FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 8, 2020) – Today, the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized Lee Health with the Partnership Organization Award for fostering an innovative relationship in creating the Veteran Visitation Program.
The Red Cross presented Lee Health with the award during a virtual ceremony as they celebrate the one-year anniversary since the program started.
“We are grateful for the partnership with Lee Health over this past year in supporting the needs of our veteran community,” said Jill Palmer, executive director for the chapter. “This collaborative effort exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and compassion for our veterans.”
Last year, the Red Cross and Lee Health launched the first-in-the-nation veteran visitation program at Cape Coral Hospital, a civilian hospital, in Cape Coral, Fla.
Prior to COVID-19, volunteers who have been dually trained with the Red Cross and Lee Health would visit veterans admitted to Cape Coral Hospital to provide them with information on the programs and resources available for them in Southwest Florida. Lee Health serves many veterans living in the area, where the closest VA hospital is about two hours away.
Lee Health expected to expand the Veteran Visitation Program, but due to the public health emergency, the program’s expansion was also put on pause. Fortunately, the program remains active and continues to provide support and services virtually to veterans. Every day, volunteers call veterans admitted to Cape Coral Hospital to check in on them and ensure the Red Cross and other community resources are there to support them during this time.
“The mission of Service to the Armed Forces within the American Red Cross is to provide care and comfort to members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families,” said Heidi O’Sheehan, Service to the Armed Forces Director for the South Florida Red Cross. “This partnership has allowed us to deliver that mission through over 3,400 veteran visits in this first year alone. We are grateful to Lee Health as well as to all of the volunteers that have helped make this partnership and program such a success and we look forward to expanding the program to other Lee Health facilities and other hospital systems in the South Florida area.”
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.
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 or visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
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