Weems Memorial Hospital Hosts AHCA Rural Health Transformation Town Hall
Apalachicola, Fla. — December 5, 2025 — George E. Weems Memorial Hospital recently hosted the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as part of Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program Town Hall series — a statewide effort focused on strengthening healthcare access in rural communities.
AHCA, Florida’s chief health policy agency, is meeting with rural hospitals and healthcare providers across the state as it prepares for a new, multi-year federal grant initiative designed to support rural health systems. The Rural Health Transformation Program is intended to help rural communities address shared challenges such as workforce stability, access to technology and telehealth, care coordination, and long-term sustainability.
By hosting one of these town halls, Weems Memorial Hospital helped ensure that the needs and priorities of Franklin County and surrounding rural communities are part of Florida’s planning process for this important funding opportunity.
“We appreciate AHCA coming to Weems to hear directly from our rural facilities,” said David Walker, CEO of Weems Memorial Hospital. “The Rural Health Transformation Program has the potential to make a real difference for hospitals like ours. When rural providers have the resources to strengthen local access to care, it benefits every family and every community we serve.”
The discussion highlighted the essential role rural hospitals play in Florida’s healthcare system and the importance of ensuring that rural voices are represented as new programs and investments are developed. Conversations during the town hall focused on current challenges facing rural providers and how future funding could support continued access to quality care close to home.
Hosting this event reflects Weems Memorial Hospital’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and long-term healthcare stability for Franklin County. As planning for the Rural Health Transformation Program continues, insights shared during town halls like this one will help guide Florida’s approach and ensure that rural communities remain a priority.
About Weems Memorial Hospital
Celebrating 66 years of service to Franklin County, Florida, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital is a private, nonprofit, 25-bed critical access hospital providing emergency services, primary care, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, and a range of outpatient services. Weems is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations.