HCWCF is a private non-profit agency that serves residents in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee & Polk counties. The Health Council of West Central Florida serves residents in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties. The Health Council of West Central Florida was created by Florida Statute in 1983 to identify, address and resolve health care issues of local concern. The Council's mission is to make health care better for residents in the counties it serves (Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk). Its strategic plan has three goals: (1) support the accessibility of health care and social services through comprehensive health planning; (2) obtain and provide education about essential community health challenges and solutions; and (3) participate as collaborative partners to address current and emerging health issues to develop and sustain efficient and cost-effective service delivery systems.