The Health Council of Southeast Florida is one of eleven private Local Health Planning Councils established by Section 408.033 Florida Statutes (F.S.) to conduct regional health planning and implementation activities. Each council's district is designated in Section 408.032, F.S. These local organizations develop regional 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 under served. Local health councils study the impact of various initiatives on the health care system, provide assistance to the public and private sectors, and create and disseminate materials designed to increase their communities' understanding of health care issues.