Historic $5 million gift from Frank and Carol Morsani launches capital campaign as Hernando County approves 99-year land lease
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Premier Community HealthCare Group will build a new integrated health center in Spring Hill, backed by a $5 million commitment from longtime Hernando County residents Carol and Frank Morsani. It is the largest philanthropic gift in Premier’s history and follows the Hernando Board of County Commissioners’ Aug. 25 vote to move forward with a land lease for the site.
Hernando County is a federally designated shortage area for primary care, mental health and dental care. There are 1,394 people for every mental health provider, compared with 693 statewide. Behavioral health hospitalizations run 46 percent above the state rate. Tampa General Hospital’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment for Hernando County ranks behavioral health as the top priority and health care access second among seven — and 72.5 percent of survey respondents included access to health care among the five most important factors for improving quality of life — the most-selected factor, ahead of affordable food and livable-wage jobs.
The center will sit on Forest Oaks Boulevard near the county’s Tax Collector office, bringing primary care, behavioral health, nutrition services and an on-site pharmacy under one roof. It will have the capacity to serve more than 15,000 patients a year and is expected to support 60 to 70 care team member positions on site.
“For patients who are delaying care because the trip, cost, or wait feels overwhelming, this new health center represents a future where primary care, behavioral health, nutrition support, and pharmacy services are closer, coordinated, and easier to access,” said Joey Resnick, President and CEO of Premier Community HealthCare Group. “This is a testament to the vision of the Hernando County commissioners, and it builds on the Morsanis’ long record of giving to this region.”
The project is anchored by a $5 million legacy commitment from the Morsanis, who have designated the gift through their estate plans to support the Spring Hill center and Premier’s long-term work in Hernando County.
“The timing could not be better. Improving access to care in Hernando County is at the top of Premier’s new strategic plan, and this project directly responds to that priority,” said Tony Coleman, Chair of Premier’s Board of Directors. “The Morsanis’ transformational commitment allows us to accelerate a timeline that otherwise would have taken many years to prepare for. Quite simply, we could not make this happen without their lead gift. Because of their generosity, Premier is now positioned to launch a capital campaign with tremendous momentum and move this long-needed project forward for the patients and families who need it most.”
The Morsanis’ lead gift is intended to help accelerate Premier’s vision for the Spring Hill health center and serve as the catalyst for a broader capital campaign. Premier’s goal is to inspire community partners, donors, businesses, and residents to help match the Morsani commitment and bring the project to life for Hernando County.
For Frank Morsani, the gift reflects a shared commitment he and Carol have long held:
“Carol and I have always believed that quality health care should be within reach for the people who need it most. This commitment reflects our deep belief in Premier’s mission and in the importance of serving Hernando County residents who may otherwise delay care, travel too far, or go without the support they need. We hope our lead gift will accelerate Premier’s vision for this new health center and inspire others to join the capital campaign to match our commitment and improve access to compassionate, high-quality care for generations to come.”
This project reflects the power of generosity, partnership, and shared purpose.
“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support that makes this moment possible,” said Cheryl Pollock, Chief Advancement and Community Engagement Officer. “This new health center is about neighbors caring for neighbors and ensuring that more children, families, seniors, and individuals in Hernando County can receive compassionate, high-quality care closer to home.”
As planning moves forward, Premier invites community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners to help bring the new Spring Hill health center to life. To learn how to get involved, contact [email protected].