Citrus Hospital partners with Goodwill Industries, Citrus County schools to launch Project SEARCH

Inverness, FL — HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is proud to announce a new partnership with Goodwill Industries-Suncoast and the Citrus County School District to bring Project SEARCH to Citrus County. As a host site for the 2025–2026 school year, the hospital will serve as a training ground for students with disabilities as they transition from high school to meaningful employment through immersive, hands-on experience and classroom instruction.

This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership and community commitment. Together, these organizations are investing in the future of Citrus County, supporting young adults who are eager to learn, grow and become contributing members of the local workforce.

Recently, 11 students from Lecanto High School, Crystal River High School and the Transition Academy were surprised with acceptance letters and welcome kits, officially announcing them as the first group of Project SEARCH interns at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Starting this fall, these students will be based on the hospital’s campus throughout the academic year. They will work in a dedicated classroom and rotate through various hospital departments to gain essential workplace and life skills.

“This initiative speaks directly to who we are as a hospital and as a community partner,” said Lisa Nummi, CEO of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “We are honored to welcome these incredible young adults into our hospital family and excited to be part of their journey. At Citrus Hospital, we believe in caring for all our neighbors, including those who may need a little extra support as they build their future.”

Project SEARCH is a national program designed to help high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain competitive, integrated employment. The model, which blends classroom instruction with real-world job training, has been implemented in hundreds of hospitals across the country with extraordinary success.

“This partnership provides young people with an incredible opportunity to gain skills, confidence and independence, right in their own community,” said Tequila Fields, Assistant Administrator at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “This program will open doors for students who often face barriers to employment. It’s a transformative experience that not only builds job skills, but also self-worth and belonging.”