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Care Resource's Expansion in Little Havana

Care Resource Community Health Centers, Inc. has officially inaugurated its expanded Little Havana Health Center, a significant addition located at 1800 SW 1st Street, Miami. This brand new, 45,000-square-foot facility is a remarkable leap forward in the mission to provide accessible healthcare to individuals and families in the area.

Opening its doors on May 27, 2025, this expanded center marks a pivotal moment for Care Resource, as it is expected to accommodate up to 20,000 patients each year, more than double the capacity of the previous facility. The new health center aims to streamline access to a diverse range of crucial healthcare services, minimizing wait times and improving patient care continuity for those relying on consistent medical support.

Addressing Local Health Challenges

Little Havana has long faced challenges related to healthcare access, compounded by factors such as inadequate insurance coverage and transportation barriers. Many residents have struggled to find sufficient medical support nearby. The new center is strategically designed to address these pressing issues and to deliver comprehensive care under one roof.

The facility encompasses numerous services, ensuring that community members have access to primary and pediatric care, behavioral health services, dental care, substance use treatment, and even an on-site pharmacy. In addition, it features case management offices and a medical laboratory, further bolstering the support available to patients.

"The expansion of our Little Havana facility strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare that aligns with the needs of this vibrant community," remarked Dr. Steven Santiago, Interim CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Care Resource. Along with a focus on maintaining family health, the center aims to significantly reduce unnecessary hospital visits by ensuring that families receive the right care promptly.

Improved Facilities for Diverse Needs

The new health center boasts a significant increase in examination rooms, providing 18 adult exam rooms and eight pediatric exam rooms, a notable rise from the previous numbers. Additionally, dental services have expanded with the addition of ten chairs, including two specifically for children. The enhancement of behavioral health and case management teams also allows for enriched one-on-one support, ensuring better service coordination for patients and their families.

The demographic data surrounding Little Havana further highlights the importance of this expanded service. With approximately 30% of residents lacking health insurance and nearly 29% living below the poverty line, a significant portion of the population is confronted by chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. These health issues are often exacerbated by limited access to timely care and preventive services. The new center directly targets these obstacles by offering vital screenings, ongoing follow-ups, and comprehensive treatment plans, all within a single facility.

Impacting the Broader Healthcare System

In addition to serving the immediate community, the expansion brings broader benefits to the local health system by alleviating pressures on local emergency rooms and hospitals. According to national healthcare data, investing in community-based care can save nearly two dollars in avoided hospitalizations for every dollar spent.

Care Resource is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The organization presently operates four health center locations: Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Through these centers, Care Resource delivers a broad spectrum of patient-focused services, including medical, dental, behavioral health care, housing assistance, and STI prevention and testing. Community efforts continue to thrive with the goal of enhancing overall health outcomes and fostering healthier families.

For more information about Care Resource, please visit CareResource.org.