Healthcare in Bay County
Care for Every Stage of Life
Access to quality healthcare is an important part of choosing a place to call home.
Bay County is served by hospitals, emergency and specialty care, primary care providers, behavioral health services, rehabilitation, public health programs, senior care, and other health and wellness resources supporting residents throughout every stage of life.
From routine and preventive care to advanced treatment and recovery, residents have access to a growing healthcare network right here in the community.
Hospitals & Advanced Care
Care Close to Home
Bay County's healthcare system is anchored by major hospitals in Panama City, along with specialized facilities and emergency care locations serving communities throughout the county.
These facilities provide access to emergency medicine, surgery, cardiovascular services, trauma care, women's health, pediatric care, rehabilitation, diagnostic services, and other specialty programs.
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Advanced Care in the Heart of Panama City
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay serves Bay County and the surrounding region from its hospital campus in Panama City.
The hospital provides 24/7 emergency and specialty care and is home to a Level II Trauma Center, providing advanced care for patients with serious and life-threatening injuries. Specialty services include heart care, cancer care, stroke care, women's health, surgery, imaging, laboratory services, and other inpatient and outpatient care.
Ascension's local network also extends beyond the main hospital campus, including emergency care in Panama City Beach and primary and specialty care locations throughout the area.
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
Comprehensive Hospital Care for Bay County
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital is an acute-care hospital serving Bay County from its Panama City campus.
The hospital provides 24/7 emergency care along with a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, and specialty services. Its healthcare network also includes primary and specialty care practices and additional emergency services serving the community.
For residents and families, the hospital adds another major healthcare system to Bay County's continuum of care—from everyday medical needs to emergency and advanced hospital services.
Select Specialty Hospital – Panama City
Supporting Recovery After Critical Illness
Some patients need continued hospital-level care even after the most acute stage of an illness or injury has passed.
Select Specialty Hospital - Panama City is a 30-bed critical illness recovery hospital located within the Ascension Sacred Heart Bay campus. It specializes in caring for medically complex patients recovering from serious illnesses and conditions.
Areas of care include brain injury, cardiac and neurological conditions, infectious disease, pulmonary care and ventilator liberation, renal disorders, and other medically complex conditions. Rehabilitation and recovery services are designed to help patients regain as much independence as possible.
Primary & Specialty Care
Healthcare Beyond the Hospital
Good healthcare begins long before a hospital stay.
Bay County residents have access to primary care, family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, urgent care, diagnostic services, and specialists across a wide range of medical disciplines.
Local healthcare systems and independent providers offer care throughout the community, giving residents options for preventive care, routine health needs, chronic disease management, specialty treatment, and follow-up care.
Behavioral & Mental Health
Supporting the Whole Person
Health includes both physical and emotional well-being.
Bay County is served by behavioral health professionals and organizations providing mental health, psychiatric, counseling, substance-use, crisis, and other supportive services for children, adults, and families.
Services are available through hospital-based programs, community organizations, outpatient practices, and other providers throughout the area.
For residents looking for behavioral or mental health resources, the Bay County Chamber Member Directory can help connect them with local Chamber-member providers.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Protecting & Promoting Community Health
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County provides public health programs and services designed to protect and improve the health of the community.
Services include immunizations, family planning, WIC, dental services, infectious-disease prevention and testing, school health, wellness programs, environmental public health, emergency preparedness, and community health planning.
The Department also monitors community health conditions and environmental concerns, supports disease prevention and response, and works with local partners on initiatives aimed at improving health throughout Bay County.
Rehabilitation, Home Health & Senior Care
Support Through Every Stage of Life
Healthcare needs change throughout life, and Bay County offers resources to support residents beyond traditional physician and hospital care.
Rehabilitation providers help patients recover strength, mobility, communication, and independence following illness, injury, or surgery. Home health and hospice organizations provide services for individuals who need care and support in their homes, while senior living and senior-care providers offer options designed around changing levels of independence and assistance.
These services are an important part of the community's broader continuum of care for older adults, individuals recovering from illness or injury, and families helping loved ones navigate changing healthcare needs.
Health & Wellness
Building a Healthier Community
Healthcare isn't only about treating illness.
Throughout Bay County, residents can find resources supporting fitness, nutrition, preventive health, rehabilitation, dental and vision care, wellness, and healthier lifestyles.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County also offers wellness initiatives addressing areas such as diabetes, mental health, school health, tobacco prevention, and chronic disease prevention.
Together, healthcare providers, public health organizations, community partners, and local businesses help create opportunities for residents to take an active role in their health and well-being.
Find Healthcare in Bay County
Connect With Local Care
Looking for a physician, dentist, behavioral health provider, rehabilitation service, senior-care organization, or another health and wellness resource?
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory connects you with Chamber-member healthcare providers and organizations serving the community.
Discover More of Bay County
Healthcare is one part of building a life in Bay County.
Explore our communities, education, military installations, recreation, culture, transportation, and other resources designed to help you discover what it's like to live, work, grow, and belong here.