(BLOUNTSTOWN, Fla., Monday, July 14, 2025) – After years of perseverance, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier future, Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) will officially open its new 50,000-square- foot facility to the community on July 31, 2025. The new hospital marks a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare recovery and brings a brighter future for the people of Calhoun and Liberty Counties.

The original Calhoun Liberty Hospital, which opened in 1961, provided essential healthcare services to the rural communities of Calhoun and Liberty Counties. At that time, the facility covered 24,000 square feet. However, when Hurricane Michael devastated the region in 2018, the hospital was severely impacted, and usable space was reduced to just 13,000 square feet. Since then, the community has rallied together with federal and state agencies to rebuild, focusing on both restoring what was lost and expanding access to cutting-edge care for the future.

“This new hospital is a testament to our community’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all residents of our region for generations to come,” said Mark Plummer, Chairman of the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association. “Through the dedication of our team and the incredible support we’ve received, we’ve turned a setback into an opportunity for greater healthcare access, more jobs, and a brighter future.”

A Vision of Growth: Increased Access to Advanced Healthcare

With the new 50,000-square-foot facility, CLH is not just rebuilding – it’s expanding. The new hospital will offer an array of state-of-the-art services that include:

  • Emergency services with advanced equipment
  • Private patient rooms for inpatient care and short-term transitional rehabilitation
  • Three flexible clinical decision rooms
  • Comprehensive rehabilitative services, including physical, occupational, cardiac, and pulmonary therapy
  • Meeting and training space to support continued professional development and community engagement
  • Expanded laboratory services to improve diagnostic capabilities
  • Radiology services with state-of-the-art technology, including echocardiograms, mammography, CT scans, ultrasound, X-ray, and DEXA scans, with MRI services available by the end of the year
  • A cafeteria with public access to provide convenience and comfort to patients, families, and visitors
  • Administrative and coordination space for the more than 100 employees, ensuring seamless operations and optimal patient care

This new hospital will not only expand healthcare access but will also serve as a hub for both medical excellence and community collaboration, strengthening the region’s overall health infrastructure for years to come,” said Emily Brown, Chief Executive Officer. “This new facility allows us to offer top-tier healthcare to our community, keeping families close to home while receiving the best possible care.”

The opening of the new hospital marks the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare for the area, with expanded outpatient services already in the works and future growth planned in the form of Phase II of the facility’s expansion.

Hurricane Michael: A Turning Point for the Community

The devastation of Hurricane Michael was a dark chapter for Calhoun and Liberty Counties. The storm left a trail of destruction, including catastrophic damage to Calhoun Liberty Hospital, leaving it operating at just 40 percent of its pre-hurricane capacity.

In the aftermath, more than $47 million in federal and state funding was secured to rebuild the hospital, with support from Florida Commerce, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), state legislative appropriations, Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant program, New Market Tax Credit program, facility insurance and organization reserves. This funding was not only critical for the physical structure but also an investment in the future of healthcare for the region.

“Hurricane Michael tested our community, but it also revealed our incredible strength and determination to rebuild,” said Christinia Jepsen, Chief Project Management Officer at CLH. “Together, we have transformed a moment of crisis into a vision of hope for our families and future generations.”

A Powerful Economic Driver for the Region

Beyond its importance to the health of residents, the new Calhoun Liberty Hospital is poised to become a major economic driver for the region. The new facility will not only enhance healthcare access but also create new high-value jobs in the community, contributing to the local economy.

As the hospital expands its services and potentially adds new specialties, such as cardiology, orthopedic care, and expanded telehealth services, more healthcare professionals will be needed, creating job opportunities in nursing, administration, technology, and more. Additionally, the increased capacity and services will allow for new partnerships with specialized care providers, boosting local business and tourism as people from surrounding areas seek care in Blountstown.

A Community United

The opening of this new facility is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the Calhoun Liberty Hospital team, the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Big Bend Healthcare Alliance (BBHA), and local legislators who have worked tirelessly to secure funding and support. The project has brought the community closer together, proving that anything is possible when people unite with a common purpose.

“The creation of this new hospital is not just a win for healthcare; it’s a win for our community’s future,” said Mark Plummer. “This is a true reflection of what can happen when we stay focused, stay strong, and never lose sight of our goals.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Calhoun Liberty Hospital

The grand opening on July 31 at 9 a.m. CT will allow the community to see firsthand the remarkable transformation of their local healthcare facility. Once the public has had an opportunity to tour the new space, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and other regulatory agencies will conduct their final inspections to ensure the facility meets all required standards for patient care. The exact date in August for the start of patient services will be announced as soon as it becomes available. Comprehensive details and updates will be available on the hospital’s website at CalhounLibertyHospital.com.

Looking ahead, CLH will continue to expand its services, emphasizing patient care excellence, community wellness, and economic growth. The hospital’s mission remains focused on keeping patients close to home, providing high-quality care when they need it most, and strengthening the region for years to come.