If you are looking for a way to make a difference in our community, consider supporting the Watson Clinic Foundation. Your gift is an investment in our community’s well-being.

Founded in 1960, the Watson Clinic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Watson Clinic LLP. Although we do not build buildings or pay medical salaries, our mission is vital to building lasting relationships in our community and carries on a tradition of stewardship started more than 45 years ago.

Historically, the foundation has pioneered many accomplishments,including the installation of cardiac defibrillators in Florida’s ambulances, the introduction of 911 emergency service to Polk County citizens and the distribution of more than 5,000 pacemakers to patients in 28 developing nations through the creation of Heartbeat International.

In addition to lending support to several local agencies, such as Talbot House Ministries, Good Shepherd Hospice and Salvation Army, the foundation offers a myriad of free educational programs throughout the year to promote a healthy and fortified community, including topics such as: Cancer prevention. Cardiovascular disease. Diabetes. Vascular disease. Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to education, free screenings are offered to help in early detection and prevention of conditions such as: Skin cancer. Prostate cancer. Vascular disease. Blood pressure.

Both educational programs and screenings are vital to build and sustain a healthy community. Think about it: Current scientific information shows that almost two-thirds of deaths from cancer each year could be prevented by changing dietary or lifestyle habits. Education is key. Screenings are too. Friends, co-workers or neighbors might ignore signs or symptoms and not make appointments with their physicians, but free and easy screenings could save their lives.

The foundation is accredited by the Florida Medical Association to offer continuing medical education to health care providers. Not only does this expand the knowledge base of medical professionals, but it also ensures that patients in our community receive the most comprehensive treatment.

Research is imperative to advancing the pool of medical knowledge we have about the prevention and treatment of diseases. We grant support to physicians for research, striving to improve patient care from the knowledge gleaned through the process.

Since its inception, the foundation’s mission has been education, research and community service. Community service, for instance, was behind the capital campaign of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM). The free clinic offering high-quality health care to the working uninsured in Lakeland was the foundation’s greatest undertaking in history. Our generous community and employees rose to the challenge and generated over $5.5 million. In August 2002, LVIM became a separately incorporated, nonprofit organization.

You can contribute too! We will help you match your interest or abilities with specific projects or services of the foundation. You will no doubt feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing you have been able to help others. Just call the foundation at (863) 668-3418.