LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lee Health Board of Directors voted overwhelmingly, 9-1, Thursday to move forward with plans to convert the health system from a public to a private nonprofit system.
“Today’s vote affirms our commitment to caring for Lee County’s most vulnerable residents now and in the future,” Lee Health wrote in a statement on its website.
“By transitioning to a community-focused nonprofit, we can better secure the resources needed to uphold our safety-net mission and ensure continued delivery of exceptional healthcare for the residents of Lee County.”
The debate about converting to a private nonprofit has been ongoing for months.
In April, the health system held a public hearing to show the impacts such a conversion would have on healthcare in Lee County.
Over the next several months, Lee Health leaders will look to finalize a “Mission Agreement” with the Lee Board of County Commissioners.
