The Florida Blue Center for Rural Health Research and Policy was established in December 2002 with a gift endowment from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.

The center, housed within the College of Medicine, is dedicated to advancing health care delivery, education, and research in rural communities across Florida. Supported by the generous spendable income from the Gift, the Center serves as a catalyst for improving rural medical practice and developing innovative teaching models that transform how care is delivered in underserved areas.

The Center focuses on identifying the unique needs, opportunities, and challenges faced by Florida’s rural populations and health care providers. Through its research initiatives, it aims to equip policymakers and practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen services and outcomes in rural health care. In addition to research, the Center provides multifaceted support in education and service.

Through these efforts, the Florida Blue Center for Rural Health strives to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of health care in Florida’s rural communities.