It seems like only yesterday that a single doctor and nurse began operations in the rural community of Parrish, Florida, as Manatee County Rural Health Services (MCRHS). Utilizing the meager facilities of the decommissioned Parrish Elementary School, the small, but dedicated staff began to provide the first health care services specifically targeted to the underserved, rural community in 1979. Twenty-five years later, we have grown from that humble beginning into one of the premier health care providers in West Central Florida. With fourteen healthcare sites and over three hundred and forty employees, MCRHS is well on its way to realizing its vision of "Becoming the Provider of Choice for community-based primary health care service for residents in our service delivery area".

I have been very proud to provide leadership to this dynamic organization over the last twenty years. Since joining MCRHS in 1984, I have seen the organization grow into a quality oriented, fully accredited organization of fifty health care providers conducting over 175,000 patient visits annually. As you can see from the information presented in this report, we have developed into a sophisticated health care corporation embracing the highest standards of quality service while providing a full range of health care treatment and education. As a testament to this fact, Manatee County Rural Health Services has received accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Health Care Organizations for the last six years. Our reputation for excellence has resulted in the unparalleled national respect we enjoy among providers of ambulatory care in rural and underserved areas.

A fully committed Board of Directors has provided the visionary leadership that has allowed the organization to progress beyond the traditional boundaries of health care service provision and extend into new areas others have been unwilling or unable to attempt. The beneficiaries of this effort have been, and continue to be, the residents of our expanding service area, many of whom would have no other opportunity to access quality health care.

All of our accomplishments could not have occurred without the efforts of a fully knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Our employees have consistently provided a quality of care that can only be attained by those with a true sense of mission and a sincere interest in caring for the needs of others. Their passion for quality service gives me of the confidence that the success that we have enjoyed to date will only continue.