Lower Keys Medical Center Delivering Quality Care and More to the Lower Keys
3/5/2025
Lower Keys Medical Center provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 134,000 patient encounters across its hospital, physician clinics and other sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Lower Keys Medical Center’s impact totaled an estimated $124.7 million in 2024.
Lower Keys Medical Center’s emergency room provides lifesaving, medically necessary care at more than 23,000 patient encounters each year, treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay. In 2023, Lower Keys Medical Center provided $54.4 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.
“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said Dr. Sal Perla, interim chief executive officer of Lower Keys Medical Center. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in the lower Keys.”
The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for SOS Foundation Stock Island Food Pantry and contributions to charitable organizations such as Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, Samuel’s House, and Special Olympics Florida, Lower Keys Medical Center gives back to the community throughout the year.
To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, Lower Keys Medical Center is investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. Capital projects in 2024 included catheterization lab equipment and room enhancements and upgrades in PET CT, Nuclear Medicine, and CT diagnostic equipment. Successful recruitment of ten physicians expanded the availability of cardiology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, obstetrics/gynecology, pulmonology and primary care.
The Lower Keys Medical Center payroll of $56 million ripples through the local economy. Support for the future healthcare workforce includes a New Graduate RN mentorship program, a donation of $100,000 to the College of the Florida Keys for their nursing education program, and two scholarships offered to Key West High School students. Lower Keys Medical Center paid $4.4 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.
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