×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Direct Relief and Treasure Coast Community Health Complete First Power for Health Solar Microgrid in Florida

New resilient power system at Fellsmere, Florida, health center strengthens emergency readiness and continuity of care during future outages.

News

Resilient Power

Treasure Coast Community Health Center’s Fellsmere site is benefiting from a new solar and battery storage system funded by Direct Relief that will provide resilient back-up power and cost savings for decades to come. (Courtesy photo)
By Sara Rossi

Direct Relief and Treasure Coast Community Health, Inc., today announced the completion of a solar-powered microgrid system at TCCH’s Fellsmere health center. This resilient power installation marks a pivotal step toward safeguarding essential health services in a region frequently exposed to severe storms and utility outages.

As the sole Federally Qualified Health Center in Indian River County, Florida, TCCH provides integrated medical, dental, behavioral, and mental health, and pharmacy services to nearly 28,000 individuals across multiple sites.

The Fellsmere health center serves more than 9,000 patients annually. The new 46-kilowatt solar and 214-kilowatt-hour battery system helps ensure continuity of care by keeping critical systems online when grid power is lost for up to 19 hours.

The project was funded through a grant of $353,000 from Direct Relief’s Power for Health Initiative, which supports U.S. community health centers and free clinics in installing resilient, clean energy systems to safeguard patient care during emergencies and natural disasters. The grant covered 100% of the costs for project development and installation, led by American Microgrid Solutions and PayOli Solar, respectively, as well as five years of operations and maintenance. This marks the first completed Power for Health project in Florida, with eight more under development.

Non-profit community health centers in Florida serve some of the most vulnerable patient populations while facing significant power-related risks. In 2023, a Direct Relief-funded survey of community health centers statewide found that more than 60% of Florida health centers responding to the survey had no backup power systems, and outages cost centers an average of $41,000 per day in lost revenue while threatening vaccine and medication storage.

The urgency of Florida’s energy vulnerabilities is underscored by Direct Relief’s recent Southeast U.S. impact analysis following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A 2024 post-hurricane survey found that power loss forced temporary closure at more than half of safety-net healthcare providers who responded, resulting in nearly 28,000 canceled or delayed patient visits, spoiled vaccines, and millions of dollars in lost revenue — with Florida health centers among the hardest hit across the region.

“This new solar and battery system is truly life-changing,” said Dr. Heather Miranda, Interim CEO of Treasure Coast Community Health. “In a region frequently impacted by hurricanes, sustainable and reliable energy is essential to providing care and protecting vaccines, medications, and other vital equipment. This system will help ensure the long-term resilience of our health center and allow our team to continue delivering behavioral health, dental, medical, and pharmacy services — even during emergencies.”

“Completing Florida’s first Power for Health solar microgrid is a milestone not only for Treasure Coast but for healthcare energy resilience statewide,” said Sara Rossi, Managing Director of Direct Relief’s Health Resiliency Fund. “Every hurricane presents the stark reminder that without electricity, care stops and patients lose critical access. By investing in clean, reliable backup power, we’re helping Florida health centers stay open to protect community health regardless of disruptions to the grid.”

Gianna Van Winkle, Director of Emergency Management Programs for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, highlighted the broader implications: “Reliable power is essential for community health centers across Florida, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent. This solar microgrid at TCCH’s Fellsmere location demonstrates how resilient energy solutions can protect patients, staff, and critical services — and sets a strong example for health centers throughout the state.”

The solar microgrid at TCCH’s Fellsmere health center adds to a growing portfolio of resilient power installations supported by Direct Relief nationwide, aiming to help safety-net health providers sustain operations during emergencies, reduce operating costs, and improve long-term energy independence.

Filed Under: , , , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.

Receive Alerts