June 19, 2026

Franklin County hospice care just got more accessible, giving families a local option for one of life’s hardest journeys.

On June 18, George E. Weems Memorial Hospital and Big Bend Hospice cut the ribbon on the Franklin County Big Bend Hospice In-Patient Care Unit, a dedicated room designed to give patients and families compassionate, end-of-life care without having to leave the county.

“We’re fortunate to have a local hospital that can provide a service like this,” said Weems Governing Board Chair Duffie Harrison. “Our goal has always been to keep care close to home, in our own community. It’s our people taking care of our community, and our local volunteers and Weems staff are who made this happen.”

The room gives families a comfortable, home-like space to be present with their loved ones, while Weems’ clinical team and Big Bend Hospice coordinate care side by side.

“We can’t help with the outcome, but we can offer comfort in the journey,” said Doris Carmichael, APRN, a hospice volunteer and President of the Big Bend Hospice Advisory for Franklin County. Carmichael, who lost her husband three years ago, said the work is close to her heart. “This room allows families to be at the bedside to offer the emotional support their loved one needs, while skilled nursing takes care of their medical needs.”

That partnership is central to how the room operates. Big Bend Hospice Chief Operating Officer Amanda Gustafson called it a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the two organizations. “When you can no longer be cared for at home, here you have 24-hour care,” Gustafson said, adding that the room also offers respite for exhausted caregivers who need a safe place for their loved one to stay.

Just outside the room, the Weems Healthcare Foundation funded a Reflecting Garden, a quiet outdoor space where loved ones can step away for a private moment, a phone call, or simply some fresh air.

“This is what Weems is about,” said CEO David Walker. “Partnerships, caring for our community, and increasing local access to care.”

The hospice room reflects a broader commitment at Weems: building services that allow Franklin County residents to receive high-quality care without traveling outside the community they call home.

April 24, 2026

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At Weems Memorial Hospital, part of our work as a critical access hospital is paying close attention to where our community’s healthcare needs aren’t fully met – and stepping in to help when a project is both viable and valuable for the people we serve. A retail pharmacy in Carrabelle is one of those opportunities, and we’re excited to share that the project is officially moving forward.

How we got here
The Weems Board of Directors commissioned a professional retail pharmacy study to take a careful, honest look at whether a Carrabelle pharmacy could serve the community well and operate sustainably over time. The analysis, presented by pharmacy consultant Jason Prokopik of Blue and Co., confirmed that the vision was both viable and valuable – projecting steady growth, long-term financial sustainability, and meaningful benefit for residents on the eastern end of the county.

On April 15, the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners reviewed the plan and gave it their full support, clearing the way for Weems to begin next steps.

A word from our Board Chair
“When the board looked at this opportunity, it wasn’t just about opening a pharmacy – it was about expanding access to care in a practical, sustainable way. The study confirmed what we believed: this is a smart investment for the hospital and a real benefit for the community.”
— Duffie Harrison, Chair, Weems Memorial Hospital Board of Directors

Why this matters: the 340B program
As a critical access hospital, Weems participates in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows us to offer significantly reduced prices on many medications. That benefit will extend to the Carrabelle pharmacy.

A pharmacy that serves everyone
The Carrabelle pharmacy will be open to the full community – not just Weems and health department patients – and will be located at Weems Medical Center East (110 NE 5th Street, Carrabelle).

What’s next
These kinds of projects take time. Between regulatory approvals, staffing, build-out, and stocking, we’re realistically looking at nine months to a year before the doors open. We’ll share updates along the way.