Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) is our Publicly Owned Hospital which we lease to Community Health Systems (CHS), our current Hospital Operator, who's lease ends on April 30th, 2029. While April 2029 may seem a long way off, the process to renew the lease with the existing Hospital Operator, or a new one has already begun. 

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Our Public Hospital is governed by a local board of commissioners, The Lower Florida Keys Hospital District Board (the District Board). Recently, The District Board has agreed to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) which outlines important terms and services which the next Hospital Operator bids on.

 

UPDATE - As of January 6th, 2026 - the goal is to complete a draft RFP (Request for Proposal, the criteria used by hospital operators to bid on becoming the next lessee of our public-hospital) as soon as a facility assessment can be completed, an estimated 60 days. RFP counsel, and newly engaged consultants are now in place to assist the District Board with the RFP process efforts. 

 

Hospital Operators interested in attaining our next (presumably next 30 year lease) include existing Hospital Operator CHS, as well as Mount Sinai, Baptist and possibly others.

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Which Hospital Operator is chosen as our sole community hospital is one of the most important decisions facing our community. OHkw, as well as Commissioner Sam Kaufman's Task Force is seeking Resident Citizen, Healthcare Practitioner, Community Healthcare Advocacy Groups and Emergency First Responder input to help guide the RFP process.  We need input, advocacy, and attendance at the District meetings. Please contact us and share your thoughts at info@OHkw.org . 

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If you're a Lower Florida Keys resident, including from Big Pine to Key West, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR RESIDENT SURVEY! Your name will remain confidential, and the data will be shared with the community and participants drafting and authorizing the RFP and lease process. 

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