Lee Health, based in Fort Myers, Fla., is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its conversion from a public entity to a private, nonprofit health system. The move aimed to strengthen local control and expand access to care across Southwest Florida.
“One year ago, our community leaders understood the importance of ensuring Lee Health could remain strong, sustainable, and locally governed for generations to come,” Lee Health President and CEO Larry Antonucci, MD, said in a Nov. 10 news release. “Their vision and support made this transition possible, and today we’re seeing the results in expanded services, innovation, and continued commitment to every person who visits our facilities or experiences our life-changing programs.”
Seven things to know:
1. The transition became official on Nov. 1, 2024. The shift allowed Lee Health to operate as a private, community-focused nonprofit, positioning the system for greater flexibility, regional growth and long-term sustainability.
2. The health system remains locally governed and mission-driven. Leaders emphasized that the move was rooted in preserving Lee Health’s independence and continuing to serve all patients, regardless of ability to pay.
3. Lee Health provided $168 million in charity care in 2025. The system said it has upheld its commitment to provide safety-net care and support critical community health programs.
4. Several specialty care services have grown. Lee Health opened a cancer support community in Fort Myers, launched an advanced lung care center and expanded musculoskeletal services. It also launched or expanded several care delivery innovations, including expanding hospital at home to multiple campuses and becoming the first in Southwest Florida to offer histotripsy, a noninvasive treatment for liver cancer.
6. Lee Health approved a $150 million expansion at its Fort Myers medical campus. The project will add 92 inpatient beds and expand capacity to meet growing demand. It also opened a 60-bed rehab hospital in partnership with Encompass Health.
7. Financial performance remains stable. Moody’s affirmed Lee Health’s A2 credit rating and upgraded its outlook to positive, citing strong financial stewardship and a clear strategic direction.
