Rural Health Networks in Northeast Florida

The St Johns River Rural Health Network (SJRRHN), Inc. is a 501c3 not-for-profit Florida Corporation established in 1994.  Located in the northeast corner of Florida, the St. Johns River Rural Health Network consists of Baker, Clay, Flagler, Putnam, Nassau, St Johns, and Volusia Counties.

Two counties are designated Rural Areas (Baker and Putnam) and all counties are either designated as Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Medically Underserved Area/Medically Underserved Professional, and/or Low Income. An estimated 849,806 persons live in the network area, according to the 2000 Census.

The area’s population has increased approximately 20% between 1990 and 2000. The percentage of uninsured for all counties range from 12.63% to 18.85% and the percentage of those living 150% below the federal poverty level ranges for 14% to 34%.

The adequacy of rural health care services, in terms of accessibility, quality, availability, and affordability, is fundamental to the health of a community. Many of the residents who live in the SJRRHN area must travel far distances in order to access acute care hospitals, primary care, and mental health and substance abuse services. Access to health care remains an issue of growing concern for residents living in rural communities in Northeast Florida.