Families at Myakka City Elementary School, a rural Manatee County campus about 20 miles east of Lakewood Ranch, currently drive to Arcadia or Bradenton for basic healthcare. A $37,000 grant could change that.

MCR Health, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center operating across Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties, received the planning grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to study whether a school-based health center at the campus is viable. The independent feasibility study, conducted by consulting firm Results 1st, is now underway.

"A health center on school property would increase timely access to primary and behavioral healthcare and decrease school absenteeism caused by illness or long travel times to medical providers," MCR Health President and CEO Dr. Melvin B. Price said when the grant was announced June 4.

There are no health centers in Myakka City. The school serves roughly 319 students in pre-K through fifth grade and sits in what federal data classifies as a "rural, distant" locale.

If the study determines the center is feasible, MCR Health says it would offer primary care, preventive services and health education on campus. The organization also noted in its Aug. 5 announcement published by Pulse of Manatee that the model could be replicated at other Manatee County schools.

Principal Carol Ricks said campus safety would remain "non-negotiable" in any health center design, according to the same announcement.

September town halls

Community feedback will directly shape whether the project moves forward. Two input sessions are scheduled at Myakka Elementary School:

• Thursday, Sept. 24 — Community Town Hall, 6–7 p.m. Light refreshments provided.
• Saturday, Sept. 26 — Community Health Fair & Town Hall, 9 a.m.–noon. The town hall presentation runs 9–10 a.m., followed by a health fair with local organizations and vendors. Food available for purchase.

Parents, educators, residents and community leaders are invited to attend either event to ask questions and offer input on the proposed center.

The $37,000 grant was part of the Bishop-Parker Foundation's spring 2026 cycle, which awarded 42 grants totaling nearly $4.8 million to Manatee County nonprofits. No timeline has been announced for when the feasibility study's findings will be released or when a final decision on the health center would be made.