USDA Rural Development Celebrates New Permanent Rural Health Clinic in the Town of Paxton

(Gainesville, Fla., May 19, 2026) -U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Florida State Director MaryAnn Pistilli today celebrates completed construction of a health clinic in rural Walton County, made possible with USDA funds.

The Town of Paxton received a $679,500 grant through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Programs funding to construct a new permanent healthcare facility serving the northernmost area of Walton County.

"This investment ensures the Town of Paxton gains a modern, permanent healthcare facility designed to better serve residents and strengthen community resilience," said Pistilli. "It reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to essential health services in rural Florida, just as Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizes, rural America must remain the backbone of our nation, with safe and sustainable healthcare at its heart."

The Town of Paxton was previously served by a small portable building at 21505 US Highway 331 North, which housed the local branch of the Florida Department of Health. Patients who required any additional services traveled at least 25 miles to DeFuniak Springs. The new facility provides improved quality of care with updated and modern equipment, and the space to serve.

Additional project support includes $78,046 of in-kind assistance from Walton County Board of County Commissioners and $460,000 in cash contribution, as well as $96,069 from the Town of Paxton, bringing the total project cost to $1,313,615.

USDA's Community Facilities Program offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for public service buildings to improve the quality of life, develop, and sustain rural America. USDA's Community Facilities Programs also fund building projects for public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized American Indian Tribes to provide essential health care, education, public safety, and other civic services. Examples include fire and rescue stations, health care facilities and rehab centers, adult and childcare centers, assisted living facilities, town halls, schools, and libraries. To learn more about these programs, contact SheNeena Forbes, Program Director at [email protected] .

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov and subscribe to GovDelivery updates .

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