Home Base Florida and the University of West Florida (UWF) announced a new partnership to bring Home Base Florida’s free, 90-day Warrior Health and Fitness program to UWF’s campus in Pensacola, expanding access to community-based health, fitness and wellness support for Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, and Families of the Fallen across Northwest Florida.  

The collaboration with UWF marks an important milestone in Home Base Florida’s continued expansion across Northwest Florida and reflects the organization’s commitment to working alongside trusted community partners to reach more Veterans, Service Members, Military Families, and Families of the Fallen closer to home. 

Since 2014, Home Base Florida has delivered gold-standard, evidence-based clinical care to Veterans, Service Members and Military Families across the state. In 2024, the organization expanded its Northwest Florida presence by launching an outpatient clinic in Pensacola in partnership with Lakeview Center, building a foundation for deeper community-based support in the region. 

“Northwest Florida has a deeply rooted Military and Veteran community,” said Betsy Hart, Program Manager for Home Base Florida, a military spouse and Pensacola resident. “By expanding our presence in Pensacola, Home Base Florida is bringing world-class care closer to those who have served, and building stronger pathways to healing, well-being and connection.”  

Home Base Florida now provides access to behavioral health care and statewide telehealth support, while the new UWF partnership creates another community-based access point for the region’s military-connected community.  

Warrior Health and Fitness is a free, 90-day wellness program designed to help participants improve their physical health and overall well-being through supervised exercise, nutrition education, stress management, coaching and community-based support. The program also serves as a gateway to additional Home Base services for those in need of support for invisible wounds, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury. 

Through the partnership with UWF, Warrior Health and Fitness participants will have access to a dedicated campus-based wellness space where they can build strength, improve overall well-being and connect with peers who understand the unique experiences of military life, with support from Home Base Florida.  

Home Base Florida’s space is adjacent to UWF’s Office of Military Services, creating a natural connection point for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families already supported through the university’s military-focused programs and transition resources.  

“Strengthening UWF’s support for our military community has been a top priority of mine since becoming president,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “We are proud to partner with Home Base Florida to expand access to this important support for military and veterans in our community.”  

During a launch ceremony at UWF last week, local and state dignitaries, community partners and stakeholders gathered to commemorate the milestone. Representatives from Home Base Florida and UWF celebrated the partnership and highlighted how the collaboration will expand access to health, wellness and support for the region’s military-connected community. 

Photo Credit: The University of West Florida.

Community members interested in learning more, participating in the program or connecting with Home Base Florida can visit homebase.org/florida or contact Betsy Hart, Program Manager, Home Base Florida.