“Providing accessible healthcare to those who need it most is an immeasurable gift to those we serve. Thanks to the ongoing commitment of the Health Foundation, we are able to build a stronger, healthier future for our community.”

Kate Banick, Executive Director, Good Health Clinic

In Monroe County, the limited number of healthcare providers means families often travel long distances for basic care or delay treatments, leading to preventable health crises. To address this ongoing challenge, the Health Foundation has provided sustained funding for the Monroe County Access to Care Collaborative since its launch in 2020. Throughout Phase 1, the Collaborative demonstrated a remarkable return on investment, with $330,333 per year in funding resulting in over $6.2 million in healthcare services provided annually.

This collaborative effort, led by the Florida Keys Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Good Health Clinic (GHC), and Womankind, has significantly expanded healthcare services in the region. By establishing a healthcare hub in 2024, residents can now access integrated medical, dental, and women’s health services under one roof. Over the past year alone, the Marathon clinic has served more than 1,000 patients, demonstrating its critical role in improving healthcare accessibility.

Recognizing the interconnected factors that impact health, the collaborative has also integrated health-related social needs screening and navigation into its care model. The initiative ensures patients receive comprehensive support beyond clinical care by identifying barriers such as food insecurity and transportation challenges. With the addition of the Star of the Sea Foundation as a key partner, the collaborative has expanded food access, distributing over 3,000 meals to patients in the first year.

The impact of this long-term investment is evident in the increased access for thousands of children and adults to receive critical preventive, primary, and dental care. Across all partner organizations, the collaborative now serves nearly 9,000 individuals annually.

With continued support from the Health Foundation, the initiative is positioned to enhance service delivery further, expand patient outreach, and establish a more coordinated system of care in Monroe County.