CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Giving back to those who have served our country is the goal of Lee health and American Red Cross partnering for a first of its kind program that launched Tuesday at Cape Coral Hospital.
The new Veteran Visitation Program is the first Civilian Hospital program in the nation. Through nearly 30 volunteers the goal is to help veteran’s seeking services at cape coral hospital by providing information on programs and resources available to them.
“I’m in dialysis three days a week, so it’s hard to find a job, so this would help me with that,” said Darryl Boulden, Veteran.
“Looking for an advocate, someone that they can help out, somebody that can help them out, it sort of puts you into perspective as to why you are here,” said Thomas Vanasco, Volunteer.
By visiting veteran’s volunteers are trained to be able to answer any questions they may have about Southwest Florida veteran benefits and programs. Right now there are 60 veteran patient's at all Lee Health campuses.
“Now we’ll be able to make sure all our veteran’s know all the benefits, all the resources we have in the community, and they won’t fall through the cracks,” said
Kim Gaide, Community Affairs Outreach Manager for Military Support Research Program, Lee Health.
After the first 30 days of the pilot program, the hope to slowly expand to all Lee Health Hospitals, training volunteers as needed.
