Lower Keys Medical Center Reports on its Care for Lower Keys Community in 2025
4/3/2026
Total Impact Exceeded $133 Million
At more than 134,000 patient encounters last year, Lower Keys Medical Center delivered on its commitment to provide quality healthcare for the Lower Keys community. The health system’s 2025 Community Benefit Report shows care extended well beyond the hospital and clinics, contributing more than $133 million to the region through charity/uncompensated care provided, capital dollars reinvested in services and facilities, employee payroll, charitable projects and payment of more than $5 million in taxes.
The health system used its resources to increase access and strengthen services through more than $9.6 million in projects. New technology and equipment includes CT scanning, nuclear medicine camera, and a surgical tower visualization platform. Medical providers were recruited in orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, interventional cardiology, gastroenterology, counseling and primary care.
“We are here to care for our patients and the place we all call home,” said Drew Bigby, chief executive officer of Lower Keys Medical Center. “Health is central to quality of life, and we offer quality medical services here in the Lower Keys to make it easy to access the care you need. It’s our privilege to transform lives every day, helping patients manage their health at every stage of life.”
Area families grew with the help of Lower Keys Medical Center as 400 babies were delivered in 2025.
A focus on best practices and standards of care resulted in a 4-Star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Emergency medicine is a critical service, with more than 22,000 visits to the emergency room at Lower Keys Medical Center. Life-saving medically necessary care was provided to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, with approximately $47 million in charity and uncompensated care in 2025.
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 MARC House, Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Keys and Samuel’s House, Lower Keys Medical Center gives back to the community throughout the year.
Payroll of approximately $63 million supports the delivery of around the clock care by a team of physicians, nurses and support staff, all passionate about serving patients. Their compassion and skills make a difference in the lives of neighbors, friends and the larger community.
“We have immense gratitude for every member of our team, and we are investing in resources to support them in their work and a culture that attracts and retains these talented people,” said Bigby. “This team is passionate about delivering quality care to those who are counting on us. We have an unwavering commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and doing the right thing every day for those who trust us with their care.”
Support for the future healthcare workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals through the hospital’s new graduate RN program and $200,000 in donations to College of the Florida Keys to match state grants for nursing education. Lower Keys Medical Center also provided three scholarships for Key West High School graduates pursuing health related college programs.
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