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About Us

Health focused, community driven.

The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPCSWF) was authorized by Florida Statute in 1982 to plan for the health care needs of the residents of seven counties across our region.

About HPCSWF

Planning for the health care needs of our region since 1982.

HPCSWF was authorized by Florida Statute to plan for the health care needs of the residents of seven counties — Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota (Area 8). The responsibility for planning efficient, cost‑effective health systems is shared with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and a statewide network of 11 local health planning councils.

Available & Accessible

HPCSWF provides data resources related to regional health needs and health services. Our primary focus is improving access to health and education for persons with limited resources, and reducing disparities in health in our community.

Community Involvement

HPCSWF is committed to soliciting community involvement for its planning initiatives. In addition to its planning functions, HPCSWF is the Lead Agency for the following health‑related programs: the Early Steps/Early Intervention Program serving children ages 0–3 with developmental disabilities and their families, HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS), and the Health Insurance Navigator Program, offering free assistance applying for coverage on the federal exchange.

est 1982

Florida Statute Area 8

Local Health Council

One of 11 local health planning councils statewide

Shared Responsibility

Coordinated with the FL Dept. of Health & AHCA

Governed by a 13 Member Board

Consumers, providers & administrators appointed by county commissioners

OUR MISSION

We are committed to improving the health and wellness of our community, with PRIDE.

P

Providing & Promoting

Early health intervention for children and families

R

Reducing

Health disparities across our region

I

Increasing

Access to quality health‑related service

D

Detecting

& eliminating gaps in related services

E

Educating & Collaborating

Working with partners across Southwest Florida to expand knowledge and reach

Our core values - the 4 C's

HPCSWF will achieve our mission by adhering to these core values in every program and partnership.

Community

We are driven by the needs of our communities, particularly those that are most vulnerable.

Collaboration

Through collaboration we’re able to learn and share information that has the most impact on our mission.

Creativity

We encourage creative solutions to difficult problems.

Continuous Improvement

Health care is ever evolving, and as such, we must evolve as well.

Board of Directors

HPCSWF is governed by a thirteen‑member board representing health care consumers, medical providers, and administrators, appointed by their respective county commissioners and distributed based on population.

Bob Johns

President
Lee County

Sharon Murphy

Vice Chair
Lee County

Georgeann Burns

Secretary
Charlotte County

Michele Wardeberg

Treasurer
Collier County

Joe Meek

Board Member
Collier County

Sarah Hipp

Board Member
Desoto County

Tim Stanley

Board Member
Glades County

Dr. Quinonez

Board Member
Lee County

Vacant

Board Member
Sarasota County

Vacant

Board Member
Sarasota County

Vacant

Board Member
Sarasota County

Vacant

Board Member
Hendry County

Accessibility & your rights

We’ve taken appropriate steps to make sure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs, and other benefits.

People with disabilities include those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or who have low vision or other sensory limitations. Free auxiliary aids and services are available to help us better communicate with people with disabilities:

  • Relay service — TTY: 1‑877‑486‑2048
  • Accessible formats, including large print, Braille, audio, CD, or eBook
  • For Medicare publications, call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), TTY: 1‑877‑486‑2048
  • For all other publications, call 1‑844‑ALT‑FORM (1‑844‑258‑3676), TTY: 1‑844‑716‑3676

You may also request an auxiliary aid or service by fax at 1‑844‑530‑3676, or by mail to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Offices of Hearings and Inquiries, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S1‑13‑25, Baltimore, MD 21244‑1850, Attn: Customer Accessibility Resource Staff.

The Health Planning Council of SWFL, Inc. (HPCSWF) doesn’t exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities, whether carried out by HPCSWF directly or through a contractor or any other entity with which HPCSWF arranges to carry out its programs and activities.

If you believe you’ve been subjected to discrimination in an HPCSWF program or activity, there are three ways to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:

  1. Online at hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/complaints
  2. By phone: 1‑800‑368‑1019. TDD users should call 1‑800‑537‑7697.
  3. In writing, to:
    Office for Civil Rights
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building
    Washington, D.C. 20201