Created in 1971 to serve the residents of the Florida Keys who live below the Seven Mile Bridge, Lower Keys Medical Center is the area's sole healthcare provider. Lower Keys Medical Center is a 167-bed, full service, acute care medical facility with a 24/7 emergency room, 24/7 laboratory, 24/7 radiology services and a specially-equipped medical transport helicopter.

Lower Keys Medical Center is one of the region's largest employers and the only hospital in the Florida Keys that offers labor and delivery care.