Weems Memorial Joins Seven-Hospital Rural Health Transformation Initiative

Friday, August 14, 2026

APALACHICOLA, Fla. — George E. Weems Memorial Hospital is one of seven rural hospitals participating in a regional collaborative awarded nearly $11.2 million in Year 1 funding through Florida’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), administered by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

The five-year Specialty & Acute Care Bundle, led by Calhoun Liberty Hospital, will expand access to specialty care, strengthen emergency services and improve care coordination across Northwest Florida.

The collaborative includes:

  • Calhoun Liberty Hospital
  • Doctors Memorial Hospital (Bonifay)
  • Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (Perry)
  • George E. Weems Memorial Hospital (Apalachicola)
  • Jackson Hospital (Marianna)
  • Madison County Memorial Hospital
  • Northwest Florida Community Hospital (Chipley)

Together, the partner hospitals serve residents across Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Walton and Washington counties.

Expanding Access to Care Close to Home

For patients in Franklin County, this initiative means greater access to specialized care without traveling long distances.

As the program is implemented, Weems patients will have access to:

  • Cardiology, oncology and neurology specialists through secure video visits
  • Expanded behavioral and mental health services through telehealth
  • Faster emergency stroke evaluations with immediate specialist consultation
  • Shared technology that helps participating hospitals securely coordinate patient care

Implementation will occur in phases during the program’s first year as participating hospitals complete readiness activities. Specific service launch dates for Weems will be announced as they become available.

“This partnership gives Franklin County patients access to specialty care without a long drive to get it,” said David Walker, CEO of George E. Weems Memorial Hospital. “Our patients will be able to connect with cardiology, oncology and neurology specialists by video right here at Weems, and reach stroke specialists quickly when every minute matters. This is about increased access to care for the communities we serve.”

The Florida Rural Health Transformation Program is designed to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state’s rural communities by supporting regional partnerships that improve access to care, expand services and enhance patient outcomes.