About Us

The Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc. (HCWCF) serves residents in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties. Our most recent 990 Report is posted on http://www.guidestar.org

HCWCF is committed to assessing the health status and resources of area residents and assisting communities with solutions to meet emerging needs. To accomplish our mission we:

• Provide comprehensive assessment, planning and advisory services to meet the health related needs of the public, non-profit and governmental agencies;
• Provide education and public dialogue on health challenges facing our community;
• Enhance recognition by public, non-profit and government agencies of the Health Council of West Central Florida as the preferred non-profit health consultancy for technical guidance; and

Our qualified staff members have provided technical guidance to non-profit and government agencies regarding:

• Community planning – survey design/implementation; focus groups, key informant interviews
• Analysis of demographic and epidemiological data
• Strategic and Long-Range Planning Related to Community Issues
• Program Design, Implementation and/or Evaluation
• Community Education on Health Challenges

Please contact us at tkelly@hcwcfl.org to discuss how our talented staff can meet your need.

Board of Directors: Our Board of Directors is appointed by each County Commission to represent the concerns of health care consumers, providers, and purchasers at the local level. Current members are:

Hardee County

Vacant, Consumer

Highlands County

Vacant, Consumer

Hillsborough County

Jennifer DeJesus, Consumer
Zendrie Smith, Provider
Patricia Mecalf, Provider
Russell Patterson, Consumer 60+
Vacant, Purchaser

Manatee County

Dr. Eric Folkens, Provider (Vice-Chair)

Victoria Kasdan, Purchaser (Chair)

Polk County

Vacant, Consumer
James Wesley Nall, Consumer 60+(Secretary/Treasurer)
Vacant, Provider

Board Meetings: Meetings are generally held on the second Thursday every other month at rotating locations. Meetings are open to the public. Please click here for meeting time/location.