Collier County Community Health Assessment, Now Available
CONTACT: PEGGY BROWN, Health Planning Council of SWFL: 239-433-6700 – ext 160, Planning@hpcswf.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NCH, Florida Department of Health in Collier County, Healthcare Network, and Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida Release Collier County Community Health Assessment
The full Collier County Community Health Assessment (CHA) is available online at: https://hpcswf.com/programs/health-planning/collier-county-community-health-needs-assessment
Naples, FL – September 29, 2025 — Four leading health organizations have partnered to release the Collier County Community Health Assessment (CHA), a comprehensive study of local health needs and priorities that will serve as the foundation for future community health planning.
For the first time, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), Florida Department of Health in Collier County, and Healthcare Network came together as a steering committee to guide the assessment with the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, who coordinated the effort. The group met monthly throughout the project to coordinate planning, creation, and implementation.
The CHA draws on a wide range of data sources, including demographic, socioeconomic, and health status indicators. It also incorporates feedback from the community through surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews with community leaders. This year’s assessment breaks out survey responses by geographic region, offering unique insights into the diverse communities of Collier County.
“This collaboration represents a valuable tool for the community. By working together, we combined expertise and community input to present a clear picture of Collier County’s health landscape,” said Brian Hemmert, CEO of Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida. “Our hope is that this data empowers decision-makers, healthcare providers, and community partners to address health priorities where they are needed most.”
The information gathered through the CHA will inform the next phase: the Community Health Improvement Plan, a strategic process to identify targeted interventions and policy changes that can have the greatest impact.
“The Community Health Assessment reflects the power of collaboration,” said Kimberly Kossler, Administrator and Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Collier County. “By bringing together healthcare providers, public health professionals, and the voices of our community, we are not only identifying the most pressing health challenges, we are creating a shared vision and roadmap for a healthier future for everyone in Collier County.”
For decades, NCH has published a Community Benefit Statement highlighting the uncompensated value of services provided to the community. In 2024 alone, NCH’s total community benefit to the region was valued at nearly $70 million, which reflects the uncollectable charges of providing $225 million in charity care and other uncompensated services, such as free health screenings, seminars, and wellness education. The CHA extends that commitment by combining the efforts of multiple agencies, offering the community a fuller picture of the resources and investments being made to support health across Collier County.
“At NCH, we are proud to lead and support this vital initiative,” said Paul Hiltz, President & CEO of NCH. “This partnership demonstrates how local organizations are investing in the health and well-being of our community. The Community Health Assessment not only highlights these impactful efforts, but it also reinforces the power of collaboration in driving meaningful, lasting change in our community.”
“The Community Health Assessment is a powerful reminder that health is not shaped by one organization alone, but by the collective effort of many,” said Jamie Ulmer, President & CEO of Healthcare Network. “By listening to the voices of our community and working side by side with our partners, we can better understand the barriers our neighbors face and take meaningful steps toward ensuring everyone in Collier County has access to the care and resources they need to live healthier lives.”
The full Collier County Community Health Assessment (CHA) is available online at: https://hpcswf.com/programs/health-planning/collier-county-community-health-needs-assessment
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About NCH
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 50 Hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds – NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top three in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.
About Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida
The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The organization fulfills its mission by providing vital community health information, conducting healthcare-related research, and managing key programs such as Health Planning, the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition, and Early Intervention Services. Through its collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, the HPC serves as a central resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system. For more information, visit www.hpcswf.com.
About Florida Department of Health
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
About Healthcare Network
Founded in 1977, Healthcare Network is a nonprofit organization committed to providing accessible, comprehensive health care to everyone in Collier County, regardless of income or insurance. The organization has grown from two small trailers in Immokalee to a network of providers located throughout Collier County. Primary health care services include family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, dental care and pharmacy, and integrated and traditional behavioral health for adults and children. Additionally, the organization’s community health workers bring health and social services directly to underserved families. For more information, visit HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
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