Florida Health Care Association Announces New Officers

Tallahassee, FL - The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA), the statewide trade group that represents over 500 Florida nursing homes, recently elected its 2008/09 officers. Chosen to lead the Association include: Chair - Deborah Franklin, Director of Operations for Florida Living Options in Dover; Vice Chair – Nina Willingham, Senior Executive Director of Life Care Center of Sarasota; Secretary – Scott Bell, President of Delta Health Group in Pensacola; and Scott Allen, Administrator of Palm Garden of Tampa.

"We have worked hard over the last 54 years to improve care and raise the standard in our profession but we have not achieved the respect that we deserve for what we do," said Deborah Franklin, FHCA Chair. "I am looking forward to leading this incredible Association and helping change the perception Floridians have about nursing homes while working to ensure we receive the proper funding for the quality services our members provide to Florida's frail elderly."

Through their leadership role with FHCA, these individuals will further their commitment to educate society and government to invest in the well-being of Florida's elderly and individuals with disabilities and to assure them access to long term care. In addition they will work together with the Association membership to ensure that the individuals served in Florida's nursing homes are entitled to a supportive environment in which professional and compassionate care is delivered.

###