Ten years ago, before the grand opening of Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health opened the Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point Mall. Designed as an innovative opportunity to serve our patients and neighbors in South Lee County, the Healthy Life Center was meant to be a destination for health information, screenings, support and navigation.
In its early years, the Healthy Life Center built strong community connections from its mall location—hosting presentations on topics ranging from prevention to disease management, organizing walking groups, and offering screenings. Then, in 2018, after construction was completed on Lee Health Coconut Point, the team moved and expanded Healthy Life Center services to include a full-service Teaching Kitchen and holistic spaces.
Over the past decade, the Healthy Life Center has grown into a true community anchor for well-being.
As we celebrate with the team, I am proud that the Healthy Life Center has helped make health and wellness personal, accessible, community-driven and deeply rooted in connection. During this decade of wellness, the team has offered:
More than 2,500 programs and classes, including cooking demonstrations.
Expert-led lectures featuring cardiologists, physical therapists, ophthalmologists, and more.
Free screenings such as skin cancer, hearing, and vision checks.
The Mind & Body Program featuring chair yoga, chair strength, balance and stretch, and the Walking Club.
Over these 10 years, the team has connected with 27,036 people—through center visits, classes, resource access, newsletters, and outreach at health fairs and community events. The Teaching Kitchen, nationally recognized through the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative, has hosted more than 800 cooking demonstrations that inspire healthier choices and lifestyles.
Recognizing that navigating healthcare can be challenging, the Healthy Life Center team has also supported patients and visitors in finding the right venue for care. Our team has completed more than 6,000 healthcare navigations, helping people access the services and providers they need. In addition, more than 4,500 people have been guided in establishing care with a primary care provider—the foundation of comprehensive, lifelong health.
I am consistently impressed and grateful for the passion and dedication of the Healthy Life Center team. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging educational programs and services has empowered thousands to prioritize their health and well-being. Congratulations and thank you to the Healthy Life Center for a decade of wellness, connection, and community.
If you’d like to join the celebration, you’re invited to the Decade of Wellness – Healthy Life Center 10-year celebration from 2 until 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16. To RSVP, call 239-468-0050 or visit leehealth.org/events.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
Lee Health: A decade of wellness – Celebrating the Healthy Life Center
