Watson Clinic Foundation

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Watson Clinic Foundation

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First founded in 1960, the Watson Clinic Foundation has worked to promote community wellness through education, research and service.

Founded in 1960 as the philanthropic arm of Watson Clinic, the Watson Clinic Foundation promotes the wellness of our community through education, research, service and collaboration. In the process, our efforts have resonated throughout Polk County and far beyond. It all begins with education. The foundation reaches out into the community to offer a series of education-based lectures, seminars and special events designed to keep people informed and healthy. During these events, medical professionals speak on a variety of topics ranging from cancer prevention and screening, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and much more. We also realize that the future of healthcare lies in the continued evolution of those who currently practice medicine, and in the ambitions of those who are working to enter the field. To this end, our Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program provides quality educational opportunities to physicians throughout Central Florida to keep them current and knowledgeable in an ever-changing medical environment. In addition, the Foundation also provides nursing scholarships to some of the area’s most deserving young students. Throughout our history, we have funded numerous research programs that have made an enduring impact in shaping the course of treatment for a many common health concerns, from cardiology to oncology. We also support a variety of highly esteemed philanthropic groups – both on the local and national levels – who are doing vital work in disease awareness, prevention and treatment. As early detection is the key to managing many of the most common and potentially deadly conditions, we routinely provide free community health screenings, including blood pressure checks, body fat analysis, mammograms, skin and prostate cancer screenings, and many more. The Foundation’s efforts have also made a difference in saving lives throughout our community. Such is the case with their frequent donations of automated external defibrillators in popular public sites across the region. If a cardiac emergency were to take place at these selected locations, the potentially life-saving equipment will be nearby to assist with an immediate resuscitation attempt. You can make a difference in the health of your community by donating to the Watson Clinic Foundation. For more information, please write, call or visit:

The Watson Clinic Foundation
100 S. Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
863-904-2656
www.WatsonClinic.com/wcf

11/04/2026

Join us for Arts and Health Week, a dynamic and inspiring county-wide celebration taking place on Sunday, November 8 – Saturday, November 14! Enjoy free interactive events, performances, and educational programs while exploring how the arts can support physical, emotional, and social health. Led by the Polk Arts and Health Collaborative – a Watson Clinic Foundation initiative - this week unites healthcare professionals, artists, and everyday residents to imagine a healthier future together.

👉 Visit https://ow.ly/CXvm5103xIW for a listing of event highlights co-hosted by the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program!

These special events are made possible through collaborations with valued local partners, Presenting Sponsor Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, and grant support from the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance.

11/03/2026

In this segment from Tampa Bay's Morning Blend program, Watson Clinic Foundation Arts in Medicine Program Director Tiffany Van Wieren discusses Polk County's upcoming Arts and Health Week, a popular series of events that promotes the role the arts can play in well-being and good health. Arts and Health Week takes place across Polk County from November 8-14, 2026. Visit https://ow.ly/UpoC5103nbQ for a complete schedule of events.

Arts and Health Week is led by the Polk Arts and Health Collaborative, a Watson Clinic Foundation initiative, and is made possible by the gracious support of this year's sponsor Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.

Florida Southern College Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

11/03/2026

The City of Lakeland has issued an official proclamation recognizing Arts and Health Week, which takes place from Sunday, November 8 - Saturday, November 14. This stellar line-up of free community events emphasizes the role the arts can play in promoting a sense of well-being and belonging. Visit https://ow.ly/jphH5102ZfG for a complete listing of the week's events!

Pictured (from left to right): City Commissioner Guy LaLonde, Marketing Coordinator for the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance Jordan Weiland, Watson Clinic Foundation's Arts in Medicine Program Director Tiffany Van Wieren, Watson Clinic Foundation Executive Director Kim Brunson, and Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley.

10/06/2026

When Brooke Pickavance received a scholarship from the Watson Clinic Foundation in November of 2025, she was working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. That gift empowered her to graduate in April of this year.

"This scholarship meant more to me than financial assistance toward my degree," Brooke reflected. "It was an incredible reminder that my goals and professional development were valued and supported."

