In Memory of Harold Ostrow, Former Health Care District Board Chair

Harold Ostrow, 90, former Health Care District Board Chair, passed away on March 10, 2019. During his two terms on the Board from October 1992 to September 2000, Mr. Ostrow championed the Trauma Hawk Aeromedical and School Health Programs. His extraordinary dedication to helping the District expand it programs to help those most in need was recognized in 2011 in the Congressional Record which noted his efforts to “provide health coverage to the working poor.”

Mr. Ostrow served as a member of the District’s Finance Committee from 2002 to 2007 and also served as Chair and as a member of the Trauma Advisory Committee from 2000 to 2007.  In 1998, Mr. Ostrow signed the contract with Sikorsky Aircraft for two state-of-the-art Trauma Hawk aeromedical helicopters and by doing so, initiated a new era of lifesaving care for the county’s Trauma System.

Mr. Ostrow was the founder of the Voters Coalition of Palm Beach County, a non-partisan organization that provided a forum to discuss issues, hear public officials, and provide policy guidance. He served on the Palm Beach County Finance Authority and the Judicial Nominating Committee, as well as the Solid Waste Authority Citizen's Advisory Committee.

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch applauded Mr. Ostrow’s work for the Health Care District and other efforts in his 2011 statement on the House floor. “No matter what the needs of his community was, Harold has been there, lending his open hand without asking for anything in return.”

Mr. Ostrow came to Florida after retiring from a career in the textile industry in New York City.   He was married 70 years to his wife, Lenore, and the couple had two children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At the memorial service on March 14, 2019, Mr. Ostrow was fondly remembered by his family who mentioned his nickname “Mr. Civic” for his second career in public service.  They spoke of the many contributions he made through his volunteer leadership with the Health Care District and his enduring legacy through services that continue to improve access to care for our community. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the New Israel Fund or the American Heart Association.