Treasure Coast Health Council, Inc. has a long history and a broad range of experience in health services planning, research and community involvement. Originally named the District IX Health Council, the Council was established in November 1982, to succeed the previously federally-funded Health Systems Agency, and its predecessor agency, formed in 1964. TCHC is one of eleven local health planning councils under contract with the Florida Department of Health to perform various health care service responsibilities as designated in the statute.Florida Law establishes local health councils as a network of non-profit agencies that conduct regional health planning and implementation activities. Each council's district is designated in The Enacting Legislation. The Boards of Directors of these councils are composed of health care providers, purchasers and nongovernmental consumers. Members serve for two years and are eligible for reappointment. Local health councils develop district health plans containing data, analysis and recommendations that relate to health care status and needs in the community.The recommendations are designed to improve access to health care, reduce disparities in health status, assist state and local governments in the development of sound and rational health care policies and advocate on behalf of the underserved.