As we reflect on the accomplishments of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, we are proud of the progress made toward improving the health and well-being of Indian River County residents. Through collaborative partnerships, innovative solutions, and a commitment to our mission, the District has addressed critical access challenges, expanded healthcare access, and laid the foundation for sustainable improvements in community health.

A key focus this year has been strengthening transparency and data-driven decision-making. In the fall of 2023, we launched the Performance Measures and Health Outcomes Dashboard, a publicly accessible tool designed to track the progress of funded agencies against key metrics aligned with our strategic goals. This dashboard integrates data from Florida Charts and other sources, offering a comprehensive view of our community’s health and the effectiveness of our initiatives. Recognizing the need for more localized insights, we partnered with Clearview Research to conduct an annual survey of county residents, which was launched in January 2025. This survey will provide statistically significant data to measure progress toward District goals, objectives, performance measures, and standards.

Behavioral health remained a top priority throughout the year, as we worked to address several significant access challenges. Following the planned closure of the UF Health Center for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, the District convened more than 24 organizations to ensure the seamless transition of care for 2,600 affected patients, including 300 children. Through this collaborative effort, all children were successfully placed in appropriate care, and transition plans were developed for adults to ensure continuity of treatment. To further strengthen mental health services, we worked closely with New Horizons to expand the Mobile Response Team (MRT), ensuring that individuals experiencing a crisis during peak evening and early morning hours receive timely and appropriate care. This expansion enhances access to critical behavioral health interventions, promoting both safety and better outcomes for those in need.The District’s commitment to preventive care was exemplified through our proactive response to a $321,000 state funding reduction for essential preventive health programs. By working alongside local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders, we helped secure the necessary resources to sustain these critical services, ensuring continued access to care for hundreds of residents.

Addressing the growing need for primary and specialty care providers was also a major priority this year. In August 2024, we entered a lease-to-own agreement with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to establish a state-of-the-art educational and healthcare facility on a 5.6-acre property. This initiative represents a transformative investment in our healthcare infrastructure, primarily focused on expanding the number of primary care providers, while also fostering high-paying job opportunities and enhancing medical education to strengthen the region’s healthcare ecosystem. Additionally, the sale of a 14.5-acre parcel of land in April 2024 provided the resources necessary to purchase a women’s sober living residence, which will provide a supportive environment for women in recovery and address a critical gap in our community’s preventive healthcare services.

Throughout the year, the District has remained committed to transparency, efficiency, and accountability. This dedication was reaffirmed through our recent third-party performance review under the Uniform Special District Accountability Act (Florida Statute Section 189.0695). Conducted by BJM-CPA, Inc., an independent firm with extensive experience, this assessment evaluated the District’s financial management, program oversight, and overall effectiveness in serving the community. The review, completed and submitted in June 2024, received excellent feedback, reinforcing the District’s strong fiscal responsibility and measurable impact on healthcare access and outcomes.

These achievements reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships, addressing challenges, and investing in long-term solutions that improve the health of Indian River County residents. We are deeply grateful for the support of our dedicated Trustees and staff, community partners, nonprofit agencies, and residents, whose collaboration and shared vision make this progress possible. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission “to improve the health of Indian River County residents” and will continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change in our community.