ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Metro Healthy Communities (METRO) announced today that the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded the organization full Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) designation. The designation makes METRO one of only four new FQHCs in Florida and the sole recipient in the Tampa Bay region.
What the designation means for the community
Full FQHC status brings direct federal funding to support day‑to‑day operations, federal malpractice coverage for providers, and greater access to grant programs aimed at improving health outcomes. The award is part of the $102 million New Access Points (NAP) investment announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand the Health Center Program and bring primary care to nearly one million additional Americans.
For METRO, the designation strengthens its flagship Copay It Forward™ program, which has reinvested more than $4 million in community‑funded health support since its 2018 launch. It also enables the organization to expand services for the region’s most vulnerable patients, including low‑income families, seniors, and those living with chronic conditions.
Expanded services and new locations
As part of the award, METRO will open a new health‑center access point in Port Richey, Pasco County, extending affordable, high‑quality care to additional residents. The expansion will also support a third Metro Inclusive Pharmacy location in the Pasco area, joining existing pharmacies in St. Petersburg and Tampa that provide free prescription delivery and expanded copay assistance.
METRO’s existing network already includes nine health centers across St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon and New Port Richey, offering more than 100 programs and services such as primary care, HIV care and prevention, same‑day STI testing, and rapid access to PrEP, nPEP and DoxyPEP.
Outstanding HIV care outcomes
The organization’s integrated primary‑care and HIV‑care model has produced a 92 % viral‑suppression rate among HIV‑positive patients—well above the state average of 70 % and the national average of 68.5 %.
“Full FQHC status is one of the most significant milestones in METRO’s 30‑plus‑year history,” said Priya Rajkumar, METRO’s CEO. “Being selected as one of only four new organizations in Florida validates our team’s work and the community’s trust in us. It strengthens nearly every part of how we operate.”
Looking ahead
Since becoming an FQHC Look‑Alike in April 2020, METRO has consistently earned positive HRSA site‑visit reports and demonstrated improving patient outcomes. The new designation positions the nonprofit to deepen its impact across the Tampa Bay region for years to come, reinforcing its mission to provide affordable, high‑quality health care rooted in compassion and community partnership.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
