SIM Health breaks ground on $10M health center in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — Puerto Rico-based SIM Health has officially broken ground on its first clinic in Central Florida, a $10 million project that marks a major expansion of the organization’s mission to provide accessible, culturally responsive health care.
The future clinic, located at 1509 East Colonial Drive in Orlando, will be housed in a remodeled facility that is being renovated in phases to accommodate current tenants. Once complete, the state-of-the-art health center will offer a full range of services including primary care, pharmacy, dental, mental health and preventive care.
“Today is more than the start of a renovation project. It is the beginning of a long-term commitment to the families of Central Florida,” said Gloria del Carmen Amador-Fernández, president of SIM Health. “This clinic will reflect our Puerto Rican roots, warmth, family values and dignity while embracing the vibrant diversity of this region.”
The organization, officially known as Salud Integral en la Montaña, has been serving Puerto Rico’s central mountain region since 1974. With locations in municipalities such as Barranquitas, Comerío, Bayamón and Corozal, SIM Health currently provides primary and specialized care to more than 50,000 patients, particularly in communities with limited access to health care.
The new Orlando location will operate as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), ensuring affordable services for all patients, regardless of insurance coverage. According to the organization, the decision to expand to Florida was driven by population growth and health care access challenges in the region.
“This is more than a building. This is a commitment to equity and access,” said Carmen Fuentes-Albino, chair of SIM Health’s board of directors. “We are proud to open a space that honors the community’s diversity and responds to real needs.”
The clinic is being designed by Baker Barrios Architects and constructed by SkyBuilders USA. Local officials, including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz, joined the groundbreaking ceremony in support of the project.
SIM Health expects to open the clinic next year.
