FHCA 2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2012
Contact: Kristen Knapp, APR
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) recognized Mrs. Joan Jacobson of Port Charlotte with the Association’s 2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award. Ms. Jacobson was honored for her service to the residents and staff of the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home. The presentation took place in Orlando today during the FHCA 2012 Annual Conference in front of over 600 long term care professionals gathered from across the state of Florida. The Award is given annually to an adult who shows dedication and loyalty, along with a true desire to serve seniors, residing in Florida’s long term care facilities.

Less than a year after her husband’s death in 2001, Mrs. Joan Jacobson began her incredible journey as a volunteer with the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home. At that time, she played an important role in the ground breaking of this facility named in her husband’s honor, and ever since, she has held an important spot in the facility’s blue print. For over nine years, Mrs. Jacobson has served as the volunteer coordinator and assists the activity department in day-to-day operations and observances of patriotic holidays. She created the Doug Jacobson Resident Fund and actively raises money which has enabled the facility to set up a library, purchase computers for residents’ use and pay for resident outings. “Her dedication and joy in enhancing the quality of life to the Veterans who call Douglas T. Jacobson their home is an inspiration to everyone,” said Liz Barton, facility administrator.

“FHCA is pleased to present Mrs. Joan Jacobson with the 2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Emmett Reed, Executive Director of Florida Health Care Association. “Her volunteer leadership makes her an excellent role model for others across the state.”

The 2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award is part of Florida Health Care Association’s Long Term Care Excellence Awards. These awards annually honor a number of community volunteers for their service to long term care, as well as an outstanding facility for its community outreach.  Awards are also presented to a long term care Resident of the Year, Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year and an Associate Member of the Year. For more information about FHCA’s Long Term Care Excellence Awards, visit the Quality Improvement section of the FHCA website at [url=http://www.fhca.org]http://www.fhca.org[/url].

ABOUT THE FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care facilities that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. As Florida's first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about the Florida Health Care Association, visit www.fhca.org.

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