The Lower Florida Keys Hospital District is moving ahead with plans to solicit proposals for the operator of Lower Keys Medical Center, and a local civic organization is mobilizing residents to weigh in. Our Hospital Key West announced two public meetings, scheduled for Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 at the DoubleTree Grand Key, and launched a resident survey to gather community priorities and concerns as the district prepares its request for proposals.

The current lease with Community Health Systems runs through April 30, 2029, giving the district several years to evaluate options and set criteria for the next operator. District leaders say they are working in advance to ensure a smooth transition regardless of whether the existing operator remains or a new partner is selected. An operator contract determines who manages hospital services, staffing, financial operations and strategic direction, so the outcome will directly affect how care is delivered across the Lower Keys.

For Monroe County residents, especially those on the island chain, the selection process carries immediate practical importance. Lower Keys Medical Center provides emergency care, inpatient services and local access that can mean shorter travel time and fewer costly transfers for critical patients. Changes in management can influence service mix, staffing levels, community outreach, and investment in facilities and technology—factors that shape health equity for seniors, low-income families, seasonal workers and others who depend on local care.

The involvement of Our Hospital Key West underscores community concern about maintaining local control, transparency and accountability in health services. By collecting resident input through meetings and a survey, the civic group aims to bring neighborhood priorities—such as emergency readiness, maternal and behavioral health services, and after-hours access—into the district’s assessment and the RFP language. Public engagement at this stage can affect the district’s evaluation criteria, including commitments to local hiring, community benefit programs, and service continuity during any transition.

The timing of the process also intersects with broader regional health policy trends. Rural and island hospitals across the country have faced consolidation, workforce shortages and financial pressures, leading some districts to partner with large national management companies while others pursue locally controlled or nonprofit operators. Monroe County’s decision will need to balance financial sustainability with equitable access and resilience against climate-related disasters and mass evacuations.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the announced meetings and complete the survey to make their priorities known as the hospital district shapes the RFP. With the lease expiration still months away, early and informed public engagement offers a practical avenue for Monroe County communities to influence decisions that will affect health care availability and the social well-being of the Lower Keys for years to come.