Sunshine Health, a Florida healthcare plan provider, has opened a new Community Connections Center in Pinellas Park. The 5,000-square-foot facility, located at 8800 49th Street N., aims to provide a space where members and residents can access care, resources, and community support.

Community Resources

The center will offer services such as housing and utility assistance, as well as a monthly food pantry in partnership with the Farm Share food bank. Not-for-profit organizations can use the property at no-cost for initiatives.

Sunshine Health chief marketing and engagement officer Heather Urquides stated that the center has been in the works for about two years. The team began using the center in early June and plans to form workforce training partnerships in Pinellas County.

Partnerships and Services

Many of the services offered at the Pinellas center will be accessible to individuals who are not members. For example, Sunshine Health partners with the American Heart Association to provide CPR training. Community members will be able to participate in a variety of classes.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Pinellas County is one of Sunshine Health’s community partners. Katy Simpson, the organization’s program coordinator, attended the opening gathering and emphasized the importance of partnering with Sunshine Health to offer more resources to the local community.

Danielle Stewart, the City of Pinellas Park’s long range planning and economic development manager, believes that the facility will be beneficial for residents, local businesses, and Pinellas Park staff. St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Chris Steinocher also praised the center, stating that it will help equalize the playing field for everybody.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.