Expanding Access Through Community Partnership
Health looks different for every person and every community. In rural North Florida, access to care often requires organizations to work together across disciplines to meet the full spectrum of needs. DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation represent two sides of health care coming together with one shared purpose. Both organizations remain committed to expanding access, increasing education, and strengthening wellness across the communities they serve.
While DISC Village focuses on behavioral health and recovery support, DSR Public Health Foundation addresses general and chronic health needs. Together, these efforts create a more complete, connected approach to community wellness in Madison County and surrounding rural areas.
Two Organizations, One Shared Mission
DSR Public Health Foundation centers its work on improving chronic health outcomes and reducing barriers to care in rural communities. Current initiatives include free chronic health screenings, a mobile dental unit, youth health leadership programming, tutoring support during spring and summer months, and regular food drives and farmers’ markets that promote access to nutritious foods. DSR Public Health Foundation also continues efforts to bring a grocery store to Greenville, an area currently experiencing limited access to fresh and affordable food options. More information about DSR Public Health Foundation and its initiatives is available at https://www.dsrpublichealth.com/.
DISC Village complements this work through behavioral health services that support individuals and families impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. Services include Medication Assisted Treatment, Naloxone education and distribution, peer support counseling, and prevention-focused programming designed to reduce stigma and increase safety.
Both organizations operate on the belief that healthier communities form when people receive support that addresses physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Shared Initiatives in the Community
Collaboration between DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation already plays an important role at community events across the Big Bend, Madison County, and nearby rural areas. Resource fairs often serve as a key point of connection. DSR Public Health Foundation may offer health screenings or dental services, while DISC Village provides education on behavioral health resources, Naloxone availability, peer support services, and pathways to care.
These joint efforts allow residents to access multiple forms of support in one setting. Increased visibility and accessibility reduce barriers for individuals who may otherwise struggle to navigate separate systems of care. Community members gain information, tools, and referrals that support both immediate needs and long-term wellness.
A Shared Space Creating Stronger Collaboration
Now that DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation share office space within the Madison County Human Services Center, opportunities for collaboration continue to grow. Physical proximity strengthens communication, coordination, and the ability to respond quickly to community needs.
Plans for future collaboration include expanded resource fairs that integrate chronic and behavioral health services, co-sponsored food drives, and community wellness events focused on education and prevention. Both organizations also plan to strengthen referral pathways. DSR Public Health Foundation may connect individuals to DISC Village for behavioral health screenings and support when needs extend beyond chronic health services.
This integrated approach supports earlier intervention, increased continuity of care, and improved outcomes for individuals and families across the county.
Building Healthier Rural Communities Together
Rural communities thrive when organizations work with shared goals and mutual respect. DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation demonstrate how collaboration across health disciplines can increase access, reduce care gaps, and strengthen community trust.
Through shared space, shared initiatives, and a shared mission, both organizations continue building a healthier future for Madison County and the surrounding region. Community-centered partnerships remain essential to ensuring that care, education, and support reach the people who need them most.
Looking Ahead to Future Community Events
Residents of the Big Bend can expect to see DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation partnering more often on events designed to expand access, education, and support across Madison County.
Plans include participating together in future resource fairs, sponsoring food drives, and hosting wellness-focused events that bring chronic and behavioral health resources into one accessible space. A shared goal involves hosting a comprehensive resource fair in Madison County where community members can connect directly with both DISC Village and DSR Public Health Foundation.
Community members are encouraged to check the DISC Village website’s event page and social media pages for updates on upcoming events, locations, and partnership initiatives. Continued collaboration will help ensure that services reach more people and support healthier communities now and in the future.