In the fall, one of the few OB/GYNs serving women in the Florida Keys did not renew his contract, leaving 62 pregnant women without prenatal care. What could have been an insurmountable challenge for the healthcare system became an opportunity for the team at Rural Health Network to shine. 

Giving birth in the Keys can be risky due to the area’s isolation, limited access to care, and high costs of living. Recognizing this challenge, the Rural Health Network (RHN) embarked on a transformative journey to enhance maternal health care in Monroe County. 

In spring 2023, the Florida Keys Maternal Health Collaborative was established with funding from the Health Foundation. The Collaborative includes RHN, the FL Keys Healthy Start Coalition, Womankind, and other local organizations. For Rural Health Network, that meant expanding their services to include prenatal care for an expected ten new pregnant women monthly. 

However, just weeks before the clinic’s opening day, the absence of an OB/GYN doctor triggered a tsunami of mothers-to-be flooding the newly opened clinic. The demand was so high that there was a line out the door. 

RHN’s clinic buzzed with activity for the next five months as staff worked tirelessly to meet the demand. Despite the strain, the team ensured no mother was left behind, securing interpretation services, and providing care to over 100 pregnant women. 

One success story was Harley Keen’s, a mother diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Transferred to RHN for care after her previous clinic stopped offering prenatal services, Harley received prompt attention and care from RHN, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. 

Reflecting on the journey, Amy Halstead, CEO and Executive Director of Rural Health Network of Monroe County, emphasized the organization’s commitment to caring for the community. The Health Foundation’s support enabled RHN and its partners to address Monroe County’s pressing maternal health needs. 

The collaborative effort addressed immediate needs and laid the foundation for long-term solutions, including integrating mobile units to increase access 

to care for underserved communities. Ultimately, Monroe County’s maternal health collaboration’s early success demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives in providing vital care, improving outcomes, and strengthening communities.