Community Health for the Florida Keys

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Overview of the Rural Health Network of Monroe County Florida, Inc.

What makes Monroe County Florida RURAL?
Monroe County, with a population of 75.45 persons per square mile, by definition, qualifies as a RURAL area (less than 100 persons per square mile).

What is a Rural Health Network?
The Rural Health Network of Monroe County Florida, Inc. (RHNMC) is a non-profit organization formally recognized by the State of Florida to coordinate and integrate health care services for Monroe County residents. RHNMC was established in accordance with the Health Care Insurance Reform Act of 1993, which recognized that the efficient and effective delivery of quality health care services in rural areas requires the integration of private and public resources and the cooperative efforts of health care providers.

Is the Rural Health Network certified by the State of Florida?
The Rural Health Network of Monroe County, Florida, Inc. received its certification from the Agency for Health Care Administration on October 18, 1995, making it the second network in the state of Florida to become certified. There are currently nine certified Rural Health Networks in the state of Florida.

Who does the Rural Health Network represent?
The Rural Health Network of Monroe County, Florida, Inc. has a broad-based county-wide representation. The Board consists of members from the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys community.

Board members work to collectively identify the health care needs of Monroe County residents, so that resources can be efficiently utilized to effectively provide accessible health care to those who need it. The legislative intent is to avoid duplication of services and technology, thus containing the cost of providing health care through a form of managed cooperation.

Location: Monroe County is the Southern most tip of Florida and the United States. The majority of the land area is located South of Collier County.

History & Interesting facts: Not your typical Florida vacation area, The Florida Keys offer something for everyone. The Florida Keys are located in Monroe County. Three of the most popular places for vacationers and business commerce are Key Largo, Marathon and Key West.

Key Largo is one of the first Keys and is best known for its famous sandy white beaches and beautiful waters. Established in the 1960's, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is noted for having an abundance of fish and healthy coral reefs. With the ever increasing numbers of visitors diving and boating around the State Park, it should be noted that park officials and other authorities watch closely for people who disturb the fragile natural underwater habitat. For boaters, Key Largo is a popular jumping off point to the Everglades National Park. The Everglades is one of the largest and most environmentally sensitive parks in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful.

Approximately Fifty miles East of Key West is Marathon. Marathon is an ideal place to stay if you want to explore both the lower keys and the upper keys. It has good accommodations with varied amenities at varied prices. The clear blue/green waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are only a step away from most of Marathons hotels, motels and resorts.

Key West is one of the earliest North American Settlements in Florida. Historically the town is known for being the Southern most tip of the United States and a popular tourist destination for world travelers. When not sunning, fishing or diving, visitors of the Keys can shop or browse in large historical districts. Most of these historical areas are located in Key West and reflect architecture from different periods in American history.

Residents of the Keys boast that they have the only natural coral reefs in the United States and Canada -- making it a diver's paradise. Fishing and catching lobster is also a favorite pastime of both residents and vacationers.

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Copyright © 2005 Rural Health Network of Monroe County Florida, Inc.
Last modified: January 11, 2008