News & Media
April 24, 2026
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.
Reports
Community Health Needs Assessments
A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is a study conducted to better understand the most pressing health needs in the community. Using local health data and feedback from residents, providers, and community partners, the assessment helps identify key health priorities and barriers to care. The results guide the hospital’s planning and programs to improve health outcomes in the communities it serves.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Weems Memorial Hospital will close Weems Medical Center East, Weems Medical Center West, and all outpatient services on Monday, January 19.
While outpatient clinics will be closed for the holiday, Weems Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department remains open 24/7 to provide care for urgent and emergency medical needs.
All outpatient clinics and services will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 20. We appreciate the community’s understanding as our team joins in honoring the legacy of Dr. King and his impact on our nation.
For emergencies, please call 911 or visit the Weems Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.
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.