Lee Health, with competitive forces swirling, becomes private nonprofit

The largest employer in Lee County has changed its business model.


Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers is one of four acute-care facilities run by Lee Health.
Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers is one of four acute-care facilities run by Lee Health.
Photo by Shane Antalick
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During a 12-minute interview, Lee Health CEO Dr. Lawrence Antonucci uses the word "compete" or iterations of the word 11 times. He is speaking about why the organization he oversees has decided to become a private nonprofit.

“The rationale is to give us more flexibility to be able to compete effectively and to maintain local control and to be able to fund our safety net mission,” Antonucci says.

 

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