MONROE
COUNTY Monroe County is predominantly a chain of low-lying islands known as the Florida Keys. Monroe County extends from the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula to the Dry Tortugas, approximately 112 miles in length. Although Monroe County encompasses a mainland portion, this area has few residents and is primarily the Everglades. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and is linked by a single highway. The highest point in the keys is 18 feet above sea level. There are no points in Monroe County which are more than 4 miles from the sea. Monroe County has approximately 86,790 residents with 40% residing in Key West. Nineteen percent of the population is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the Florida
Department of Health, in 1999, Monroe County had 156
medical doctors, 33 osteopathic physicians, 38 dentists,
and 969 nurses actively licensed. Residents of Monroe
County usually have to travel an average of three hours
to Miami-Dade County to obtain obstetrical care and
services such as trauma care and major surgery. MONROE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTThe Monroe County Health Department has been working very actively with their local communities to organize and increase the volunteer program across the keys. Chapter 110, Florida Statues, provides sovereign immunity protection to all volunteers. The Monroe County Health Department is always looking for professional and non-professional volunteers. Training is available and valuable experience can be gained by becoming a Monroe County Health Department Volunteer. For more information about the
Volunteer Services Program or to sign up as a volunteer,
contact Corie Barrera at (305) 292-6894. |
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Contact Information
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2000 Department of Health Last modified: August 21, 2000 15:20 |
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