What is the Lee Health System Board?

The Lee Health System Board oversees five acute care hospitals, a freestanding emergency department and treatment center serving south Lee County, a rehabilitation hospital, a children’s hospital, a skilled nursing facility, a cancer treatment center, a multi-specialty physician group, a trauma center and various sub-agencies and subsidiaries.

Unlike most hospital boards, the directors of Lee Health System are elected in a non-partisan general election. This year’s election is special being held to replace the vacancy created by Sandy Cohen MD, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The election is to name an individual to fill Sandy’s remaining term. There will be another election for the directorship in 2024.

As a public, not-for-profit health care and wellness system, Lee Health System is a valued public asset belonging to the citizens of Southwest Florida.

Without the ability to levy taxes as most other public hospital systems do, Lee Health System relies on its ability to operate efficiently on revenues generated and the generous philanthropy of people who share its vision.

Lee Health System is dedicated to “being caring people, caring for people.” The Board of Directors are the people’s elected representatives who qualify geographically yet advocate for the entire community.

In addition to their governance and fiduciary roles, the board directors serve as public policy advocates for this health care and wellness system, working with local, state and national governmental officials.