Check out the other recipients who have been awarded scholarships through the Foundation by visiting our blog at https://ow.ly/b8nk50ZV0ci.

09/17/2026

On September 10, 2026, the Watson Clinic Foundation was proud to present The Infrastructure of Well-Being: How Arts, Culture, and Community Spaces Shape Health, Connection, and Quality of Life. This dynamic leadership convening explored how investments in arts and culture strengthen workforce well-being, economic vitality, community connection, and long-term quality of life. Leaders of local businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and public agencies enjoyed a star-studded panel of community influencers, including Executive Director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Daryl Ward, Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, Vice President of Core Wealth Nate Dunham, Deputy Director of the City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department Pam Page, President & CEO of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Alice Koehler, and others. The program also featured remarks on the growing Arts & Health movement and highlights from the region's economic impact study by the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, along with a special opening performance by a Lakeland Symphony Orchestra quartet.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this special event such a resounding success!

Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art

08/25/2026

There's still time to RSVP for Redefining Survivorship, a free workshop that will explore survivorship through education, discussion, and creative engagement while discovering resources that support emotional, physical and social well-being after a cancer diagnosis. This special event is presented by the Watson Clinic Foundation in partnership with the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Current breast cancer patients, survivors from the day of diagnosis, treatment and beyond, along with their caregivers are encouraged to attend.

➡️ When: Tuesday, September 1 at 6 pm
➡️ Where: Watson Clinic Main library, 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
➡️ Speakers: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center board-certified Oncologist-Hematologist Dr. Leonard Gitter and Watson Clinic registered dietitian Massiel Gilpin, RD, CDCES

RSVP for this special event by visiting https://ow.ly/ijnT50ZyJmJ.

Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida

08/17/2026

The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to host The Infrastructure of Well-Being: How Arts, Culture, and Community Spaces Shape Health, Connection, and Quality of Life, a special event taking place on Thursday, September 10 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Catapult Lakeland at 502 E. Main St. in downtown Lakeland. Designed for leaders of local businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and public agencies, this dynamic leadership convening will explore how investments in arts and culture strengthen workforce well-being, economic vitality, community connection, and long-term quality of life.

Visit our website at https://ow.ly/99BW50ZAAbc for more information and to RSVP for this exciting event!

The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to host The Infrastructure of Well-Being: How Arts, Culture, and Community Spaces Shape Health, Connection, and Quality of Life, an upcoming special event designed for leaders of local businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions....

08/14/2026

The Watson Clinic Foundation's Arts in Medicine program, in partnership with the Lakeland Arts Association, is proud to present an inspiring gallery of works by acclaimed local artist Pat Percy. Currently on display at the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center, these selected works celebrate the possibility of comfort, beauty, and moments of respite even in the midst of life's most difficult journeys. Visitors are encouraged to explore the collection using complimentary walking guides, which provide insight into each featured work and include information about purchasing available pieces. A portion of proceeds from artwork sales benefit the Watson Clinic Foundation. For more information on this stunning exhibit, visit our blog at https://ow.ly/C8O150Zz68H.

08/11/2026

When does breast cancer survivorship begin? The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to host a FREE workshop that will explore survivorship through education, discussion, and creative engagement while discovering resources that support emotional, physical and social well-being after a cancer diagnosis. This special event is presented in partnership with the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida. Breast cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers are encouraged to attend.

➡️ When: Tuesday, September 1 at 6 pm
➡️ Where: Watson Clinic Main library, 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
➡️ Speakers: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center board-certified Oncologist-Hematologist Dr. Leonard Gitter and Watson Clinic registered dietitian Massiel Gilpin, RD, CDCES

RSVP for this special event by visiting https://ow.ly/ijnT50ZyJmJ.

Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida

07/26/2026

Creative expression reduces stress,
combats isolation, and supports
mental and physical health. From
hospital halls to community centers,
the arts are part of the healing
process.
Today we National Arts and Health Day, by highlighting this years’ 3rd annual
Arts and Health Week! November 8th - 14th

Address

1430 Lakeland Hills Boulevard
Lakeland, FL
33815

Telephone

+18639042656

Website

https://www.watsonclinic.com/watson-clinic-foundation/

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