’t have participated in the program if not for the longer hours, Myers said.
For more information or to schedule a visit, visit www.alachua.floridahealth.gov, email achdpress@flhealth.gov or call 352-334-7900.
