Fishing Point Healthcare charts a new path for accessible care

Fishing Point Healthcare is redefining accessible healthcare for Native communities and underserved populations across Virginia and parts of North Carolina and Maryland. While the Nansemond Indian Nation’s ancestral lands span this vast region, there had never been a dedicated, Native-led healthcare system to serve its people where they live and work. Fishing Point was founded to change that. This Native-led healthcare system is now delivering high-quality, culturally competent care that prioritizes dignity, accessibility, and holistic well-being for Nation members as well as regional Medicaid recipients regardless of their ancestry.

When the Nansemond Indian Nation secured federal recognition in 2018, it was granted the opportunity to take control of its future—including the responsibility to ensure it could sustain itself economically, culturally, and socially for generations to come. Fishing Point Healthcare emerged as a powerful way to support these objectives, with its self-sustaining network structured to generate revenue, create jobs, and empower Native community members to access quality care without having to travel long distances.

The first step in making this vision a reality was to establish a fully operational healthcare hub—complete with primary care, dental services, an onsite pharmacy, physical therapy, and radiology capabilities. The merits of the Portsmouth, Virginia facility needed to stand on their own while also serving as a blueprint for future expansion. Understanding the need for expertise in healthcare real estate development, Fishing Point leaders enlisted JLL’s Project and Development Services (PDS) to help realize their ambitious vision of transforming a vacant, deteriorating building into what is now a cutting-edge medical facility.

Fishing Point’s groundbreaking development demanded strategic planning, adaptability, and deep collaboration. From the start, Fishing Point and JLL PDS took a phased approach to construction, so that healthcare services could be offered as soon as possible. This meant opening five exam rooms, a pharmacy, and lobby while the remainder of the facility was still under construction—a calculated move that in turn enabled Fishing Point to start serving the community and generating revenue early in the process.

Throughout the journey, JLL helped Fishing Point navigate the complexities of design and operational planning to make sure the new facility met both healthcare industry standards and the cultural needs of the Nansemond Nation. Project partners made every decision—from furniture procurement to security system selection—with long-term sustainability in mind. For example, by bringing in JLL Furniture Solutions, the clinic was able to establish a consistent design standard that will carry over to future locations, reinforcing efficiency as well as brand identity. It was also able to utilize JLL partnerships with furniture manufacturer Steelcase to guarantee discounted pricing for Fishing Point furniture standards.

Executing such a large-scale project also required coordinating multiple more than a dozen vendors, from architects and general contractors to security specialists, landscapers, and AV system providers. JLL’s expertise in vendor management streamlined this process, ensuring each element of the clinic’s infrastructure aligned with Fishing Point’s broader goals. By proactively addressing potential roadblocks and keeping the project on track, JLL helped lay the groundwork for a healthcare network that will continue to grow and evolve in the years ahead.

With additional projects already underway—including a primary care medical clinic in Norfolk, a substance abuse and rehabilitation center in Chesapeake, and multiple new medical facilities in Newport News—Fishing Point is committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

Fishing Point’s collaboration with JLL is more than a one-off development project; it’s a path forward for innovative, Native-led healthcare. Together, they are proving that when mission-driven leadership meets strategic execution, transformative change really is possible.

"JLL has been more than just a real estate development partner—they have been an invaluable ally in executing our long-term vision. By helping us navigate regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges, they helped us bring the Portsmouth facility to fruition efficiently and effectively. Beyond that, by providing critical oversight in managing complex projects, JLL is helping us navigate challenges efficiently while keeping our mission at the forefront. Their ability to align with our long-term objectives has allowed us to move forward with confidence, knowing we are building a healthcare system that will serve our people and the broader community for generations to come."– Fishing Point Healthcare Leadership

David Darling 
Nansemond councilor and Fishing Point board chairperson