The Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) is a private, not-for-profit organization supporting programs that improve the health of youth, older adults and the uninsured. It also conducts research and provides education on health issues affecting these groups. A long-trusted leader on health care issues, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for
information-gathering, research and collaboration on health issues impacting Central Florida.
Mission:
To make a positive difference in people’s lives by creating the healthiest community in the United States.
Our Focus Areas and Goals:
Access to Health Care for All
To achieve 100 percent access to appropriate health care and eliminate disparities
Children and Youth
To create the healthiest youth by addressing unmet health needs and eliminating barriers to learning
Older Adults
To create the healthiest elders by promoting physical and mental health and well-being through an elder-friendly environment
Winter Park Memorial Hospital
Winter Park Health Foundation and Winter Park Memorial Hospital work in collaboration and in partnership with others to create the healthiest community in the U.S.
Our Work in the Community:
We help identify key community health issues and collaborate with non-profit organizations. We determine best practices and address concerns in each of our focus areas.
We have analyzed health issues in the tri-county area through two Community Health Assessments which were sponsored by the Foundation in partnership with the Community Health Improvement Council.
The Winter Park Memorial Hospital Association, which became the Foundation, was founded in 1951 when Winter Park residents banded together to build a community hospital. The Winter Park Memorial Hospital Association was created, and Winter Park Memorial Hospital opened in 1955.
For nearly 40 years, the Association operated the hospital. Then, in 1994, the Association forged a partnership with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation to manage and co-own the hospital. Winter Park Memorial continued to thrive and the Association looked outward to address the health and wellness needs of area residents through community outreach services and facilities, including the Elinor & T. William Miller, Jr. Center for Older Adult Services, the Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center and the Center for Health & Wellness. The Association began doing business as the Winter Park Health Foundation.
In 2000, the Winter Park Health Foundation sold its remaining interest in Winter Park Memorial Hospital and became a private foundation.