Pictured: Board Member Andy Brace, Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Executive Director Jill Palmer, Board Member Ron Nordmann, Red Cross Regional CEO Josett Valdez, Red Cross volunteer Dennis Sanders, NCH Healthcare CEO Paul Hiltz, NCH Healthcare Senior Vice President Dr. Jim Mahon, NCH Healthcare Director of Guest Relations Amanda Smith, Red Cross volunteer Tony Nazarro, Board Chair Jennifer Trammell, Board Member Dr. Shawn Felton
FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 15, 2021) – Yesterday, the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized NCH Healthcare System with the Partnership Organization Award for supporting the expansion of the Veteran Visitation Program in Naples, Fla.
The Red Cross presented NCH Healthcare System with the award during a heartfelt ceremony held at NCH Baker Hospital in Naples, Fla. attended by Red Cross board members, staff, and volunteers and NCH executives.
“This collaborative effort exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and compassion for our veterans,” said Jill Palmer, executive director for the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter. “We are grateful for the partnership with NCH Healthcare System and their commitment to supporting the needs of our veteran community.”
In March, the Red Cross and NCH Healthcare Systems launched the Veteran Visitation Program at the NCH North Naples and NCH Baker Hospitals to support local veterans in the community. The program was the first to launch in the Naples area and the second in the South Florida Region. Utilizing dually trained volunteers, the Red Cross and NCH kicked off the program with virtual visits and will transition to in-person visits beginning July 1. All volunteers of the program will be both Red Cross and NCH volunteers and go through the training and onboarding process for each organization.
Volunteers visit veterans admitted to the hospital to thank them for their service, advise them on the programs and resources available to them and provide a comforting word. Throughout the country, the Red Cross supports veterans in VA and military hospitals, and this program models the services and care provided to them.
“For 140 years the American Red Cross has been there in times of need to provide comfort and care to service members, veterans, and military families,” said Heidi O’Sheehan, Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services. “Our partnership with NCH allows us to continue and grow this service.”
The Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces is dedicated to helping members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. Every day, the Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and support in military and veteran health care facilities across the country and around the world.
“NCH Healthcare is committed to serving the men and women who have fought to protect our country,” said Dr. Jim Mahon, Senior Vice President for the NCH Healthcare System and Board Chair for the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter (effective July 2021). “There are many needs that veterans have, and many solutions to providing for those needs. The dedicated volunteers of the NCH Veteran Visitation Program provide veterans with opportunities, resources, and better access to available service.”
For veterans or members of the armed forces in need of assistance, please call 877-272-7337 or download the American Red Cross Hero Care App at redcross.org/apps.
To learn more about the Service to the Armed Forces and how they support military members, veterans, and their families throughout their service, visit redcross.org/SAF.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida and visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
About NCH Healthcare System:
The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, multi-facility healthcare system located in Naples, Florida, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The System is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of 775 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Collier County and southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.
