News Summary
Capital Health Plan is hosting its second annual open house at the Center for Healthy Aging to promote wellness and healthy living for older adults. The event on October 1 features presentations, demonstrations, and resources from community partners including Second Harvest and the Alzheimer’s Project. With a $200,000 investment in FSU’s College of Medicine and a $50,000 donation to Second Harvest, CHP continues its commitment to addressing health and nutrition challenges in the community.
Tallahassee – Capital Health Plan (CHP) is set to host its second annual open house at the Nancy Van Vessem, M.D., Center for Healthy Aging on Wednesday, October 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event aims to promote wellness and healthy living for older adults while providing attendees the opportunity to learn more about CHP’s extensive range of services and programs.
At the open house, guests can participate in presentations, demonstrations, and access resources tailored to enhancing health for seniors. The event will highlight various offerings from community partners, including Second Harvest, the Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic, and the Alzheimer’s Project. Live demonstrations featuring cooking sessions and yoga practices are also scheduled, allowing attendees to engage directly with healthcare professionals.
The Center for Healthy Aging, located at 1264 Metropolitan Blvd., is dedicated to supporting the vitality and holistic well-being of seniors in the Big Bend region. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served to guests throughout the event. Capital Health Plan is celebrating its 43rd year of providing healthcare services and currently caters to over 135,000 members across the Florida Panhandle, operating three exclusive health centers in Tallahassee.
Investment in Medical Education
In addition to hosting the open house, CHP is investing $200,000 into the Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine’s Bridge to Clinical Medicine Program to help tackle Florida’s physician shortage. This funding is geared toward preparing students from underserved communities for medical school, ultimately working towards creating a robust workforce of future healthcare providers.
The investment includes two installments of $100,000 over the next two years, with the program culminating in a master’s degree in biomedical sciences. Focused on students from communities with limited access to healthcare, the program has already made a significant impact since its launch in 2023, aiding hundreds of aspiring physicians. Over 96% of the program’s 227 alumni have progressed to medical school, with 155 graduates currently matched to residency programs and around 100 actively practicing medicine, many specializing in primary care in Florida.
Addressing Food Insecurity
CHP has also taken steps to address food insecurity by donating $50,000 to Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This contribution is aimed at expanding Second Harvest’s efforts to provide nutritious food to families across 16 counties in North Florida. The donation was marked by a presentation at Second Harvest’s headquarters in Tallahassee, reinforcing the collaborative mission of both organizations to enhance community health through improved access to food.
In 2024, Second Harvest of the Big Bend provided over 17.5 million meals to food-insecure individuals through its partnerships with local food pantries, shelters, schools, and faith-based organizations. The organization plays a vital role within the Feeding America network, ensuring consistent access to healthy meals for those in need. The CEO of Second Harvest expressed gratitude toward CHP for its commitment to help combat hunger within the community.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming open house and continued investments in education and nutrition, Capital Health Plan is dedicated to fostering a healthier future for communities within the Florida Panhandle. Through innovative programs and partnerships, CHP is addressing issues that impact access to healthcare and the overall well-being of residents in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Senior Wellness Open House
- Wikipedia: Health and wellness
- WTXL: CHP Investment in FSU’s Program
- Google Search: Florida State University College of Medicine
- Florida Politics: New Leadership at CHP
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Leadership
- Tallahassee.com: CHP Donates to Food Nonprofit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Insecurity
- Tallahassee Reports: CHP’s New CEO
- Google News: Florida Healthcare News
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
