Florida Long Term Caregivers Stand By to Support Puerto Rico

Florida Health Care Association is saddened by the unfolding tragedy befalling the people of Puerto Rico.  We applaud Governor Scott for bringing the same kind of leadership he exhibited during Hurricane Irma to Puerto Rico and its citizens, including the island's frail elders and people with disabilities. Hurricane Irma underscored for our members the special vulnerability of these individuals.

Once again, the caregivers in FHCA’s member centers continue to show their dedication and heroism as long term care professionals. Many of our centers have offered up beds and are standing by to accommodate any nursing center resident evacuated from Puerto Rico.

FHCA and its members are solution-driven, and we work to deliver the highest standards of care to the residents we serve. That ongoing commitment is the reason 68,000 residents and patients in our centers were successfully cared for throughout the duration of Hurricane Irma, and it’s the reason Florida leads the nation in the number of National Quality Awards.

The tragedy that occurred in Hollywood Hills is unconscionable and does not reflect the dedication of our members or the larger long term care profession. An unprecedented number of successful evacuations and shelterings in place occurred and thousands of lives were saved during Hurricane Irma because our members put resident care and safety first.

Together with Governor Scott, we stand by to assist our fellow caregivers in Puerto Rico and those entrusted to their care in the wake of this public health crisis.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
Director of Communications
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org