In the heart of South Dade, the Doris Ison Health Center at 10300 SW 216th St is more than a medical facility—it is a monument to the power of a single person’s will. This 97,000-square-foot flagship is the "mothership" of Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI), standing as a beacon of hope that rose from the dust of 1970s trailers to become one of the most comprehensive "one-stop-shop" health hubs in the state.
The Legacy of a Tomato Picker
The center is named after Doris Ison, a farmworker with a third-grade education and an iron determination. Fed up with seeing neighbors die because local hospitals refused to treat minorities, she lobbied Congress and convinced doctors to volunteer in double-wide trailers. Today, her vision has evolved into a massive, state-of-the-art campus that treats over 65,000 patients a year, regardless of their ability to pay.
Why Doris Ison is a Community Lifeline
The Total Health "Ecosystem": This isn't just a clinic; it's an entire medical neighborhood under one roof. It houses primary care, pediatrics, dental, OB/GYN, a full pharmacy, radiology, and even cardiology. You can walk in for a check-up, get your labs done, and pick up your prescription without ever leaving the building.
The 24/7 Safety Net: As a Baker Act receiving center, it provides critical 24-hour crisis stabilization and detox services. For many in South Miami-Dade, this is the only place to turn during a mental health or substance use emergency.
The "Teaching Health Center" Status: Doris Ison is a pioneer in education, being the first community health center in Florida to achieve "Teaching Health Center" status. Here, the next generation of doctors and psychiatrists are trained right in the heart of the community they serve.
Breaking Barriers to Entry: Understanding that a doctor's visit is useless if you can't get there, the center offers free transportation for patients and a sliding-fee scale based on income, ensuring that zip code and bank account aren't barriers to high-quality care.
A Sanctuary of Resilience
From surviving the devastation of Hurricane Andrew to its current role as a specialized center for children's crisis care, the Doris Ison Health Center embodies the spirit of South Miami. It is a place where "Patient Care Comes First" isn't just a motto—it's a legacy written in every hallway. It remains a testament to what happens when a community decides that healthcare is a human right, not a luxury.
The Doris Ison Health Center, named after a visionary and trailblazer, is our flagship and largest health center. Ison was a pioneer whose passion and commitment led to the construction of the health center in South Dade which has since served the South Florida community for 50+ years by offering a variety of high-quality healthcare services.
CHI Insurance Enrollment
Our specialists assist you 1-on-1
At CHI, our team of outreach and enrollment specialists will work with you one-on-one to help enroll you and your family in an Affordable Care Act insurance plan(formally known as Obamacare) as well as Medicaid or KidCare plans. If you do not have insurance, CHI has you covered with a sliding-fee scale based on your income.
Services
Primary Care Services
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